Style Tip: Pile on the Pillows

Bed pillows are a natural focal point of a bedroom. Plump up your space with these arrangements, from plush to pared down. As you'll see, pillows can stack up style and comfort.

For a streamlined look, stack pillows vertically in graduated sizes. Start with a pair of large pillows, top with a pair of smaller ones. For example, pile standard pillows atop king-size pillows; or top standard pillows with boudoir ones (12x16 inches). Finish each stack with a neck roll. This arrangement looks best using pillow shams with interesting edges and trimmings that reveal themselves in the layers. A monochromatic mix of solids, stripes, checks, and textures looks especially refined and chic.

If your dream bed is king size and plumped with patterns, start here. Stand a trio of European pillows (26 inches square) behind a pair of king pillows. Place a standard pillow on center and flank it with two small toss pillows. A rectangular toss pillow stands in front. For smaller beds, remove one European pillow and reduce king pillows to queen or standard size. Mix patterns and colors to accentuate the size and scale differences. Needlepoint toss pillows, ruffled shams, and embroidered pillowcase edges look especially showy.

For a bed that's a snap to make, try this casually tossed arrangement. Stand a pair of standard pillows in back, bridged by a European pillow turned point up. Top it with another pair of standard pillows and a boudoir pillow. Choose bedding that's loose and comfy in menswear stripes, plaids, and/or checks. If a pillow lands a bit out of place, who cares? This is casual chic.