Your bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it's your sanctuary, a canvas where you can unleash your creativity and express your unique style. Among the many elements that contribute to the overall ambience of your bedroom, your bed undoubtedly takes centre stage. While a comfortable mattress and stylish bedding are essential, one often-overlooked bedroom accessory can elevate your bed's aesthetics to a whole new level: big pillows.
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Types of Big Pillows
Decorative
These are primarily used for aesthetics and can come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Decorative pillows add flair and personality to your bed but may not be comfortable sleeping.
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Euro Pillows
Euro pillows are square-shaped and typically measure 26 inches by 26 inches. They are larger than standard pillows and are primarily used as backrests or decorative elements against the headboard.
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Body Pillows
Body pillows are elongated and can be as long as the body itself. They provide excellent support for side sleepers and are great for snuggling or as an additional comfort layer on your bed.
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Choosing the Right Size, Shape, and Material of Big Pillow
Size
The size of your big pillows should complement the size of your bed. Standard queen and king-sized beds typically look best with king-sized pillows, while euro pillows are versatile and can fit well on any bed size.
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Shape
The shape of your big pillows should match your desired aesthetic. Square Euro pillows add a classic and elegant look, while decorative pillows come in square, rectangular, round, or even novelty shapes. Body pillows are ideal for those who want full-body support during sleep.
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Material
Consider materials like cotton, linen, silk, or velvet for decorative and Euro pillows, as they offer comfort and style. Look for hypoallergenic and breathable filling material for body pillows like memory foam or down alternative.
Coordinating Colours and Patterns for Big Pillows
Colour Coordination
To create a cohesive look in your bedroom, coordinate the colours of your big pillows with your bedding, wall colour, and overall bedroom theme. Depending on your style preference, you can choose complementary, contrasting, or monochromatic colours.
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Patterns
Mixing patterns can add depth and interest to your bed. However, make sure the patterns on your big pillows complement the patterns or solids of your bedding. For example, if your bedding is heavily patterned, opt for simpler patterns or solid colours on your big pillows to avoid overwhelming the visual appeal.
How to Place and Arrange Big Pillows
Layered
Layered pillow arrangements involve placing pillows in front of each other, creating a sense of depth and dimension. This style is often used with decorative pillows and Euro pillows.
Stacked
Stacking pillows is a popular choice for standard sleeping pillows and Euro pillows, as it is a simple and classic arrangement where one pillow is placed on top of another.
Symmetric
The symmetric arrangement works well with decorative pillows and Euro pillows, which involve placing an equal number of pillows on both sides of the bed, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Arranging Big Pillows on a Bed
- Start with a clean and well-made bed with your fitted sheet, flat sheet, and duvet or comforter in place.
- Begin with your sleeping pillows: Place your standard or king-sized pillows against the headboard to provide the base for your arrangement, with the open ends facing outward.
- Add Euro pillows if you have them: Place them in front of your sleeping pillows in a stacked or layered style and ensure they are aligned evenly.
- Incorporate decorative pillows: To add decorative pillows in front of the Euro pillows, you can use a mix of shapes and sizes to create visual interest. For a symmetric look, use an equal number of pillows on each side.
- Fluff and adjust: Fluff and arrange the pillows to achieve your desired look, and make sure they are evenly spaced and plumped up for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing display.
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How to Mix and Match Different Pillow Styles
Choose a Dominant Style
Start by selecting a dominant pillow style or theme that sets the tone for your decor, which could be a colour, pattern, or texture you love and want to showcase prominently.
Mix Textures
Incorporate a variety of textures to add depth and interest to your arrangement. For example, pair smooth silk pillows with plush velvet ones or add some woven or knitted pillows for tactile appeal.
Vary Size and Shapes
Experiment with different pillow sizes and shapes by mixing square, rectangular, and round pillows that can create a visually dynamic composition.
Play with Patterns
It's a good idea to balance solid colours and patterns. For instance, if you have a bold, patterned pillow as your dominant style, complement it with solid-coloured or subtly patterned pillows.
Consider Colour Schemes
Stick to a cohesive colour scheme to tie your mix-and-match pillow arrangement together. Depending on your desired look, you can use a monochromatic palette, analogous, or complementary colours.
Examples of Complementary Big Pillow Combinations
Bohemian Chic
Mix in some textured solid-coloured pillows to balance the bold patterns, and combine variant, patterned pillows with tassels or embroidery for an eclectic look.
Coastal Retreat
Create a coastal-inspired look with a palette of soft blues and whites. For example, mix striped, nautical-themed pillows with solid, textured pillows reminiscent of sandy beaches.
Modern Minimalism
Opt for a monochromatic colour scheme with a mix of sleek, solid-coloured pillows in various shapes and sizes for a clean and contemporary style.
Rustic Charm
Achieve a cosy, rustic ambience with earthy tones and textured pillows like faux fur or plaid and combine these with a few solid-coloured pillows to maintain balance.
Tips for Combining Textures, Patterns, and Colours Effectively
Stick to a Theme
While mixing styles is encouraged, it's important to have a unifying theme or colour scheme that ties everything together.
Odd Numbers
Try using three, five, or seven pillows in your mix because odd numbers often create a more visually appealing arrangement.
Test the Arrangement
Lay out your pillows on a flat surface before arranging them on your furniture, which allows you to experiment with different combinations without the hassle of constantly rearranging them on your sofa or bed.
Personalise Your Space
Don't be afraid to infuse your personality into the mix by selecting pillows that resonate with your style and preferences.
Edit and Evolve
Periodically change your pillow arrangement to keep your decor fresh and dynamic. Seasonal changes or special occasions are great opportunities to update your pillow combinations.
Using Big Pillows for Seasonal and Holiday Styling
Big pillows can be versatile anchors for your seasonal and holiday-themed bed styling. Here's how they can be used:
Base Layer
These pillows typically remain constant throughout the year, providing essential comfort and support, so start with your big pillows as the base layer.
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Colour Palette
Adjust the colour palette of your big pillows to reflect the season or holiday. For example, use cool blues and whites for a winter theme, vibrant greens and yellows for spring, warm reds and oranges for fall, and festive reds and greens for Christmas.
Texture and Fabric
Swap or layer pillow covers with different textures and fabrics to evoke the desired seasonal or holiday ambience. Consider using cosy flannels for winter, lightweight linens for summer, or plush velvets for a touch of luxury during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Styling your bed with big pillows offers a multitude of creative possibilities to elevate the overall aesthetic and comfort of your bedroom. Whether you opt for a symmetrical arrangement with uniform pillow sizes for a clean and classic look, or mix and match various pillow sizes, colours, and textures to create a more eclectic and personalised design, big pillows can be versatile statement pieces that reflect your unique style. Incorporating them as backrests, accent pieces, or even floor cushions adds functionality to their decorative charm. Ultimately, the key is to experiment and have fun with your pillow arrangements, allowing your bed to become a focal point of both relaxation and visual appeal in your bedroom sanctuary.