King Size Pillow Dimensions (with Photos)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall
Choosing new bedding can instantly give a room a makeover. If you have decided to upgrade your mattress from queen to king, you’ll need to know the basic dimensions. A

Choosing new bedding can instantly give a room a makeover. If you have decided to upgrade your mattress from queen to king, you’ll need to know the basic dimensions.

A standard king-size pillow is 20 inches by 36 inches. A king-size pillowcase is 21 inches by 37 inches. Some king-size pillowcases can measure as long as 41 inches.

What Are the Dimensions for a King Size Pillow?

A standard king-size pillow is typically 20 inches by 36 inches; it can sometimes differ slightly based on brand. King-size pillows are longer than a standard pillow.

King-size pillows are a good option for those who toss and turn during the night. They also provide back support for sitting up in bed, and the extra length provides lumbar support.

Image Source: WhatASleep!

How Many King Size Pillows Are Needed for a King Bed?

For a king-size bed, only two king-size pillows are necessary. However, that is assuming that the couple only needs one pillow per person for sleeping.

Image Source: Superior Custom Linens

How to Decorate with King Size Pillows

Whether sleeping alone or with a partner, a king-size bed can look off with only two king-size pillows on the bed. It’s preferred to decorate with euro pillows, standard pillows, or decorative throw pillows.

Here are a few ways to decorate a king-size bed.

  • Place three European shams against the wall or headboard. Try to use a pillow insert that is one inch larger than the sham to achieve a rounded, full effect. Add two king-size pillows with sham pillowcases in front of the European shams. To finish the look, place three smaller pillows with boudoir shams, 12 inches by 16 inches, in the front. 
  • Place three European shams along the back of the bed. Then, place three queen-size or standard-size pillows with shams in front for a second layer. Center two boudoir pillows in the gabs of the second layer to complete the look. 
  • Follow the same directions as mentioned above and place three European shams in the back. Add two king-size shams in front. Finish with 20-inch by 20-inch decorative pillows in front of the king-size shams. 
  • For a simple arrangement, prop three European shams against the wall or headboard. Then prop three standard size sleeping pillows with shams against those for depth. 
Image Source: besos, Alina

Types of King Size Pillows

King-size pillows are designed for sleeping. They are typically 20 inches by 36 inches. However, they can be made from various materials and vary slightly in size due to the material.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows are best for those who prefer firmness and support. This pillow conforms deeply to cradle the head.

Down Pillows

Typically, down pillows refer to pillows filled with duck or geese feathers. Down pillows are lightweight and don’t absorb as much body heat as other types of pillows. Due to the feather material, these pillows can cost upwards of $200.

Down Alternative Pillows

Down alternative pillows are designed to mimic down pillows but made from polyester fibers. They are cheaper than down pillows but aren’t as durable.

Latex Pillows

Latex pillows are made from a material that is extracted from rubber trees. These pillows can conform around pressure points but also have a slight bounce. Latex pillows maintain their shape better than any other type of pillows, but they are more expensive.

Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows are filled with the outer shell of buckwheat kernels. They offer above-average support for pain and pressure relief. These pillows can cost upwards of $100.

Other Sleeping Pillow Sizes

In addition to king-size pillows, other sleeping pillows include standard, queen, and body pillows.

Standard Size Pillows

A standard pillow measures 20 inches by 26 inches, compact, and perfect for sleepers who don’t change positions throughout the night. Those who toss and turn while sleeping can slide off a standard pillow. However, standard pillows are best for side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers.

Some bedding companies have a subcategory of standard pillows called super standard. Super standard pillows measure 20 inches by 28 inches; the width is the same, but two extra inches in length. Super standard pillows can still fit inside a standard pillowcase, 20-21 inches by 30-31 inches.

A standard size pillow can fit across a twin bed, measuring 39 inches by 75 inches, comfortably. Two standard-size pillows can fit across a full bed, 54 inches by 75 inches. Two standard-size pillows can also fit across a queen bed, 60 inches by 80 inches.

To cover the width of a king bed, 76 inches by 80 inches, you will need three standard-size pillows.

Queen Size Pillows

A standard size queen pillow is 20 inches by 30 inches. Queen-size pillows are beneficial for those who are restless sleepers as compared to standard or super standard pillows.

A queen-size pillow can fit perfectly in a standard-size pillowcase, but there are queen pillowcases. Queen pillowcases typically measure 21 inches by 31 inches.

You can place one queen pillow across a twin bed and two queen pillows across a queen-size bed. Two queen pillows can also be placed snugly across a full-size bed or spaced apart on a king bed.

Body Pillows

A body pillow measures 20 inches by 54 inches. Body pillows are not as common as other sized pillows, so king pillows sometimes are used as a substitute.

A body pillow is perfect for side sleepers as it curves to fit your body’s shape and provides support. Furthermore, body pillows are great for pregnant women who sleep on their sides. Side sleeping is considered best during pregnancy, so body pillows can prevent them from rolling on their stomachs or backs.

Image Source: Pinterest

Decorative Pillow Sizes

Along with traditional sleeping pillows, there are several types of decorative pillows, as well. Decorative pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Euro Pillows

These pillows are large, square in shape, and typically measure 26 inches by 26 inches. Euro pillows can provide extra support to the back, hip, or legs, but they’re mostly used for decoration. They can also come in a size that measures 28 inches by 28 inches.

When fitting these pillows with pillowcases, or shams, you need to find the right size. A 26 inch by 26-inch sham will fit best on a 28 inch by 28-inch pillow. The pillow should be slightly larger than the sham to achieve the look of a big, square pillow with crisp edges.

If you use a euro sham that is the same size as a euro pillow, you will not achieve the same effect. The pillow will have the look of floppy edges and extra fabric that you will have to tuck underneath the pillow.

Deco Pillows

Deco pillows come in a variety of sizes. The most popular are 20 inches by 20 inches, 18 inches by 18 inches, and 16 inches by 16 inches. If you are considering these pillows for your bed, be aware of sizing.

When measuring your pillows at home, take the insert out of the pillowcase before measuring. If you can’t remove the insert, pull the top corners of the pillow tight and measure.

Boudoir Pillows

Boudoir pillows, sometimes referred to as travel pillows, are 12 inches high by 16 inches long. These are small, rectangular pillows and usually used for decorative purposes only.

Neck Roll Pillows

A neck roll pillow is a small, cylinder-shaped pillow. It’s also used for decorative purposes. A neck roll pillow’s dimensions are 6 inches high by 16 inches long.

Bolster Pillows

A bolster pillow is a skinny, elongated cylinder usually trimmed with piping at the corners. A bolster pillow can have many sizes, but the most popular is 20 inches wide with a 7-inch diameter. Bolster pillows can have diameters up to 12 inches.

This pillow is used for decorative purposes, but you can also use it for a more comfortable sleep. You can place the pillow under your lower back, knees, or side to alleviate pressure. The bolster pillow can also be used as a neck pillow for added support.

King Size Bed vs. California King Bed

Standard king mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. A standard California king mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. The king bed is more of a square shape, whereas the California king is more rectangular.

Before choosing which bed you prefer, you should know the dimensions and the pros and cons of each.

Image Source: Tomorrow Magazine

King Size Bed

A king mattress, also known as the Eastern King, is four inches wider than a California king bed. The king-size mattress is the widest mattress available to buyers and has a surface area of 6,080 square inches. King bed frames are larger than king mattresses, 80 inches wide by 85 inches long.

Here are the benefits of a king-size bed.
  • King beds are great for couples who co-sleep with their children or pets. 
  • You can find king beds at most retailers, so shopping for bedding is not an issue.
  • King beds can fit nicely in shorter and wider rooms. 
Here are the downsides of a king-size bed.
  • King-size beds are large and difficult to move once they’ve been assembled. 
  • If you’re over six feet tall, a king-size bed is too short for you.

California King Bed

The California king, also known as the Western king, is four inches taller and more narrow than a king mattress. It is the longest mattress available to buyers. The California king has a surface area of 6,048 square inches.

Here are the benefits of a California king bed.
  • The California king bed is beneficial for taller people.
  • A California king bed is good for long and narrow rooms.
  • This bed is ideal for single sleepers who like to stretch out or couples.
Here are the downsides of a California king bed.
  • If you want to rearrange your bedroom, California king beds are heavy and difficult to move. 
  • Sheets, bedspreads, and comforters can be hard to find for California king beds and oftentimes require special orders.
  • Bed frames can also be difficult to find for this size bed, so your options may be limited.

Related Questions

Do California king sheets fit a king-size bed?

It’s important to have proper fitting bedding for a California king bed. A standard king-sized bed is four inches shorter and four inches wider than a California king bed. Because of this, California king sheets will not fit a king-sized bed. A California king fitted sheet should be the same size as the bed, 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. The flat sheet can be the same as a king bed, 102 inches wide by 112 inches long. King pillows are typically 20 inches by 36 inches, so two fit nicely across a California king bed.


Does the size of your pillows matter?

The size of your pillows does matter. If you’re sleeping on the wrong size pillow, your sleep can be affected during the night. You want the correct size pillow based on your sleeping habits.The right size pillow will be able to provide head support, cradle your neck, and cradle your shoulders. This can help you maintain spinal alignment and prevent neck pains or upper back pains.


Are there any space-saving options available for king-size beds?

While not common, a murphy bed is a space-saving solution if you want to have a king-size bed while conserving space. If you want to incorporate a murphy bed into your bedroom, you’ll need a large amount of wall space. You should allow 82 to 88 inches of vertical space and 45 to 67 inches of horizontal space.When the murphy bed is open, the width and depth will be based on the size of a standard king mattress. A king murphy bed is about 90 inches wide by 93 inches long. Another option is to purchase a design that incorporates two twin-size beds to form a makeshift king-size bed.

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Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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