How to Make a Bed: How Many Pillows Should You Use for Sleeping?
Posted by Leafsleep on May 21, 2026
When we think about how to make the bed, we usually associate it with aesthetics and the idea of decorating the bed to create a more attractive bedroom. However, the way we organize the bed —and in particular the number of pillows we sleep on—has a direct impact on comfort, sleep quality, and even spinal health.
Is it really beneficial to sleep in a bed with several pillows? Or is there an ideal number of pillows for sleeping that we should use?
How many pillows should you use when sleeping?
Most sleep experts agree: ideally, you should use a single pillow when sleeping, provided it suits your body and your sleeping position.
The main purpose of a pillow is simple: to keep the head and neck aligned with the spine. When this balance is achieved, the body relaxes naturally, promoting restful sleep.
However, everyone has different needs, which is why it’s important to understand how to choose and use your pillows properly when making the bed and arranging the bedding correctly.
A good pillow should serve three essential purposes:
- Neck support: to keep the spine aligned and prevent tension in the neck and shoulders;
- Comfort and adaptability: conforms to the body’s shape and sleeping position;
- Breathability: ensures freshness all night long.
When these features are in place, a single pillow may be enough to provide the necessary support—without the need for multiple layers when making the bed or putting on the bedding.
Sleeping with multiple pillows: comfort or overkill?
Although a bed with multiple pillows is a common trend in bedding design, their use while sleeping should be carefully considered when making the bed.
Stacking pillows can cause two common problems:
- Excessive height: raises the head too high, causing the spine to become misaligned;
- Lack of stability: several thin pillows tend to lose their shape, becoming less supportive over time.
That’s why, even though they may look attractive when used to decorate the bed, having multiple pillows isn’t always the best choice for a good night’s sleep.
The Importance of Sleeping Position
The position in which you sleep directly influences the type and number of pillows you should use when making your bed.
Sleeping on your side or on your back
People who sleep on their side or on their back may need a pillow that is taller and firmer, so that it fills the space between their head and the mattress.
Sleeping on your stomach
In these cases, it’s best to choose a lower pillow—or even do without one—to avoid strain on the neck. So, rather than focusing on the number of pillows, the most important thing is to choose the option that best suits your body.
When does it make sense to use more than one pillow?
Although it’s best to use just one pillow under your head when making the bed, you can strategically add other pillows:
- Between the knees: helps align the spine when sleeping on your side;
- Under the knees: reduces pressure on the lower back when sleeping on your back;
- Body pillows: provide additional support and enhance comfort.
These solutions help improve sleep without compromising spinal alignment.
How to Balance Comfort and Decor
Knowing how to make a bed also involves striking a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
In practice:
- Use one or two pillows when sleeping;
- Complete the decor with decorative pillows, which should be removed before bedtime;
- Choose high-quality materials that ensure comfort and durability.
This way, you can create a visually appealing bed without compromising the quality of your sleep.
The ideal number of pillows for sleeping depends on your body, your sleeping position, and the quality of the pillows themselves when making the bed. However, for most people, a single high-quality pillow is enough to ensure a comfortable and healthy night’s sleep.
At Mercado del Colchón, we believe that a good night’s sleep starts with the details. From the mattress to the pillows, every element should provide comfort and support.