How Many Pillows Do You Really Need To Style A California King Bed?

You may not be the only one wondering exactly what a California king bed is, and how it differs from a standard king. Many people incorrectly assume a California king is the bigger option of the two. It is different, but in fact, not larger. To put it simply, a California king is 4 inches narrower and longer. It's ideal for tall people and for fitting into a room with a similarly shaped rectangular footprint. The downside, per the Sleep Foundation, is that California king mattresses, bed frames, and bedding are less widely available and consequently more expensive.

Your bed is often the focal point of a room and the catalyst for the space's design. Once the perfect California king frame has been selected, the bed should be dressed to complement the room's style and color scheme. Plus, it should feel luxurious and restful. Pillows put the final touch on the look; they're a matter of personal preference and one that is hotly debated between couples and designers. Fortunately, California king beds use easy-to-find standard king size pillows. But in particular, it's their quantity that's most frequently contested. 

How many functional pillows should there be on a California king bed? Two twin beds pushed together equal the width of a king, yet, you can't put only two standards, or even two queen bed pillows, at the head of the bed. This would look skimpy, the opposite of the cozy and plush atmosphere the ultimately dressed bed should portray. As mentioned above, California kings are most attractive and comfortable when paired with king bed pillows. Though the width is the same, these pillows are ten inches longer than standard and six inches longer than queen pillows. They'll amply fill the bed from side to side. 

The number of bed pillows for sleeping is up to you. Two is an acceptable minimum and four is probably plenty at maximum. When not in use, they can be stacked on top of each other or layered upright against the headboard. Those who identify with a minimal aesthetic, or have a partner who believes more pillows to be excessive, may want to stop there. HomeGoods style expert Jenny Reimold told Today, "I use four sleeping pillows with a statement lumbar pillow at the front. It's a foolproof, easy-to-maintain way to make your bedroom feel just like a luxurious hotel!" It's important to consider the headboard. A soft upholstered headboard will be more amenable for leaning against without the added comfort extra pillows provide. 

If you sit propped up by a headboard made of metal or wood or by a bare wall, additional cushioning or taller pillows may be welcome. They create an opportunity to introduce more color or print into the room's scheme, too. Bed pillows covered in shams to coordinate with the duvet or quilt can be added in front of the functional pillows. Alternatively, decorative square pillows offer variety in size and shape. Opt for two or three. Two will afford a view of the bed pillows whereas three will obscure them; if the bed pillow cases are colored or patterned, you may want to be able to see them. Nic Shacklock of Online Bedrooms explains in House Beautiful, "The bottom two pillows should match your fitted bottom sheet in material and color to achieve a super cohesive bed spread. The top pillows should match your duvet." We recommend starting with this foundation and adding complementary colors or prints with throw pillows if desired.

Any remaining pillows are purely decorative and subjective — some feel they're necessary for a lavish bedroom while others think they're clutter and bunk. Choices include decorative rounds in various sizes, small rectangles referred to as boudoir pillows, and long rectangular lumbars. Novelties such as spheres, faux fur, and text pillows can be incorporated for a touch of glam or personality. Although space is the only true limitation, keep the making up and turning down of the bed in mind before purchasing extra pillows.