Pillow Size Secrets: Home Measurement Hacks

In a world full of differences, there are a few things travellers can all agree on: electrical sockets and pillow sizes. Today, we're discussing the different sizes available and how to measure your pillow if you need clarification on its size.

Pillow Sizes: Choose your sleeping weapon

First, let's clear up a common misconception: far more pillow sizes are out there than you might think. Each size is designed best to suit different types of mattresses or sleepers. Let's begin with the sizes everyone's heard of: queen, king, and standard.

Standard size — You'll find options ranging from 51x66 cm to 50x70 cm. Sometimes, the 50x70 cm size is referred to as "super standard." It is typically used for single beds, as one pillow can cover the width of the mattress.

Queen size — Consider this an upgrade from the super standard, measuring 51x75 cm. Two queen-size pillows fit perfectly on a 155x200 cm mattress, often referred to as a queen-size mattress. However, it can also be used for a single bed.

King size — This pillow measures 51x92 cm and pairs well with a 180x200 cm mattress. Two king-size pillows will cover the width of the bed. While it can be used for a single bed, the pillow will span the entire mattress width.

Niche Sizes for Germany

Now, let's talk about more niche sizes, especially for Germany: 80x80, 40x80, and sizes. In Germany, Airbnb guests from abroad often find themselves surprised by their traditional pillows, which are larger, more square, and softer than what they're used to.

80x80 cm — the best description we've found was written by a user in a Reddit thread: "As an immigrant from a land of rectangular pillows, it took some getting used to. My best tip is don't think of it as a square pillow. Think of it as a blob of soft, fluffy stuff you can mould into whatever shape you want to rest your head on."

40x80 cm — the first sleepers were morphing 80x80 pillows in half to make them fit for the neck during sleep. Later, it emerged into a separate size for those who found the 80x80 pillows too big.

Mastering Pillow Measurement at Home

1. Measure trick - the fastest and the most accurate option.

• Grab a firm tape measure, not a soft one.
• Lay your pillow flat and measure from one end to the other in a straight line. Avoid diagonal measurements.
• Use whole numbers and round to the smallest number, not the biggest (in that way, you will secure yourself from the situation where your pillow doesn't fit within 1-2 cm).

2. Mattress hack - no tape measure? No worries; you can use your mattress size as a reference. For example:

• A standard-size pillow (51x66 cm to 50x70 cm) would fit nicely on a single bed mattress.
• A queen-size pillow (51x75 cm) is suitable for a queen mattress or one measuring 155x200 cm.
• A king-size pillow (51x92 cm) pairs nicely with a king mattress or 180x200 cm.
• An 80x80 cm pillow would fit exceptionally well on king mattresses but will be about 2.5 cm of the 155x200 cm mattress. The same goes with 40x80 cm.

3. Phone hack — the less accurate, but it works for those who don't have measuring devices or know the bed sizes.

• Check your phone dimensions online (We've used gsmarena for such experiments).
• Place your pillow beside it and count how many phone lengths it covers.
• Round it up, and you've got a rough size.

Instead of Summary

We're all unique, and our pillow needs vary. Armed with our guide to pillow sizes, you're equipped to find the perfect fit. After picking out your perfect pillow, look through the bedding we offer to find the right-size linens for your bed.