Ask Joshua - Decorative Pillows...How many is too much?

Hi Joshua,

I just moved into my new home and now decorating my bedroom and two guest rooms. I’m not sure how many decorative pillows I should put on each bed. I have looked at a bunch of inspiration photos on Pinterest and I’m confused about the right number of pillows on a bed. How many is right?

Megan - Charlotte, North Carolina

California casual style bedroom designed by Joshua Jones, JJones Design Co.

Hi Megan,

Congratulations on your new house! It’s a fun and exciting process decorating your house to make it your home in your own style. You asked really a great question about pillows and I can understand how pictures in media, like Pinterest, can give you mixed messages and be confusing. I do have my own rules on the number of decorative pillows each bed should have:

- For the bed you sleep on should have at least two to four pillows that you actually use. I want to add that most inspiration pictures you see on Pinterest often don’t include these pillows because they aren’t the prettiest of pillows

- Any guest rooms should have at least two pillows for your guests to use

- Both the master and guest beds should have at least two shams each

- You can then have fun with the decorative pillows! I would do one to five per bed; depending on your commitment to moving them on and off each morning and night and the look you’re going for. Unless you have a “permanent” guest, those beds aren’t as frequently used, so go for more pillows - still limit it to 5.

- The decorative pillows themselves are really up to your style; different sizes, shapes, colors, patterns, and textures. These add a lot of depth, interest, and style to your bed.

I hope you find this helpful for you. Happy decorating! :)

Joshua

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