When you walk into a beautifully styled bedroom, the array of cushions on the bed immediately catches the eye, creating a feeling of warmth and invitation. These soft elements are often the first thing guests notice, setting the tone for the entire room's personality and comfort level. Understanding what these decorative bed pillows are truly called can empower you to make more confident choices the next time you shop for home textiles.
Many people use the term "cushion" and "pillow" interchangeably in casual conversation, but the world of bedding has specific names for each style and size. From the large supportive pieces behind the sleeper to the small squared accents tucked into corners, each item serves a distinct purpose. This guide will demystify the terminology, helping you navigate product descriptions and communicate your exact vision with interior designers or sales associates.
Common Names for Bed Pillows
The most generic term for any soft sleeping accessory is simply a pillow, but when focusing on decoration rather than sleep support, the language shifts. In home goods stores and design catalogs, you will frequently encounter terms like sham, throw pillow, and lumbar pillow. These labels help distinguish items meant to be adjusted for comfort from those meant to be arranged artfully.
For instance, the large pillowcase that sits behind your sleeping pillow is usually referred to as a sham, which often features a decorative opening or envelope closure. Throw pillows, on the other hand, are the smaller, looser items that add a pop of color or texture to the bed surface. Grasping these distinctions is the first step toward mastering bedroom styling.
Bed Shams and Standard Pillows
A bed sham is technically a decorative pillowcase designed to cover a standard pillow, giving the appearance of a stacked hotel look. Unlike a regular pillowcase, a sham typically has a wide opening along the top or side, allowing the inner pillow to be easily inserted and removed for washing. Selecting the right sham size, such as a Euro sham or a standard sham, dictates the scale and symmetry of your bed arrangement.
Standard sleeping pillows fit inside these shams or directly into the bed itself, providing the foundational support needed for rest. While the outer fabric of a sham is largely aesthetic, the insert inside a throw pillow is usually a soft material like polyester or down alternative. Choosing the correct combination of form and function ensures your bed looks lush without sacrificing comfort.
Decorative Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are the true accent pieces of the bedding world, available in countless shapes, sizes, and patterns. These items are often grouped in odd numbers, such as three or five, to create a visually balanced vignette on the bed. By mixing textures, such as a velvet pillow next to a linen one, you add depth and interest to an otherwise flat surface.
Square pillows are the most classic option, while bolsters provide a cylindrical shape that can prop up other cushions or support your back while sitting in bed. When building a cohesive color palette, consider selecting throw pillows that incorporate hues found elsewhere in the bedroom, such as the wall art or rug.
Specialized Pillow Types
Beyond the basics, the world of decorative bedding includes specialized items designed for specific aesthetic or ergonomic effects. These pieces often blur the line between furniture and accessory, playing a significant role in the overall design narrative. Knowing these options allows for a more tailored and intentional look.
For example, lumbar pillows are long, narrow cushions meant to support the lower back while sleeping or lounging. Floor pillows, or zafus, are often used in meditation spaces but can also add a casual, bohemian vibe to a master suite. Exploring these alternatives can transform a standard bed into a multifunctional retreat.
Lumbar and Bolster Variations
A lumbar pillow is typically placed against the headboard to fill the space between the mattress and the wall, creating a vertical accent. These pillows are usually firm to provide adequate back support and often feature tufting or bold patterns. Positioning one or two of these along the headboard can anchor the entire bed display.
Bolsters are another versatile option, serving as both a support and a design statement. They can be laid flat against the sham or stood upright behind them to create a layered appearance. The firm stuffing of a bolster ensures it maintains its shape, making it a reliable element in structured bedding designs.
Euro Shams and Accent Pillows
Euro shams are large, square cushions that typically measure 26 by 26 inches, offering a substantial presence on the bed. These are often the primary decorative element, sitting upright against the headboard before the standard sleeping pillow is placed in front. A solid Euro sham can act as a neutral backdrop, allowing smaller patterned pillows to stand out.
Accent pillows are smaller pieces that tie the entire look together, usually measuring between 12 and 18 inches. These might feature embroidery, beading, or unique fabrics that reflect your personal style. By varying the size and shape of your accents, you create visual interest that feels curated rather than chaotic.
Selecting the perfect combination of shams, throws, and accents is an expression of personal taste, and there are no strict rules to follow. The goal is to create a sanctuary that feels both stylish and comfortable, inviting you to unwind at the end of the day. Take your time experimenting with textures and heights until the arrangement feels authentically like your own.