What style of pillowcase should I choose? The three ways to dress your bed (and what each says about your taste)

Jan 22, 2024

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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.

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.

1. Scalloped pillow case

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.

2. Waffle weave pillow

Available in a variety of sizes, these square pillows are best in 26" x 26" dimensions. The waffle texture brings a coziness to your bedspread, and this pillow comes in various colors, although I like the simple white.

3. European linen case

Bringing linen into the bedroom brings such a luxurious feel, and a linen European pillowcase is an indulgent addition. Ethically woven from the finest flax, this mid-weight linen sheet set is pre-washed for superior softness.

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.

1. Luna linen Oxford pillow

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.

2. Somerton Oxford pillow

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.

3. Brown Oxford pillowcases

Go for something darker and indulgent with this pack of two from Walmart for an absolute steal. The silky soft feel will send you into a deep sleep while the on-trend chocolate brown coloring is super on-trend.

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.

1. Cotton pillowcase

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.

2. Été pillowcase

I like the simple green stripes of this pillowcase, giving a holiday feel to your bedspread. Made from 100 percent cotton, it's a super soft addition to your bedding set and easy to look after.

3. Gingham pillowcase

I like a gingham pattern used on bedding, and this in juniper or russet makes gingham less sugary sweet. Woven from 100 percent cotton, this set are both super soft.

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.