The right pillow can reduce strain on your back and neck, provide decorative flair on a sofa or bed, and help ensure a comfortable sleep. The key is to find the right balance – pillows shouldn't overwhelm furniture or appear undersized. Read on to learn all about pillow sizes and discover which size works best for your bed or sofa.

In this guide:
Deciding On the Perfect Pillow Sizes
Bed Pillow Sizes
Throw Pillow Sizes
Specialty Pillow Sizes

Deciding On the Perfect Pillow Sizes

Here are some considerations to help guide your search for the perfect size pillows.

• Bed or Sofa Size: Most bed pillows come in sizes to match the size of the bed you have, whether you have a twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, or California king. As for sofa pillows, you'll need to consider the visual height of your sofa. Is it modern and low-set, or does it have a high backrest and deep-set cushions? You'll want to size-down throw pillows so as not to overwhelm low-set sofas, while you can go all out with larger throw pillows for deep-set and high-back sofas.
• Sleeping Position Preferences: Believe it or not, your preferred sleeping position can determine your pillow size needs. Stomach sleepers can benefit from standard pillows because they're the perfect size to hug or fold your arms under. Side and back sleeps can use standard pillows, but they can get the most comfort out of queen or king-size pillows. If you're prone to tossing and turning, a queen or king-size pillow is long enough to keep your head from slipping off the edge of the pillow.
• Budget: Size can also influence price depending on the pillow's construction and fill material. Standard pillows are usually more budget-friendly compared to queen-size pillows, and queen-size options are usually more budget-friendly compared to king-size pillows. This is due to the extra length and plushness of the pillows.

Bed Pillow Sizes

When it comes to choosing a size for your bed pillows, there are so many options to choose from! Below, we outline every type of bed pillow, their average sizes, how many you need, and how to arrange them on different size beds.

Standard

20" x 26"

A standard size pillow is around 20" x 26". This is the perfect size to spread the length of a headboard on a twin or twin XL bed. We recommend two standard pillows for added plushness on twin/twin XL beds, four standard pillows (two rows of two) if you plan to use them on queen-size beds, and up to six standard pillows (three rows of two) for king-size beds.

Jumbo

20" x 28"

Jumbo pillows, sometimes called “super standard pillows”, are slightly bigger than standard bed pillows. Pillow sizes like this one are all about added plushness, plus a couple more inches of length than your standard bed pillow. If you want to make your bed feel extra cozy, a jumbo pillow might be the way to go. Due to its size, you might only need one for a twin or twin XL bed, unless you're all about extra cushioning. The same pillow-bed ratio from the standard bed section applies for positioning jumbo pillows on queen-and king-size beds.

Queen

20" x 30"

The standard pillow sizes for queen beds are those that measure 20" x 30", so just slightly longer than a jumbo pillow. Two queen-size pillows are all you need to fill out the headboard, but you can also add a third in the center for a triangular look, or you can do two rows of two for an ultra-cozy space. You can put a queen-size pillow on a twin or twin XL bed. We recommend layering one queen-size pillow with one standard pillow for the best results. You can also use this size pillow on a king-size bed. There will just be more space between the end of the pillow and the edge of the bed/sides of the headboard.

King

20" x 36"

The average pillow size for king beds and California king beds is 20" x 36". Its extra length fills out spacious headboards without a problem. If you want to fill out your queen-size headboard and limit the amount of mattress you see on each side, you can add a couple king-size pillows. Layer them with two queen-size pillows directly in front for the best results. Because they're made for king-size beds, you usually only need two bed pillows to fill out a king-size headboard, but you can always double up and create two rows of two for even more cushion. If you have a California king bed, we recommend starting with two rows of two king-size bed pillows and adding more pillows as you see fit.

Tip!

Learn How to Style a King-Size Bed for Ultra-Chic Results, including how to arrange pillows.

Euro Pillows

26" x 26"

European square-shaped pillows are a popular size to help style your bed or sofa. You can use them on your bed for extra cushioning along the headboard. Include one or two euro pillows on a twin-size bed (one for a stylish throw, two if you plan to use them to fill out the headboard), two to three on a full- or queen-size bed (two for decorative throws or three to line the headboard), and three to four on a king- or California king-size bed (three for decorative throws or four to fill out the headboard).

Body

20" x 54"

A body pillow’s length makes for an ultra-cozy statement and allows you to fill out your headboard with a single pillow! Because body pillows are usually 20" x 54", they are too long for the width of a twin size bed and will droop over the sides. However, body pillows can fit lengthwise along the side of a twin-size bed when the bed is positioned against the wall. You can also lay a body pillow along the length of a daybed or trundle-style bed due to the tall backrest or frame portion. The result is extra cushioning for twin beds or daybeds that double as sofas or lounge space during the day. Body pillows are the perfect size to fill out the length of a full- or queen-size headboard. You can also position your standard pillows first and then lay a body pillow in front of them to treat it like a statement throw pillow. The same rules apply for king or California king beds.

Tip!

Learn more about this versatile type of pillow in our guide: What Is a Body Pillow? How to Use One for a Better Night's Sleep.

Throw Pillow Sizes

Throw pillows come in a range of sizes and shapes to add decorative flair to beds, sofas, and chairs. Some are also designed to help support your back and make sitting more comfortable. Below, we outline each type of throw pillow and the typical sizes for each.

Standard Throw

16" x 16", 18" x 18", 20" x 20", 22" x 22", 26" x 26"}

Standard throw pillow sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, but each maintains a classic, square shape. The largest size, 26" x 26" is often referred to as a euro pillow (discussed in the bed pillow section). Standard throw pillows are the perfect way to add character and cushioning to sofas, beds, and accent chairs. The size and the amount of throw pillows you include is completely up to you. Standard throw pillows often come with decorative pillow shams with fun designs, materials, and color schemes.

Tip!

Read How to Style Pillows On a Sofa: A Guide for All Sofa Types to discover all the ways you can layer and match up standard throw pillows with lumbar and bolster designs (discussed below).

Lumbar

14" x 22"

The typical size of a lumbar pillow is 14" x 22". They have a short rectangular shape and take on the appearance of a mini body pillow. On a sofa you can easily fit one or two lumbar pillows to layer with standard throw pillows. You can also use one as a throw pillow in the center of the sofa. On beds, lumbar pillows are usually front and center. You can use one lumbar pillow as the central point in front of standard bed pillows and throw pillows, or you can lay multiple lumbar pillows side by side for another pillow layer. We recommend one lumbar pillow for twin or twin XL beds, one to two lumbar pillows for full or queen beds, and three or more for filling out a king-size bed.

Bolster

8" x 20", 8" x 24", 9" x 36"

Bolster pillows range in size and are well-known for their cylindrical shape. You typically see one bolster pillow front and center on beds or sofas. However, they're short enough that one can fit lengthwise along each armrest side of a sofa – just be sure to measure from the backrest cushions to the end of the armrest to determine how shallow or deep your sofa is. This adds an extra decorative element to sofas. A singular bolster pillow works well on twin or twin XL, full or queen, and king- or California king-size beds, but you might want to size up to ensure a visually-appealing look. For example, pair an 8" x 20" bolster pillow with a twin or twin XL bed, an 8" x 24" one with a full or queen bed, and a 9" x 36" one with a king or California king bed. You can also place two shorter bolster pillows side by side on a full/queen bed and three or more short bolster pillows side by side on a king- or California king-size bed.

Backrest/Armrest

20" x 18"

Backrest or armrest throw pillows have a unique shape that mimics that back and armrest portion of a seat. They range in size but average 20" x 18". These throw pillows are designed to provide added cushion and comfort wherever you sit. You can fit one on a twin or twin XL bed for an extra pillow layer or place one on each end of a sofa to make up for worn-down sofa cushions. You can easily fit two side by side on full or queen beds and two to three on king- or California king-beds if you choose.

Specialty Pillow Sizes

Specialty pillows come in a variety of sizes to help reduce strain on the body during sleep and to help you relax comfortably. Jump ahead to learn about the different pillow sizes for specialty uses.

Contour

20" x 15"

Contour pillows vary in size and are often available in standard sizes for bed pillows (standard, queen, king). They average around 20" x 15" to provide adequate space to rest your head and neck. Contour pillows have a curved, rectangular shape designed to support spinal alignment, whether you sleep on your side or your back.

Wedge

20" – 24" x 20" – 24"

Wedge pillows have a unique shape that resembles a right triangle. They vary in size, ranging from 20" – 24" long and 20" – 24" wide. One side is raised up while the other slopes downward to provide an elevated sleeping position. This can help reduce neck or back pain or acid reflux. You can also use wedge pillows to prop up your legs to aid with back pain. You can also use wedge pillows as a supportive backrest when reading or watching TV.

Pregnancy

50" x 20", 60" x 30"

Pregnancy pillows are large in size, ranging from about 50" x 20" to 60" x 30". They're like body pillows as they mimic the average length/height of a person, but with extra design features to help prevent strain on your body throughout your pregnancy. The short ends are for you to rest your head, neck, knees, and hips while the long side gives you a place to rest your stomach. Pregnancy pillows can also have another long side to support your back and help you feel secure.

Nursing

20" x 14", 25" x 17"

Nursing pillows are much smaller than pregnancy pillows (about 20" x 14" or 25" x 17") as they are designed to rest in your lap and prop up your little one when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Nursing pillows have enough height that you don't have to lift your baby to you. Instead, babies can relax in the curvature of the pillow while they feed, and you can give your arms and back muscles a much-needed rest.

Tip!

Now that you've had a chance to review our pillow sizes guide, let's talk pillowcase sizes. Check out how to Choose the Perfect Pillowcase Size for Your Pillows so you never have to guess.

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