Pillow Size Guide: 3 easy steps to the perfect pillow
The right pillows can transform your room. Use them to create a cosy and inviting home, no matter your style.
From bold european pillows to inviting throw cushions and the most huggable pillows for your bed, there are common pillow sizes to suit different spaces.
Use this guide to turn your bedroom into a space you love coming home to. Find out how a dreamy feather-down insert makes for the perfect plump pillow, and we'll show you how to style your space, too. Our best tip? Have fun with it.
First, you need to think about size.
Choose the right size: what size pillow and insert do you need?
Pillows come in all shapes and sizes, but there are four regular pillow sizes in Australia. They are:
- European (65cm x 65cm)
- Throw (usually 50cm x 50cm)
- Rectangle bed pillow in standard (48cm x 73cm) or king size (51cm x 91cm)
The image displays a queen-sized bed for reference.
You can use different sizes and shapes to play with height and depth in a room, drawing attention and creating interest. But first, it's time to match your cover with the right-sized insert for the perfect plump pillow. Thankfully, that's really simple – just make them the same size.
Pillow cover size (cm) | Recommended cushion insert size (cm) |
---|---|
65 x 65 (European) | 65 x 65 |
55 x 55 (Throw) | 55 x 55 |
48 x 73 (Standard) | 48 x 73 |
51 x 91 (King) | 51 x 91 |
Quick reference: standard Australian pillow sizes (cm)
Pillow type | Pillow size |
---|---|
European | 65cm x 65cm |
Throw | 50cm x 50cm |
Standard | 48cm x 73cm |
King | 51cm x 91cm |
Now, let’s look more closely at the standard pillow types.
European pillows
Despite the name, a european pillow isn’t exclusive to the glistening shores of Croatia or the bustling cafes of Barcelona. A euro pillow is just a name given to a particular cushion size.
In Australia, we measure european pillow sizes in centimetres (cm). A european pillow size is always 65cm x 65cm. They look great at the bedhead or on a large lounge.
Throw cushions
A 50cm throw cushion sits nicely on most chairs, lounges and beds. It will probably sit square with the back of your lounge. A 45cm throw cushion will sit just below, and a 55cm cushion will peek just above it.
Try layering your throw pillows like you do your clothes. Experiment with contrast, pattern and texture until you find a look you love.
Typical bed pillows by size
Pillow sizes in Australia come in two typical sizes: standard (48cm x 73cm) and king (51cm x 91cm).
Standard pillows
In Australia, the standard pillow size is 48cm x 73cm. The standard pillowcase size is the same, of course (48cm x 73cm).
Use one standard pillow to style a super single bed – the kind that makes a dashing fort by day and powers sleepy rest at night. As your bed gets bigger, you’ll need more pillows. Use two or four standard pillows in a queen-sized bed.
King pillows
If you have a king or super king bed, you might have noticed that standard pillows leave a lot of space at the head of your bed. It’s time to size up to king pillows. A king pillow size is 51cm x 91 cm, so two king pillows should fit nicely across your king or super king bed.
Sleep easy with our most huggable pillows. Choose fluffy corn fibre comfortably encased in 100% cotton, or melt into our super soft feather down. They’re breathable, and the best bit – they’re pillow-fight approved.
How to choose the right pillow for your room
Choosing the right pillow doesn't have to be hard. Let's create a space you can relax in. It's easy and fun – once you've got the right pillow sizes, you can get creative.
1. Get measuring to match cover and insert sizes
If you’ve got a dreamy cover already, finding the right-sized insert is simple.
- Lay your cushion cover flat.
- Measure along the top and then the side.
- Choose an insert that’s the same size.
Sometimes you’ll start with the insert first. No worries, here’s how to measure your insert to get the right-sized pillow cover.
- Measure it from corner to corner down and then across, following the seam.
- Write down the lengths if you need to.
- Choose the matching pillow size.
2. Fill your cushion in moments
So you’ve found a cover and insert that go together like aged cheese and a glass of red. Great. Here’s how to fill your cushion like a pro.
- Fold your insert in half.
- While still folded, move the insert inside the cover.
- Bring the top of your folded insert into the top far corner of your cover.
- Let the insert unfold – it should slide into the bottom far corner.
- Move the remaining insert corners into the cover, matching up the corners.
- Grab the corners and make like Taylor Swift – shake it off (or, in this case, out).
- Close the zip, plump it up and you’re done.
3. Style your pillows
Styling your cushions can be really fun. Think about size, colour and placement.
Contrast different pillow sizes
Mix and match different sizes for an attention-catching room.
Oversized square cushions (like euro pillows) make a bold statement on a large sofa or bed. Or try playing with unique shapes like round pillows for an unexpected playful vibe.
Experiment with colour
- Dare to be bold with vibrant colours that make a statement.
- Embrace your love of patterns. Mix and match different patterns for an eclectic, laid-back look.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with contrasting colours – they can bring out the best in each other.
Play with placement
Layer different shapes, sizes and colours for a cosy and inviting feel.
- Experiment with asymmetry. Try placing cushions in a diagonal or off-centre arrangement for an easy, lived-in room.
- Use your pillows to highlight focal points in the room, like a window seat or your statement chair.
Remember, styling a room is all about expressing your personality and enjoying your space. Don't be afraid to take risks and have fun with it.
Recap: creating the perfect pillow
It turns out that creating the perfect pillow is simple – just match it with a dreamy insert the same size and then use it where it makes you happy.
Mix and match different pillow sizes, play with unexpected shapes and dare to experiment with textures or colours to create a look you love.
Happy styling. Get creative with our huggable pillows, or check out our bed sizing guide to transform your bedroom.