Finding the perfect mattress is like finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
It takes several tries before you finally find that queen-sized bed that provides the ultimate level of support and firmness you need.
Now, it’s time to look for pillows. So, can king pillows fit on queen beds?
Fitting King Pillows On A Queen Bed
Yes, king pillows can fit on a queen bed. There’s certainly no reason why you can’t plop a couple of king pillows on your queen bed.
Keep in mind, however, that there’s a big difference between what you can do and what you should do.
So, here’s a closer look at the best way to fit your pillows and enjoy a peaceful night.
Why Should You Put King Pillows On Queen Beds?
Pillows are designed to match their appropriate-sized mattresses.
In other words, king pillows are made for king mattresses; queen pillows are made for queen mattresses, and so on.
So it would seem that picking out bed pillows that complement the size of your bed mattress seems easy enough.
Yet, things are seldom as simple as they seem.
Sometimes, we get bored seeing the same thing every day.
Other times, it’s more about practicality and function, so we look for pillows that can offer better neck and back support.
After all, without the correct type of pillow, there’s no way you can get a good night’s sleep.
Besides looking pretty on our beds, pillows help keep our spines relaxed and comfortable as we sleep.
So, just like you want the best mattress for your body, you should also want the best pillow for your head.
Therefore, if you have king pillows that you love and absolutely can’t get a wink without them, then, by all means, put them on your queen bed.
Just make sure you arrange them in a way that doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep.
How To Arrange King Pillows On A Queen Bed?
Now that you know you’re not breaking any design rules by placing a king pillow on your queen bed, it’s time to style your pillows.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best way to arrange your large-sized pillows and make use of their comfort.
- Insert the king pillows into king-sized pillow cases. Anything smaller won’t hold the pillow in place, and squeezing it in a smaller-sized case might affect the integrity of the pillow stuffing.
- Remove all the other pillows off your bed.
- Position the king-sized pillow in the center of the headboard of your queen bed.
- It’s recommended that you place only one king pillow. Putting two of them side-by-side will leave them dangling off the sides of the bed.
- Start placing your other pillows over the king pillow, moving from the most oversized pillows to the smallest to add layers and make your bed feel inviting and super comfy.
Bed Pillow Size Guide
Since pillows come in a wide array of sizes, how do you know which size is the right one for you?
And if you have a queen bed, can you fit some king-sized pillows to make it extra comfy and cozy?
Bed pillows come in four main categories.
Though the precise measurements differ from one brand to another, each type is pretty much similar in all cases; give an inch or two.
Below, we take an in-depth look at each of these sizes so you can pick out the best one for you.
1. Standard-Size Pillows
A standard pillow measures 20×26 inches.
It’s usually recommended for people who don’t move a lot during their sleep.
For a queen bed, you can easily place two standard pillows next to each other.
They should fit comfortably, leaving a small space between them.
A subcategory is what some bedding companies call “super standard.”
With these, you get the same width, but the length is two inches longer, measuring 20×28 inches.
2. Queen-Size Pillows

The dimensions of the queen pillows are 20×30 inches.
Yet, different manufacturing companies offer slight differences in measurements, especially the length.
You can place two perfectly at the head of a queen-sized bed.
There won’t be any extra space between them, but they won’t be hanging off the bed either.
3. King-Size Pillows
King pillows are roughly 20×36 inches.
Although, some brands like to accommodate restless or active sleepers by adding a couple of inches to some of their king pillows.
Besides offering full head and neck support, king pillows are often used to support your back when sitting in bed.
This is when that extra length is really handy.
Interior designers often place one king pillow on twin, full, or queen beds.
If you opt for two, you should know they’ll likely hang off the sides of the bed because they’re longer than a queen bed.
4. Body-Size Pillows
Body pillows measure 20×54 inches.
They’re better suited for people who sleep on their sides rather than on their backs or face-down.
They’re designed to curve over the shape of your body, providing excellent support for your lower and upper back and the neck region.
These pillows aren’t as common and require specially made pillowcases.
Different Types Of Pillow Fillings
After learning about the four pillow sizes, let’s talk about what pillows are actually made of. There are three types of pillow stuffing.
Each one offers a different firmness and feel, depending on your sleep needs.
1. Polyester
Pillows made from polyester filling are usually the most affordable.
Yet, they’re also the least durable, which means they won’t last as long as the others.
The silver lining is that most brands are hypoallergenic. Plus, you can wash them in the machine.
Just don’t put them in the dryer, or the stuffing will clump up and bunch together.
Instead, leave them out to dry for a few hours before placing them in a clean pillowcase.
2. Memory Foam
Memory foam is more like a dense sponge than actual foam.
It’s designed to conform to your body’s shape, providing top-quality support as you sleep.
Plus, it offers excellent pressure relief while maintaining a soft, snug feel.
There are two kinds of memory foam used in making these pillows.
The first one is from a solid block of memory foam.
This is a terrific option for anyone who wants long-lasting relief from neck and shoulder pain.
The second type is made from pieces of shredded foam.
Because the foam shifts, it can easily be molded to adjust to your sleep needs.
3. Down Or Feather
Down and feather both come from either geese or ducks. Hence, they’re the most expensive type available.
They’re used to stuff pillows for a super soft and luxurious feel.
Still, not all down pillows are equal. Some have more fill power, which is the amount of down used to stuff the pillow.
The higher the fill power, the firmer and loftier the pillow will feel.
They also offer enhanced support, and they last longer as well.
Points To Remember
Picking pillow sizes is more than mixing and matching your pillows to make them look pretty.
Although having a well-made bed doesn’t hurt, finding suitable pillows is more about finding a comfortable fit and arrangement for your bed.
Then, once you pick the correct size of your bed pillows, you can start enjoying quality, uninterrupted sleep every night.