Ask Joshua: How Many Throw Pillows Is Too Many?
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
Modern organic bedroom featuring a warm wood canopy bed, layered neutral textiles, and earthy accents, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. (3D rendering)
Hi Megan,
Congratulations on your new home. Decorating a primary bedroom and guest rooms can be exciting, but I completely understand how decorative pillows can get confusing—especially after looking at Pinterest, where beds are often styled more for photos than everyday use.
When it comes to decorative pillows on a bed, there isn’t a strict rule. The right number really depends on the size of the bed, the overall style you’re going for, and how practical you want it to be for daily use.
For your primary bedroom, I always recommend starting with comfort first. Make sure you have the sleeping pillows you actually use, then build from there. In most cases, two shams and one to three decorative pillows is enough to create a polished look without becoming a daily hassle.
That said, in some of my design projects—especially when the style leans more layered or elevated—I’ve used five to six decorative pillows on a bed. It can look beautiful when done right, but it does require a bit more commitment since you’ll likely be moving them on and off the bed regularly.
For guest rooms, you have a bit more flexibility since they’re not used as often. A combination of sleeping pillows, shams, and one to three decorative pillows usually works well, but you can go slightly fuller if you want a more styled, hotel-like look—just be careful not to overcrowd the bed.
A good rule of thumb is this: if the bed starts to feel overly stuffed or inconvenient to use, that’s usually a sign you’ve gone too far. The goal is for the space to feel inviting and comfortable, not fussy.
Quick Guide: How Many Pillows Per Bed
Primary bedroom: 2 sleeping pillows + 2 shams + 1–3 decorative pillows
Guest bedroom: 2 sleeping pillows + 2 shams + 1–3 decorative pillows
Layered/luxury look: up to 5–6 decorative pillows (when styled intentionally)
This same idea applies beyond the bedroom as well. Whether you’re styling a sofa or an accent chair, balance matters more than quantity. If you’re unsure how to approach pillows in those areas, I’ve put together a more detailed guide here:
→ Throw Pillow Guide
I hope this helps make the process feel a little more manageable. Happy decorating!
Joshua
Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.
