How to Style a King-Size Bed for Chic, Ultra-Cozy Results
Strike the perfect balance of pillows & bedding.
There are so many ways to emphasize the ultra-cozy statement piece that is your king-size bed. While its large size can feel intimidating to decorate, we're here to help you find the perfect combination of bedding, pillows, and accent furniture – so keep reading to learn how to style a king-size bed for pro-like results.
1. Start With Quality (& Well-Fitting) Sheets
Sheets are the first element to consider when styling a king-size bed. Since they come in direct contact with your skin and serve as the foundational layer of bedding, it's essential to choose high-quality sheets (think ultra-cozy Egyptian-quality cotton, silk, or linen). Most king-size sets come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and at least two pillowcases that are suited for king-size pillows. You can't go wrong with standard white sheets for a versatile neutral base, but there are plenty of patterned or solid-color options to contrast nicely against your comforter or duvet.
There are many ways to achieve a stylish king bed pillow arrangement, especially with so many types of pillows available. Of course, your final design is up to you, but here are some guidelines to help you understand the order of pillow placement.
Euro Pillows: Euro pillows have square shapes that contrast with standard rectangular bed pillows. These pillows are great for king-size beds because they're typically larger in size (26" x 26") and are suitable for the width and height of a headboard. Despite their spacious size, euro pillows aren't usually used for sleeping, though they can add extra cushioning behind king bed pillows. You can cover them with decorative euro shams to add design, color, and pattern to the overall look.
Standard Bed Pillows: Standard bed pillows are what you sleep on, so want them to be the right size. It's important that you choose king bed pillows because they're wider than standard or queen bed pillows and are designed to fill out the spacious mattress of a king bed. For reference, king-size bed pillows are usually 20" x 36". Place two to four king bed pillows in front of your euro pillows.
We recommend opting for neutral-colored pillowcases for your king bed pillows to let the euro shams, throw pillows, and bedding really shine. If you have four king bed pillows, place neutral pillowcases on two of them and decorative pillow shams on the other two. The two neutral pillowcases are ideal for sleeping on, while the two pillow shams feature detailing that can add a little bit of style to your bed pillows.
Throw Pillows: When decorating a king-size bed, throw pillows are everything. We recommend adding two or three to add the right amount of style without overwhelming your bed, but go with what feels right to you! The beauty of a king-size bed is that it's spacious enough to pile on a few extra throw pillows without taking up too much room.
Throw pillows come in a range of sizes from 18" x 18", 20" x 20", or 22" x 22", so you have a lot of flexibility. When arranging throw pillows on a king-size bed, start with the largest ones. Then add smaller throw pillows directly in front of or around the larger ones for the best results.
Tip!
If you plan to use throw pillow covers on existing pillows, make sure that the cover size is large enough to accommodate the pillow. When in doubt, always size up with throw pillow covers. This is important because even if the dimensions match, the pillow itself might be bulkier (due to the amount of filler material). For example, consider a 20" x 20" pillow cover to fit an 18" x 18" pillow.
Bolster/Lumbar Pillow: Bolster throw pillows and lumbar pillows are fantastic for styling king-size beds because their elongated shapes can stretch nicely across the span of the bed. Bolsters have a cylindrical shape with rounded edges, while lumbar pillows (sometimes called body pillows) are elongated rectangles. Both types come in a range of sizes, so you can tailor yours to your bed pillow arrangement. Position a pair of small bolster pillows in front of a set of bed and throw pillows for a symmetrical finish. Alternatively, place a long lumbar pillow across the front of your throw pillows for a more cohesive look.
Tip!
When styling a king-size bed, don't be afraid to change up the order of things. You can try using king bed pillows as the first layer up against the headboard as a way to help showcase your decorative euro shams more. This also makes it easier to remove any decorative pillows before you go to bed.
3. Create Cozy Layers
The right layering of sheets, bedding, and throws makes your king-size bed look complete and put together.
Comforter or Duvet: Comforters and duvets go on top of the flat sheet on a king-size bed. They add extra warmth and coziness to your sleeping space and come in a range of styles to showcase your personality. While it may be tempting to make your bed by tucking in the comforter with your sheets, styling your comforter or duvet folded partway down the bed can help you achieve a design-centric look. This is especially helpful if you want to show off cool patterned sheets that stand out against the top layer of your bedding. Overall, the folded-down look adds another visual dimension to your king-size bed and helps show off your pillow arrangement.
Throw Blanket: Throw blankets are another great way to bring additional dimension to your bedding. To create a hotel-like feel, you'll need a throw blanket that's meant for a king-size bed – these are designed to be long enough to cover the full width of the mattress. Fold the throw blanket in half lengthwise and lay it along the bottom third of your bed. If it still seems too wide, you can fold it lengthwise again. Overall, a well-positioned throw blanket gives a king-size bed a polished look that is so easy to achieve.
Make the process of styling your king-size bed a breeze with a bedding set. They typically include either a statement comforter, duvet, or quilt paired with a number of matching pillow shams for bed pillows or decorative pillows. The set may or may not come with pillow inserts or bed sheets. This kind of curated collection will allow you to effortlessly add a good amount of color and pattern to your bed.
If you’d rather prefer to play with colors than use a bedding set, you can start off slow with a few pops here and there. Not sure which accent color makes sense for your space? Take inspiration from other decor in your room for a cohesive feel.
Start with a white or neutral comforter as a base and incorporate small pieces with plenty of color, such as a stylish lumbar pillow that matches the color of your lamp shades or an accent pillow that pairs well with the area rug below the bed. Place a folded throw blanket or bed runner at the end of your bed to add a hint of deep color and an additional layer of coziness.
There are so many different textures and patterns to play with, so you can experiment until you find your favorite combo. Think of layered texture and pattern as a balancing act, choosing pieces that vary in scale, color, or feel to add the right amount of juxtaposition. Pair a smooth velvet comforter with a diamond-stitch quilt for contrasting textures (like in the photo above), or try your hand at pattern-mixing with a curated combo of printed sheets or patterned throw pillows. Just be sure to select patterns in similar or complementary colors to create a cohesive yet visually varied effect across your king-size bed.
If you want a little more guidance on experimenting with bedding patterns, read How to Style Patterned Bedding With 7 Simple Tips.
There are plenty of options when it comes to king-size headboards. You can pick from upholstered, wood, or metal designs, all of which can create a very specific look and feel. Plush fabric headboards can be glam, distressed wood can feel more rustic, and black steel is often very industrial. Added embellishments like tufting and nailheads offer extra detailing for an even more curated aesthetic, especially when you select matching bedding. Whether you choose to keep your headboard simple or prefer to pick a showstopper, it will certainly help your king-size bed look and feel more complete.
Make your king-size bed stand out in your space with symmetrical nightstands and lighting. Bookend your bed with matching nightstands and a pair of coordinating wall sconces or table lamps. This simple yet design-focused approach makes the bed the central focal point of the room, giving a balanced aesthetic that has a soothing and calming effect.
Give your king-size bed an upmarket feel by framing it with an area rug. It's common practice to place the area rug beneath the bottom two-thirds of the bed so the rug edges extend beyond the end and sides of the bed. Overall, an area rug can transform the room, add to the symmetry, and help make your king-size bed into the grand statement it should be! With so many rug styles and sizes to choose from, the possibilities are endless – especially if you want to use yours to introduce extra patterns and texture.
Tip!
Reference What Size Rug Do You Need Under a King Bed to learn more about choosing the right size area rug.
10. Add a Bedroom Bench
By adding a bench to the end of your king-size bed, you will even out the visual weight of the headboard and create a more well-rounded and complete feeling. Try to frame the end of your bed with a storage bench. Not only does this provide a convenient spot to put on your shoes in the morning, but it also offers discreet storage for extra throw pillows and blankets that you don't want on your bed while you sleep.
Tip!
Want more king-size bed style ideas? Check these out:
Your Guide to Bed Styles
How to Make a Bed: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide
