No bedding set is complete without pillows to accompany your sheet set, duvet cover, duvet insert, or comforter. When you think of a pillow, you likely picture something soft and fluffy to rest your head on for a good night’s sleep. But this essential part of your bedtime routine plays a much bigger role than you might realize. Choosing the right pillow can make all the difference between waking up refreshed and starting the day with aches and pains. Let’s dive into why the right pillow size and type should suit both your personal needs and bed setup.

Is a Pillow Just a Pillow—Big or Small? What Difference Does Size Make?

Here’s how the perfect pillow size can influence your sleep:

1. Spinal Alignment:

The right-sized pillow complements your sleeping position by keeping your neck, shoulders, and spine aligned throughout the night, preventing morning stiffness. Choosing an arbitrary pillow size may awkwardly tilt your neck, leading to discomfort and even pain.

2. Comfort and Relaxation:

A well-chosen pillow provides comfort for muscles, allowing deeper relaxation. You can enjoy uninterrupted sleep and improved mental and physical well-being. A pillow that’s too small for a restless sleeper may shift during the night, causing sleep disruptions. On the other hand, oversized pillows on smaller beds can feel bulky and out of place, crowding your bed and affecting your sleep position.

3. Balanced Aesthetics in Bedding:

Pillows that match the size of your mattress create a cohesive, polished look. On a king-sized bed, two large king pillows spread evenly across the width ensure symmetry and sophistication. Adding Euro pillows in the back layer enhances both the style and comfort of your bed arrangement.

4. Personalized Support for Sleep Disorders:

The right-sized pillow can help manage sleep disorders like snoring, acid reflux, and sleep apnea. Larger or wedge pillows offer elevation, easing issues like acid reflux and snoring. For side sleepers, body pillows help maintain good posture and reduce joint pressure.

To keep your body supported in any position, Delara offers the innovative 3-in-1 adjustable pillow. Its quilted shell is filled with 100% merino wool, and the three removable pillows inside feature down-alternative filling for maximum comfort and support. You can adjust the height by adding or removing the inner pillows to suit your needs. Back sleepers may remove one insert, while side sleepers might prefer using all three for added loft. A long side zipper ensures smooth functionality.

Pick the Perfect One: Explore Your Pillow Options

1. Standard Pillow

• Dimension: 20" x 26" (51 x 66 cm)
• Best for: Twin beds, full or queen-size beds, kids' bedding, and single sleepers
• Use: Ideal for back and stomach sleepers, providing adequate neck support without being too large.

2. Super Standard Pillow

• Dimension: 20" x 28" (51 x 71 cm)
• Best for: Twin beds, Queen, California King
• Use: An in-between size, slightly bigger than standard but still smaller than a queen pillow, offering extra comfort.

3. Queen Pillow

• Dimension: 20" x 30" (51 x 76 cm)
• Best for: Queen-sized beds
• Use: Slightly longer than standard and super standard pillows, making it versatile for combination sleepers. Fits snugly in standard pillowcases.

4. King Pillow

• Dimension: 20" x 36" (51 x 92 cm)
• Best for: King, California King, Split King beds
• Use: Perfect for those who toss and turn or prefer sitting up in bed. Doubles as back support for reading or watching TV.

5. Body Pillow

• Dimension: 20" x 54" (51 x 137 cm)
• Best for: Side sleepers, pregnant individuals, and health-conscious people
• Use: Full-body support promotes proper spinal alignment and reduces joint pressure. 

6. Euro Pillow (Decorative Pillow)

• Dimension: 26" x 26" (66 x 66 cm)
• Best for: Decorative purposes on beds and couches
• Use: Often used behind sleeping pillows for layering and style. Euro pillows add texture and appeal to your bed and provide support when sitting or relaxing.

7. Specialty Pillows

• Travel Pillows: 12" x 16" for comfort on the go.
• Lumbar Pillows: 12" x 20" for lower back support on chairs or beds.
• Wedge Pillows: Triangular, helps with acid reflux or sleep apnea by elevating the head.
• Pregnancy Pillows: Come in C, U, and G shapes for maternity support.

Factors That Determine the Right Pillow Size

1. Size of Your Mattress

Your pillows should complement the width of your mattress. Two standard pillows fit well on a full-size mattress, while a king-size bed benefits from two king pillows.

2. Your Sleeping Position

Side sleepers should opt for king or body pillows to maintain neck alignment. Standard or queen pillows are best for back or stomach sleepers.

3. Functionality

Understanding the pillow's function is key. Will it primarily serve as a decorative accessory or as a necessity for comfortable sleep? For versatility, standard-size pillows work well on different bed sizes.

4. Budget Considerations

Standard pillows are affordable and versatile, while king and specialty pillows can be pricier. Material quality, fill type, and brand also impact pricing. Delara offers affordable, 100% organic cotton pillows certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) with down and feather filling.

5. Bedroom Aesthetics

Larger pillows, like king (20" x 36") or Euro (26" x 26") pillows, create symmetry on king or California king beds, adding a balanced, luxurious vibe. On smaller beds, standard (20" x 26") or queen (20" x 30") pillows work best without overwhelming the space. Decorative Euro pillows enhance visual appeal, creating a hotel-like look.

Decorative Pillows: Style Meets Comfort

Beyond functionality, pillows play a key role in bedroom aesthetics. Euro pillows, in particular, add an extra layer of style to bedding. These pillows not only offer support but also bring texture and visual interest to the room. Placed behind sleeping pillows, decorative pillows can transform your bed into a luxurious, polished centerpiece. The right insert makes all the difference in appearance and comfort. At Delara, we offer a variety of down and feather pillow inserts, ensuring your decorative pillows maintain their shape and plush feel, no matter the cover or style.

How to Find the Perfect Case For Your Pillow

Step 1:

Measure your pillow on a flat surface without its case. Using a measuring tape, measure from one end of the seam to the other across the pillow’s length and width.

Step 2:

Choose a pillowcase slightly larger than your pillow’s measurements. Standard pillowcases fit most pillows, while king and body pillows need more specific sizing. Euro pillows look best in slightly smaller cases for a tailored, opulent look.

Step 3:

Select the material based on your preferences. Cotton offers breathability, while silk or satin adds a rich feel. Delara’s 100% organic cotton pillowcase pairs are GOTS-certified and come in various pastel shades to enhance comfort.

Delara: Pillows that Complement Your Style, Sleep, and Sensibility

Choosing the right pillow size is an investment in your sleep hygiene and bedroom aesthetics. If you’re not planning to change your bed anytime soon, a high-quality pillow with optimal fill and density is worth the investment. At Delara, we offer pillows that fit every need and preference. Our down and feather organic pillow insert pairs come in a range of sizes, perfect for creating a minimalist or luxurious look. Check out our range today and find the perfect addition to your bed!