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. Its large size can seem intimidating to decorate, but not to fear! The right combination of bedding, pillows, and accent furniture can help take your king-size bed to the next design level. Keep reading to learn how to style a king-size bed for pro-like results.
1. Start With Quality (and Well-Fitting) Sheets
Sheets are the first element you should consider when learning how to style a king-size bed. Sheets come in direct contact with your skin and serve as the foundational layer of bedding, so it's essential to choose a quality set (think ultra-cozy Egyptian cotton, silk/satin, or linen) regardless of your bed’s size. Most sheet sets come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and at least two pillowcases. Make sure to go with a king sheet set to ensure that the sheets can accommodate a king mattress size and that the pillowcases will fit over king bed 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 for a fun contrast to your comforter or duvet.
There are so many ways to achieve a stylish king bed pillow arrangement, but the most traditional method is to start with two to three euro pillows along the headboard. Euro pillows have square shapes that contrast with standard rectangular bed pillows. These pillows are perfect for king-size beds because they're typically larger in size (26" x 26") and can fill out the width and height of a headboard. This keeps the overall bed from looking oversized compared to the pillows. Despite their spacious size, euro pillows aren't usually used for sleeping. However, they can add extra cushion behind king bed pillows.
Tip!
Cover these pillows with decorative euro shams on a king bed to add design, color, and pattern to the overall look.
Standard bed pillows are the next layer after euro pillows when styling a king-size bed. These are the pillows you sleep on, so the size and quantity matter. Layer two to four king-size bed pillows in front of your euro pillows on the bed. It's super important that you choose "king-size" bed pillows because they're designed to be wider to fill out the spacious mattress of a king bed. For reference, these pillows are usually 20" x 36". 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, assign neutral pillowcases to two of them and decorative pillow shams to the other two. Pillow shams have decorative trim and beautiful detailing that can add a little bit of style to your bed pillows.
(Shop this image: blue euro pillows, embroidered pillowcases, blue-patterned throw pillows, and blue-patterned lumbar pillows).
When decorating a king-size bed, throw pillows are everything. We recommend adding two to three throw pillows to add the right amount of style without overwhelming your bed. However, go with what feels right to you! The beauty of a king-size bed is that it's spacious enough that you can pile on a few extra throw pillows without taking up too much of your bed. 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. Arrange smaller throw pillows directly in front of or around the larger throw pillows for the best results.
Tip!
If you plan to use throw pillow covers on existing pillows, make sure that the cover size matches up with the pillow size. When in doubt, always size up with throw pillow covers. This is important because even if the size 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 accommodate an 18" x 18" pillow.
5. Finish With a Bolster or Lumbar Pillow
(Shop this image: pink bolster pillows, abstract-patterned throw pillows, and white modern table lamps).
Bolster throw pillows and lumbar pillows are perfect for styling king-size beds because they have elongated shapes that can stretch the width of the bed. Bolster pillows (pictured above) feature cylindrical shapes with rounded edges, while lumbar pillows are elongated rectangular shapes (they are sometimes called body pillows). Both of these pillow types come in a range of sizes so you can tailor it to your bed pillow arrangement. Position a pair of small bolster pillows in front of a set of euro, bed pillows, and throw pillows for a symmetrical vibe. Or position a long lumbar pillow along the front of your throw pillows to create a cohesive look among the collection of pillows.
(Shop this image: gray tufted headboards, striped euro throw pillows, linen pillowcases, damask throw pillows, and striped lumbar pillows).
With your king-size bed pillow arrangement complete, step back and admire your work! The first layer should be two to three euro pillows, followed by two to four bed pillows, followed by two to three throw pillows, and a lumbar or bolster pillow (the above image features a small striped lumbar pillow). The best pillow arrangement should look like a reverse triangle (with the point facing the end of the bed). The result is a designer display of pillows that's effortless and cozy.
Tip!
When deciding how to style a king-size bed, don't be afraid to change up the order of things. The above bed showcases the traditional order of euro pillows, bed pillows, throw pillows, and a small lumbar pillow. However, you can make king bed pillows the first layer up against the headboard. This helps showcase decorative euro shams more, and it makes it super easy to remove decorative pillows before you go to bed because your bed pillows are already in position.
7. Fold Down the Comforter
(Shop this image: gray bedding sets, white wood dressers, coastal art, farmhouse rugs, and gray throw pillows).
Comforters are the layer that goes 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 king bed. It may be tempting to make your king bed by tucking in every layer of sheets and the comforter. However, if you really want to achieve a design-centric look, make sure to add a comforter and style it folded-down. This is especially helpful if you want to show off cool, patterned sheets that contrast the top layer of your bedding. On the whole, the folded-down look adds another visual dimension to your king bed and helps show off your pillow arrangement.
(Shop this image: industrial beds, floral art, leather pouf ottomans, orange & yellow rugs, and clothing racks).
Throw blankets are another great method for how to style a king bed. Including one can add another dimension to your bedding and create a hotel-like feel to your bed. To start, 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 bed. 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 king beds a polished, complete look that is so easy to achieve.
(Shop this image: brown leather beds, blue bedding sets, orange blankets, orange boho pillows, gray rugs, and industrial art).
When determining how to make a king-size bed, bedding layers are essential. Overall, the right layering of sheets, bedding, and throws makes your king-size bed look complete and put-together. Pair a thin flat sheet with a fleece-like throw blanket and a bulky comforter to provide plenty of cozy layers for sleeping. Top it off with another throw blanket if you want to add to the layered look.
10. Create Cohesion With a Bedding Set
(Shop this image: blue floral bedding sets, striped sheets & pillowcases, and rattan headboards).
Make the process of decorating your king-size bed a breeze by opting for a king bedding set. Bedding sets usually 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.
(Shop this image: orange & brown throw pillows, boho lumbar pillows, and body pillows).
Texture and pattern can make or break your king bed arrangement. Take the above image as an example. The euro pillows have smooth leather and woven shams that contrast directly with the geometric textured/embroidered throw pillows in front. A smooth velvet lumbar pillow helps soften the display and add warmth at the same time.
(Shop this image: gray wood beds, pink ottomans & poufs, wallchiere wall sconces, and purple vintage-look rugs).
Make your king-size bed stand out in your space with symmetrical nightstands and lighting. Bookend both sides of the bed with matching nightstands and a pair of matching wall sconces or table lamps. This simple yet design-focused approach to styling a king bed makes the bed the central focal point of the room.
(Shop this image: traditional beds, purple bedding sets, patterned curtains, yellow rugs, and upholstered benches).
Create a finished-looking king bed design by framing it with an area rug. With so many styles and sizes to choose from, the possibilities are endless. The above king-size bed has an area rug beneath two thirds of it so that the bottom portion of the rug juts out more at the end and sides of the bed. Overall, an area rug can transform the room and help make your king bed into the grand statement it should be!
Tip!
Reference What Size Rug Do You Need Under a King Bed to learn more about how to decorate a king-size bed using the appropriate area rug size.
14. Add a Storage Bench
(Shop this image: blue storage benches, cream bedding sets, and blue throw blankets).
Frame the end of your king bed with an upholstered storage bench. Not only does this provide a convenient spot to put on your shoes in the morning, but it also provides 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 Fit for Royalty
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