Since Spring is right around the corner we are all starting to make plans on what changes we might like to make in our homes.
I shared in my last two post that we are upgrading to a King size bed. This has forced us into making a change, or two in the master bedroom.
Once we decided on which bed we will be purchasing I immediately started looking at new bedding.
I like a pretty simple no pattern look in my master bedroom. It is just more peaceful to my minds eye.
The color scheme will be the same, very very pale blue walls, cream furniture, and mostly white bedding.
In my looking I started looking at how others place pillows on their beds more intently.
I have written a post on this subject before, you can go HERE and HERE if you would like to read it.
Shall we take a look at some of the many ways one can place pillows on their beds.
I know this will be subjective so keep in mind that my observations are based on a less is more way of thinking.
The reason I will be telling you what, and how I think is because many of you have told me that is what you like to read on my blog, so I hope you don’t mind if I do so in this post.
If you are a more is more kind of gal please do not feel that I am criticizing that way of thinking.
I am just writing this post in hopes that it will clarify my own thinking, and the approach I plan on taking when placing pillows on my new bed.
Lets start with the more is more approach………
I think this bed is gorgeous, and the whole setting is beautiful, but the pillows are just too many for me.
Even thought this is simple in its lack of pattern, and color I would eliminate two of the darker pillows for my taste.
This is just way too many pillows for my taste. A total of twelve pillows. It looks as if they could not make up their minds on which ones to use so they used them all. I love each pillow in its own right. I love a Greek key, Hotel band, and a monogrammed pillow, I am just not sure they all needed to be on the same bed.
Lovely colors and bedding, but I think one of the trellis patterned pillows in the middle of the soft blue would have been plenty. No need for the little bright yellow pillows in my book.
I am a gal that loves symmetry, but this takes it a step too far, and goes into a SMATCHY look.(an overtly matched look,my own word please feel free to use it when every you feel it is appropriate!) I would eliminate one large blue, and two of the starfish pillows for my own personal taste.
This looks like another case of, “I have so many cute pillows I just HAD to use them all!” They really are some cuties on this bed, but again way too many.
I tend to love a stacked set of pillows, in fact this is the configuration that you will see on my very own bed, now. But, I do not like the look of pillows in a pyramid type stack.
Are you ready for a less is more approach?!……….
I am showing you my very own room as it is right now. This is probably the simplest form of multiple pillows on a bed that you can get. Two sleeping pillows, and two shams in a stacked formation. Now that I got that out of the way shall we see what others have done?…….
I love the softness of this bedroom, it is very appealing to me. I also like the pillow configuration, however I would make the rectangle pillow a little less high so you can see the pillows behind it a little better.
Although I like the bed I do not like all the pillows on the settee. I would have left that empty since it is such a small seating area.
I told you I am more of a less is more kind of gal. I have been told I am very well edited. I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but that is what I am!!
I really like this configuration. Two shams, two decorative, and a long bolster in the front. The sleeping pillows are behind the shams.
I find that I gravitate towards long bolster, or rectangular pillows in the forefront. In fact I did a post on long pillows, HERE!
This is probably one of my favorite configurations of all. Simple, but still decorative. Sleeping pillows behind two decorative with one rectangle pillow in the front. Yes! I think this might be it for me!
Since I have never owned a king-size bed I am beginning to realize that I need to have either 3 standard shams, or two King size shams in the back of my front pillows as a backdrop.
I am not quite sure how I feel about three vs. two. Three looks a bit busy to my eye as in this picture. Hmmmm? It looks like I need to clarify this in my brain!!!
This was the configuration that I thought I would most likely be using until I started writing this post. Two in back, two in front of those, and one long rectangle as a decorative touch.
More of the same configuration. I like this idea, it is growing on me.
Nice and simple and yet there is something not quite right in my minds eye. I think it is that the two pillows behind the decorative need to be a bit larger as far as their width goes. I think if they were a bit wider I would like this look better. I am learning a lot by writing this post. I hope you all are too!!
Now this is exactly the look I said I liked the most and yet there is something amiss for me. I think the green pillows need to be a bit larger than they are. I need to keep this all in mind when choosing pillow sizes.
Nice and simple! I love everything about this bed and the pillow configuration. In this particular arrangement I do not feel that another pillow is needed, such as the long rectangular pillow I seem to like. I think this bed is perfection in every way!
Pretty, simple, and in a configuration of three. I had three son’s, and I loved that, and three is my favorite number, but I am not liking three pillows lined up, or at least not for my bedroom.
I told you I was learning right along with you all. I am discovering things about myself as I analyze each image.
I think I have come to some good conclusions for myself. I seem to want two king-sized pillows as a backdrop with two smaller pillows in front, and maybe one rectangular pillow in the front of those.
A total of five. Or maybe just the two King sized pillows with one rectangular pillow in front of that.
We shall see!!! Once I get the bed here, and in place I will be playing around.
How about you all. How do you like your pillows configured?
I am sure you got way more information on pillow configuration than you ever needed. Thank you for tagging along with my thought processes as I figure my room out!!
"Enjoy the Process!" Of:
Making some self-discoveries!
love the combos, kathysue. for us, it's 2 kingsize crisp white cotton, 2 kingsize shabby chic floral shams, and a skinny lumbar pillow in front of the quartet!
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful week, friend.
michele
Nice post with lots of options for all. I am 100% less-is-more when it comes to decorating, and especially pillows. It's my opinion they are way over-used everywhere. Seems to me they should only be used for a pop of color, but we all have our favorites. Thanks for your thoughts. They've inspired me to do or at least think! :)
ReplyDeleteThere are so many lovely options available, aren't there? I think that it depends on the style of one's bedroom, and who sleeps there. My son's room has two sleeping pillows. My daughter's room has two sleeping pillows, 2 shams and one accent cushion. Our room has two sleeping pillows, two shams, and three accent cushions - one large and two small ones.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a matter of personal taste. I do believe that the larger sleeping pillows or shams should extend the width of the bed, and I find that an odd number of accent cushions is more visually appealing.
Have a wonderful evening, Kathysue!
~ Wendi ~ xo
My goodness...I never realized that there were so many pillow conformations! Then I wented and counted how many I have and I must admit I was a bit surprised, a total of 10! Good grief, that really is a bit much, guess I need to edit.
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect post for me right now! I want to change the pillow configuration on my bed, namely get rid of a few. I love what you did with your bed! I used to love a lot of pillows on the bed, but now I'm drawn to the simple unfussy bed. Maybe I'm just tired of making it every morning ;)
ReplyDeleteHello Kathysue
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting together this post with so many interesting configurations. Your observation is excellent and you have a keen eye for balance.
Happy Valentine's Day
helen xx
Such an interesting discussion (well listening to you discuss with yourself). I totally agree that most of those beds had too many pillows. I love the ones that have maybe 2 euro pillows, then 2 regular pillows, then 1-3 decorative smaller pillows at the front. That is what we have and it seems just right to me. I think the problem with 3 pillows across a bed is it seems like the bed is for 3 people - a sort of menage a trois of pillows, if you will!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beds! I love the beds with scalloped edges. I don't know how many people make their beds with all of the pillows everyday. If I have time I do, but a chair works perfectly if you don't. I am particular about my house but don't worry about the pillows.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Such a great post! This has me thinking.....and my mind racing! I like and agreed with every single one of your comments....all beautiful but many are just too much or just too perfect. Right now on my king, we have two sleeping pillows way at the bottom and in front of those, its 3 euros, 2 kings and 2 bolsters. Its clean looking and streamlined but elegant and still plump! Thats the beauty of pillows, being able to change out the look so easily by adding or taking away a pillow or two. Look forward to seeing your completed bed!
ReplyDeleteOur king bed has seen so many configurations but I finally settled on one that feels right for us. Two sleeping pills in back (lying down, always sleeping in), two king sized shams leaning against them and propped up,not euros), two regular shams next, plus one decorative pillow front and center (rectangular). 7 in all. Soft, muted colors with two reg. shams in a pattern that matches the duvet cover,
ReplyDeleteI tried three Euro King sized shams -- something was off. I lived with it for a few months and decided to try something else. Trios are generally good. In this case, they all fell off, got bumped off and now I say, no more trios lying on my bed.
Great post. I always have a hard time with pillow configuration. I need to simplify b/c my decorative pillows rarely stay on the bed.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of a ton of pillows, but I dislike having to remove a ton of pillows in order to fall into bed at the end of the night. So at my house you'll find just the stack of the 2 sleeping pillows and the 2 decorative sham pillows. Beautiful images! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKing beds really are a pill when it comes to pillows. HA! I have sleeping pillows in back, three Euros in front and then a long bolster in front of that. I'd prefer the two pillows in front ... but it just doesn't look full enough to my eye. Great examples, Kathysue!
ReplyDeleteI like things simple but I read in bed, so I start with bolsters to fill the angle where bed meets headboard, then for each side one sham containing a synthetic fill stiffish pillow, then the lovely soft and giving goose down pillow for actually sleeping on. Aaaahhh...
ReplyDeleteIf off you are going to love a king size bed. We go back and forth with this issue all the time. Just can not quite get it right. One thing we have learned when you make your bed always have your pillow corners touch. Good luck.
ReplyDeletegreat examples KatySue- I was wondering what you were up to on Pinterest when I saw all your pillow pins! LOL. We have 2 sleeping pillows, two king shams and a small bolster in front- and looking at it now I think its too small. hmmm maybe time to make a new pillow ;-)
ReplyDeleteI loved looking at all of the pillow configurations...I have a queen in my room, but in my guest room there is a king size bed..I originally had 2 king pillow, 3 euros, and then I placed 3 regular shams in front of the euros, then accent pillows in front. I then took away the 3rd regular sham as it was too much, as you say matchy, matchy..I feel you are right on with your decision...have fun with it...As you say, "Enjoy the Process"...
ReplyDeleteKathysue,
ReplyDeleteThis is a totally awesome post which I'm going to share right now! Pillows are a quandry. How many, which colour, the 2 euro shams on my bed pretty much sit on either side on the floor most days-eeeek!
Great post!
x
Maria
I came to the same conclusions and choices that you did. But, I have a queen size bed. It will be interesting to see if a king size bed will actually need more or larger pillows to look visually appealing. What I'd like to know is what others do with the decorative pillows at night. A "pillow garage", maybe? (lol)Perhaps in the closet. Although it's not my preference, I put mine on the chair, settee, or daybed in the rooms.
ReplyDeleteKaren T.
Could not agree more, less is best in the bedroom,especially when it comes to decorative pillows!
ReplyDeleteNow I am off to see what bed you purchased...
While reading your blog it seems that you research on this topic very much. I must tell you that your blog is very informative and it helps other also.
ReplyDeletedecorative pillows