When we posted “How to Style Pillows: 3 Formulas” for sofas, we immediately got questions about the other conundrum area, the BED. It also happens to be one of our favorite areas to style, so we put together our top five formulas to help you dissect the “just right” sweet spot for your sleep spot.

FIRST, start by layering your bed. We typically like starting with a neutral duvet or coverlet, then adding a folded blanket at the end for extra coziness and a dash of texture and/or color. Soft knits, chunky cableknits, or Morrocan-style with pom-poms or tassels seem to be just the right amount of pomp for our palette.

With our foundation set, now we can look at layering on those pillows!

the sonoma ranch guestroom *FletcherRhodes_upper guestroom overall fav.jpg

No. 1 THE LUMBAR

Our first formula is fairly fail-proof, easy, and husband-approved :). Four sleeping pillows and one extra-long lumbar pillow to top it off. Minimal, simple, easy, no complaining.

Pro tip: If you have a King Bed, you must have King size pillows or everything looks super dinky.

On the bed (below) in our The Sonoma Ranch project , we went even bigger with Super Euros in custom-made covers.

No. 2 the ACCENTS

Our second formula is popular because you can pull pillows you probably already have somewhere (yes we know…this is a safe space). Similar idea with four sleeping pillows, plus 2-3 accent pillows. We like the opportunity to add extra color or texture with the front set of sleeping pillows in special patterned sheet pillowcases or duvet pillow covers.

Although a matching set of accent pillows is easy, you could also get creative with different sizes and/or matching patterns, such as one large, one medium, and one small front and center.

No. 3 THE SLEEPOVER

The latest designer trick we are loving is laying the four sleeping pillows down horizontally, then adding accent pillows in front. With this formula, it’s best to make that first layer of upright accent pillows a bit larger, such as two Euro pillows. Then stagger down with a medium accent pillow (like a 20-22”) and a lumbar or small accent.

I am personally going this route because, well, it just makes me happy and I don’t worry as much about that perfect pillow edge standing upright. You can ‘hide’ your sleepy sleeping pillows behind nicer, crisp pillows. (And it’s still husband-approved.)

No. 4 THE PILLOW PARTY

We admit this might be the least favorite of husbands everywhere, but hey, it’s fun! Everyone’s invited! 3 Euros stand tall as the back line, 2 sleeping pillows, then a ton of accent pillows. If you’re like us (we get it) and really just love pillows, you can play with this method and mix and match more easily. Grab your faves from the living room and use them here. Change it up seasonally. It’s more like a come-as-you-are and go-as-you-please kind of party. Have fun!

Fletcher Rhodes bed styling pillow formula 04 the pillow party.jpg

No. 5 the TWIN

For the kiddos, we prefer to keep it simple. A sleeping pillow in sheet pillowcase at the back (the one they’ll actually use), fronted by a crisper duvet case covered sleeping pillow (that they may or may not use), topped with an accent pillow. Sometimes we’ll add one of their favorite stuffed animals to lead the pack. A textured quilt or blanket as an extra layer at the bottom of the bed to wrap up the color story.