Wit a multitude of pillowcase sizes available, it can be hard to know which pillowcase is the right fit for your everyday bedroom pillows. Before looking at pillowcase sizes, you'll first need to start off with the best mattress (read our Mattress Buying Guide if you need help) along with the right type of pillow (our guide Pillow Types for a Good Night's Sleep has you covered there). Once you've established these basics, you will then need to find the perfect pillowcase size before you can get into other aspects such as design, colour and pillowcase aesthetics. Read on to find the pillowcase size that is just right for your pillow.

Benefits of Picking the Perfect Pillowcase Sizes

A pillowcase is the part of bedding that fits directly over your pillow in order to protect it from stains and keep it clean. Pillowcases usually have an opening on one side so they can be removed and washed frequently to remove any dirt and allergens that you will be exposed to as you sleep.

Due to the fact that you sleep on your pillow case, it will likely be made from a simple and unembellished fabric that is breathable and doesn't irritate your skin at night. Choosing the right pillowcase sizes for your pillow can ensure your pillowcases stay put during the night, which is vital to keeping your pillows protected from wear and tear. The pillowcase material you choose can provide a comfortable texture to rest your head upon while extending the life of your pillow. Finally, when you use the right pillowcase size, you will instantly elevate the look of your bedding, particularly with the wide range of colors and styles available.

How to Determine Your Pillow Size

If you are ready to buy but are unsure of what pillowcase size you need, you will need to size your pillow first. You should be able to recognize what size pillow you have by checking the manufacturer label. Pillows usually range through several sizes: standard (which can also be labeled as twin or double), queen, king, and Euro. If you can't find a label, you can simply measure the width and length of your current pillow to get an idea of the pillowcase sizes that will fit properly.

What Are the Different Pillowcase Sizes?

When it comes to pillowcase sizes, there are several different sizes suitable for several different types of pillows, including standard bed pillows, decorative pillows, and throw pillows. Many of the decorative and throw pillows are available in an array of materials, sizes, and shapes.

Standard Pillowcase Sizes

The right pillowcase should fit over your pillow perfectly, make your bed look vibrant, and (most importantly) match your personal preference. Most manufacturers make their pillowcases a little large to accommodate variations in pillow sizes. When purchasing a pillowcase, it is always better to err on the large side to avoid the possibility that the pillowcase may be too small.

Standard (50cm x 75cm)

The most common pillowcase size is the standard size, also know as an Housewife pillowcase. A standard pillow itself measures around 45cm x 74cm and a standard pillowcase size (50cm x 75cm) should fit perfectly on these pillows. It's worthwhile to know that many standard pillowcases are made with additional fabric that gives a little leeway in sizing. A single standard pillow fits on a single mattress, while two fit on a small double or double mattress. Standard-size pillows and pillowcases work well for sleepers who stay in the same position all night, as their head won't roll off and will remain supported throughout the night.

Square (65cm x 65cm)

A square pillowcase measures 65cm x 65cm. This is slightly larger than the standard size and allows for two of these pillows to stretch perfectly across a double or queen-size mattress. Some square pillows also come in an 80cm x 80cm size, though a bigger-sized mattress, such as a kingsize mattress, is required to accommodate this pillow size. If you're a restless sleeper, then you might want a larger square pillow to have enough room on either side of your head as you switch positions in the night.

Kingsize (50cm x 90cm)

A kingsize pillow measures 50cm x 90cm, 15cm longer than a standard pillow. These pillows require much larger, kingsize pillowcases; likewise, a kingsize pillowcase will not fit on any other pillows. Two kingsize pillows are designed to fit side-by-side across the width of a kingsize mattress. It's possible to use two kingsize pillows on a queen mattress, though it may be a tight squeeze.

Tip: For extra height and volume, you can use the hotel trick of tucking the ends of the pillowcase in tightly.

Pillow Shams

When compared to a pillowcase, a pillow sham is more of a decorative covering. Though some people do sleep on pillow shams, they are often made of a more textured fabric that wouldn't necessarily be the most comfortable to sleep on. Shams work similarly to ordinary pillowcases, though shams are designed to give your pillows a more creative appearance. The pillowcase sizes for pillow shams are similar to those of regular bed pillowcases, ranging from standard size to kingsize.

Cushion Cover Sizes

Scatter cushions are a purely decorative furnishing that are usually smaller than pillow shams and standard bed pillows, measuring 40cm x 40cm or smaller.
They often come in a wide range of textiles such as cotton, leather, velvet and chenille and can be square, round, bolster (cylindrical) or lumbar (long and rectangular). Scatter cushions make a great addition to sofas or armchairs, but they're often used on beds too.

The simplest cushions commonly don't have any opening and are 'loose-filled', meaning the filling is inserted directly into the decorative pillowcase rather than into a separate pillow. Additionally, there are other scatter cushions that use a zippered pillowcase which can be removed and exchanged. These cushion covers have the largest range in colour, pattern and design and can easily be used in interior design to match your style or be changed on a whim.

In the end, you can have as many or as few pillows as you like. As long as you have the correct pillowcase sizes, you can arrange and rearrange your pillows as you see fit. These will give you a chance to play with colours, textures and patterns to match or stand out against your decor.