The Essential Guide To Decorative Pillows - House Beautiful

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There are two kinds of people: Those who max out at two pillows per bed and those whose beds are almost as much pillow as mattress. If you’re the latter, then it’s important to know the name of each shape and size (yes, there’s a difference!). Since many of us buy things online, it’s key to know what you’re actually getting. So how do you tell a bolster from a neck roll? A Euro sham from a standard one? Read on…

Parachute Home Euro

$49Parachute Home

A Euro-sized pillow is square and oversize; standard Euro size is 26" square. You'll often see cases for these referred to as Euro Shams—pro tip: "sham" just means pillowcase, so the sham is the cover, not the actual pillow insert. Many Euro shams have a "flange," or a trim of extra fabric around the edges—like this one from Parachute Home.

Sumitu - Bed Pillows for Sleeping Standard

Amazon

A standard pillow is the rectangular pillow that most people sleep on; it measures 20" x 26". Standard shams fit—you guessed it—standard-sized pillows, and they usually come in packs of two.

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AmazonBasics King

$26Amazon

King pillows are longer alternatives to standard ones; they measure 20" x 36".

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SouthernLinen - Monogram Boudoir Pillow Sham Boudoir

$90Etsy

Credit: Etsy

A boudoir is a cute little rectangular pillow that’s solely decorative. Many boudoir pillowcases will also have flanges and boudoir pillows are often sold with insert and sham together.

Bungalow Rose - Alarcon Throw Pillow Square Decorative

$34Wayfair

Credit: Wayfair

Square decorative pillows come in multiple sizes but are typically smaller than Euro size.

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Body Pillow Lumbar

$58Joss & Main

Credit: Joss & Main

A lumbar is a narrow, long pillow, with a shape that’s somewhat flat—like a standard pillow.

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RadThreadsByJordan - Charcoal Abstract Striped Round Bolster Pillow Bolster

$7Etsy

Credit: Etsy

A bolster is also skinny and elongated, but it’s shaped like a round log or sausage, and its cover is usually trimmed with piping at the corners.

Berkshire Blanket - Short Serasoft® Bolster Pillow Neck Roll

$30Wayfair

Credit: Wayfair

A neck roll is basically what you'd get if you sliced a bolster into shorter pieces—think of them like a Vienna sausage versus a hot dog. This handy diagram breaks it all down in one illustration. You’re welcome!

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