What style of pillowcase should I choose? The three ways to dress your bed (and what each says about your taste)
If you're wondering what style of pillowcase best suits your bed, this is what you need to know, and some of the best styles to buy
Quick Menu
Shop our selections by category:
1. Best European style pillow
2. Best Oxford pillow
3. Best housewife pillow
Picking out the best pillowcase is a super personal choice for your bedroom. We all have our own preferences when it comes to how we like to sleep, and different styles bring a different aesthetic to our bedspread. There are subtle but very key differences between styles of pillowcases, so we're here to narrow down the best pillowcases for your set-up.
First up, it's crucial to define the differences. The main three styles of pillowcase in everyday homes are the Oxford pillowcase, which has a narrow border of between 5-10cm, the housewife pillowcase - a simple case without a border sewn edge that fits neatly to the pillow, and the European style pillowcase, which is square and large in design.
But what does each say about your interiors style? Which best suits a modern bedroom? Here's what you need to know, and my pick of the best.
Best European-style pillow
Called so because it's the standard size in Europe, these style of pillowcase are typically large and square in design, measuring around 26 x 26 inches. I've recently bought two large European-style pillowcases for my bed and I think it brings such luxury to my bedspread, making it feel like more of a pampering space.
I would advise, however, only buying if you have a large bed in the first place. Anything smaller than a double and the European pillow might swamp the bed a little. They are a great addition when you want to add a lot of back support and perhaps you don't have a headboard. Here are three that have caught my eye.
I love these linen pillows from Bed Threads. The scalloped edging brings a bit of joy to your modern bedroom. It's available in a variety of colors and combos. I like pink and clay but terracotta and rust are the more mature choice.
Best Oxford pillow
The simple difference between an Oxford pillowcase and a housewife pillowcase is just the extra border around the edge. This area of trim just brings an illusion of more cushion, making your bedspread feel bigger. The extra fabric also makes things look a little more plush. Sometimes borders are in different colors to really highlight the edging.
While they have a more decorative touch, they are intended to be pillows to sleep on too. Lay the bed with two Oxford pillows paired with two smaller housewife pillows in front to really layer your fabric. These three have caught my eye.
There is something about the extra border of the Oxford pillowcase that brings extra texture to your room, and these from Soho Home are woven just outside of Porto in Portugal, individually cut and sewn.
Made from 400-thread-count cotton sateen with a smooth feel, this modern design has a hotel feel and is also available in standard size and super king. I love how the border is accentuated with a taupe trim - perfect for a minimalist bedroom.
Best housewife pillow
The most common of pillowcase is the housewife pillow. Widely used in the home in the US, they might appear mundane and everyday, but that's why there is even more of a focus to get your choice right.
Embrace simplicity with your housewife pillow and go for a light or neutral color. This way, as your bedroom changes as trends come and go, your pillow won't look out of place. With the right care, you can have it for years to come as different decorative shams and duvets come and go.
If you're looking for simple budget buy, this from H&M is a quick purchase you can make for an update to a neutral bedroom. I like the muted pastel color selection, from sage to beige. I like this light pink shade.
What is the best way to style a bed
Knowing how to make a bed is a true art form, and it can really make all the difference to your bedroom. Your pillows play a role in creating a bed that is cozy and sumptuous, so how do you arrange pillows on a bed? Dressing the bed is all about having the right amount of pillows and ordering them well to create the right mood and create a luxury bedroom look.
Lean two sets of pillows against the headboard, 'We recommend the denser full-size pillows in the back, fluffier pillows up front, and any smaller decorative pillows in front of that,' says Samantha Struck of StruckSured Interiors.
Create symmetry too, put the smaller pillows in front so there is a height order there, then include a pillow sham in square or rectangle form in the center for a decorative touch.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Oonagh is a content editor at Livingetc.com and an expert at spotting the interior trends that are making waves in the design world. Writing a mix of everything and everything from home tours to news, long-form features to design idea pieces on the website, as well as frequently featured in the monthly print magazine, she's the go-to for design advice in the home. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. In doing so, she has developed a keen interest in London's historical architecture and the city's distinct tastemakers paving the way in the world of interiors.
-
9 Things Making Your Home Look Cheap — Avoid These Interior Faux Pas to Retain the Charm of Your Space
If you're worried about dulling the elegance of your home, here are some common mistakes interior designers caution against
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
I’m a California Native — And This Coastal-Inspired Serena & Lily Duvet Is At Top Of My Christmas Wishlist
Let’s just say I know my linens (and a thing or two about luxury). Serena & Lily’s Sale of the Year is here, and I’m finally taking home the duvet of my dreams
By Julia Demer Published
-
I’m Seeing Toile Bedding Everywhere This Winter — Shop My Favorite Not-So-Subtle Sheet Trend
Toile bedding might not scream winter, but this season it’s getting its chicest upgrade yet. You’ve never seen the pattern look quite this cool
By Julia Demer Published
-
This Modular Sofa From Wayfair Looks High-End Designer (But It's Actually Discounted Right Now)
It comes in different colors and configurations so you'll be sure to find a style for your space (and with a price tag you'll love)
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
Added to Cart — H&M Home's Stylish Mirrors to Reflect Every Style. They're on Sale, Too
When done right, a wall-hung mirror can be like a work of art, and these six discounted styles from H&M Home do it very, very right
By Emma Breislin Published
-
Florals for…. Christmas? Groundbreaking — Shop Flower Ornaments, the Tree Trend Blooming This Holiday Season
This season, we’re swapping hemispheres. See the spring-coded Christmas decoration gracing our trees right now
By Julia Demer Published
-
We Just Found the Most Stylish Inflatable Flocked Ornaments — Plus 6 Other Trending Styles to Shop
These fuzzy velvet decorations are this year's must-have. Here is everything you need to know about how to get the look
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
Hint: You Don't Have to Help With Cooking to Be Considered a Good Guest — Here's What to Bring to Friendsgiving Instead
Forget the host with the most! This Friendsgiving, be the guest with the best (gift) thanks to this stylish shopping guide
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
Is Navy the New Black? The Runways Say Yes, and Our Style Editor, Too — Here's How to Bring it Home
Navy is giving the timeless hue a run for its runway. Discover why we can’t resist the fashion-to-interiors crossover in this lineup of dark decor
By Julia Demer Published
-
Anthropologie's Bow Garland is This Festive Season's Must-Have — If You Can't Buy It, Why Not DIY It?
Bows have been on trend for a while, and we don't see them going anywhere soon, so now could be the best time to invest in the trend
By Olivia Wolfe Published