Did you know that your pillow probably contains a combination of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells? That’s pretty gross, and it might be gross enough for you to want a new pillow right now. If that’s the case, then you should consider pillow sizes.

Pillows come in different sizes so that you can get the exact support you need while you sleep. And there are different decorative pillow sizes so you can get the precise look you want.

Whether you want to toss your gross pillow in the trash or to redesign your home, an understanding of pillow sizes will make it much easier for you to go pillow shopping.

Get Comfy with Different Pillow Sizes

It may sound crazy, but not all pillows do the same thing. Of course, they all have the same general goal of making you more comfortable. But some pillows are better for some things, and other pillows serve other purposes.

Because of this, it makes sense to have different pillow sizes. You may not always need or want a large pillow. So smaller pillows are a great way to relax when you’re short on space.

What are some standard pillow sizes?

There are multiple standard pillow sizes. Some are for pillows for your bed while other standard sizes work better on your couch.

There are four main pillow sizes for your typical pillow for sleeping. Standard pillows measure 20 by 26 inches, and everyone from children to adults can use these pillows.

If you need a bit more support throughout the night, then a super standard pillow might be what you need. These pillows measure 20 by 28 inches. Not only does the extra width give you more support, but it also looks really nice on twin sized beds.

Then, you have the queen sized pillow. Some people confuse queen pillows with standard pillows, but you don’t want to do that. Queen pillows are a full four inches longer than standard pillows.

All of those three pillow sizes can fit in a standard size pillowcase.

Lastly, we have the king sized pillow. These pillows are a colossal 20 by 36 inches. That extra length makes them a great choice for king beds or anyone who needs more support at night.

There are plenty of other common pillow sizes, so don’t worry if you need a different sized pillow.

Why should you use different sized pillows?

Pillows of different sizes can serve different purposes in your home. Some pillows are great for sleeping, but others a better for decoration. Still, you can find pillows for just about every room or purpose.

You may love your queen sized pillow at night, but maybe you also want a pillow for lounging on the couch. A 20- by 30-inch pillow is probably too big for movie night.

Luckily, some smaller pillows are perfect for your living room.

If you have multiple uses for pillows, then you need to make sure you know the best pillow sizes for each purpose.

From the Couch to the Bed

There’s probably a pillow size for almost anything you can think of. And your bed isn’t the only place where you could benefit from using a pillow.

Different pillow sizes are great for different things, so you have to figure out what you need a pillow for. Then, you can head out and shop for your perfect pillow.

Sleeping pillows

We already mentioned four of the most common pillow sizes for sleeping. However, there are more sizes than that.

The standard, super standard, queen, and king pillows are all great for a lot of sleepers. But if you can’t get comfortable with those pillows, then you’re in luck.

Another common pillow size is the body pillow. If you sleep on your side or stomach, a body pillow can help you avoid aches and pains at night. Body pillows measure 20 by 54 inches, and they can support your body and align your spine.

If you sleep on your back, you might want a neckroll pillow. These pillows look like a decoration, but they’re great for alleviating neck pain. They measure 6.5 by 13 inches, and they look like a roller.

Then, there’s the Japanese pillow. These pillows are only 14 by 20 inches, so they’re perfect for anyone who stays still when they sleep. Japanese pillows also work well if you sleep on a small bed like a futon.

For decoration

Aside from sleeping pillows, you might want to use pillows for decoration. Decorative pillows are great for your bed as well as your couch.

First up are European pillows, and no, you don’t have to be in Europe to use them. These pillows measure 25 by 25 inches, and the square shape is an excellent choice for decoration. However, you can also use these pillows to support joints like your hips and knees.

Deco pillows are another square option, but they’re usually a bit smaller than European pillows. Most deco pillows are about 16 by 16 inches. You can use them for decoration, joint support, or to give extra support to another pillow.

Then there’s the boudoir pillow. They measure 12 by 16 inches, and they’re a great way to decorate your space. However, you can also use them with another pillow for added support. You can also use these pillows for joint support or lower back support when sitting in bed or on the couch.

Travel pillows

If you travel a lot, you’ve probably heard of travel pillows. You might even own one. But did you know there are actually a couple of different types of travel pillows?

Of course, there’s the type that goes around your neck. Those pillows are great for sleeping on a plane, train, or bus.

But if you want to take your own pillow for sleeping in a hotel room, you can get a small pillow. This type of travel pillow measures about 11 by 16 inches, and it can usually fold up so you can put it in your carry-on.

How to Choose the Best Pillow Sizes

Now that you know a few uses for pillows of different sizes, it’s time to figure out what sizes you need. Of course, you’ll want a pillow for sleeping. Heck, you might even want a second pillow if you sleep on your side.

If you want to spruce up your bedding or another area of your home, decorative pillows can do just that. But like sleeping pillows, decorative pillows come in all shapes and sizes.

Lastly, if you travel a lot, you might want a travel pillow. Using your own pillow on trips means you’ll use the same pillow night after night. So you won’t have to worry about getting the right support for your head and neck.

Analyze your home

Before you go pillow shopping, figure out what sizes of pillows you need or want. If you need a new pillow for sleeping, think about your bed size and sleeping position. You might want to repurchase your current pillow size, or maybe you want to try a new size.

Then, think about your desired aesthetic. If you want to decorate your bed or couch with pillows, figure out what pillow sizes will work with what you have. And of course, note the color scheme that you have so you can choose the right colors.

Firm or soft?

Next, think about how firm you like your pillows. If you need more support at night or for your joints, then consider a firmer pillow. However, if you’ll only use a pillow for decoration, it can be a bit on the softer side.

Budget, budget, budget

It can be easy to go overboard with pillows. So make sure you have an idea of how much you plan to spend on your new pillows. Some pillows can be pretty expensive while others are a bargain.

So if you’re on a strict budget, look for sales or prioritize the pillow sizes you want.

Hit the hay

Once you bring home your new pillows, be sure to enjoy them! Whether your new pillows are for decoration or sleeping, you can rest easy knowing that you have the perfect set of pillows.

The Perfect Pillow

There’s no one-size-fits-all pillow, which is why there are so many pillow sizes. You can find pillow sizes for different sleeping positions or simply for decoration. And some of the best decorative pillows can add a bit of support while you sleep.

Whether you prefer a standard or a king-sized pillow, you can choose what’s best for you. And many pillows come in firmer and softer varieties. That variety allows you to customize your sleep fully.

And if you just need some pillows for decoration, you can find pillows that work with your space. There are square pillows and rectangular pillows, so you don’t have to compromise your ideal look just to get a good pillow.

Be it for sleep or aesthetics, different pillow sizes let you take control. You don’t have to use the same pillows as someone else. So go out there are get the pillow of your dreams.