60 × 60 cm, 65 × 65 cm, 50 × 70 cm… When choosing a new pillow, we often think about the filling or firmness, but much less about its shape. Yet square and rectangular pillows are not used in quite the same way.
Square pillows are very common in our bedrooms and are particularly good for creating a generous, inviting bed. Rectangular pillows, on the other hand, offer plenty of width while taking up less space vertically on the mattress.
So, should you choose a square or rectangular pillow for sleeping? Which shape is best for reading in bed? And can you simply combine the two? Here are the main things to consider before making your choice.
Square or Rectangular Pillow: What's the Difference?
The most obvious difference is, of course, the shape, but this also influences how the pillow occupies the space between your head, shoulders and headboard.
Common square pillow sizes include 60 × 60 cm and 65 × 65 cm, while rectangular pillows are often available in 50 × 70 cm.
A few centimetres may seem insignificant, but the difference becomes noticeable once you are lying in bed.
The Square Pillow: Generous and Versatile
A square pillow offers a generous surface in both width and height. It therefore takes up more space between the top of the mattress and your shoulders.
This shape is particularly useful when you want to sit in a semi-upright position. Placed against the headboard, a square pillow can provide comfortable support for reading, watching a series or simply enjoying breakfast in bed.
It also plays an important decorative role. Its generous shape adds volume to the bed and makes it easy to create a layered arrangement with several pillows and decorative cushions.
For sleeping, however, make sure that too much of the square pillow does not sit underneath your shoulders. Depending on your body shape and sleeping position, this can affect how your head and upper body are positioned.
The Rectangular Pillow: More Space Across the Bed
A rectangular pillow is shorter in height while offering plenty of width. This leaves more room for the upper body on the mattress while still providing enough surface area to accommodate movements of the head during the night.
This shape can be particularly practical for sleeping because the main purpose of a pillow is to support the head and neck in a comfortable position.
Its width may also appeal to people who move frequently or change sides during the night.
So, Is It Better to Sleep on a Square or Rectangular Pillow?
If your main priority is sleeping, a rectangular pillow can be a particularly practical choice. Its shape leaves more space for the shoulders while providing plenty of width for the head.
That does not mean you cannot sleep comfortably on a square pillow. Comfort depends on several factors, including your body shape, sleeping position, the height of the pillow, its firmness and its filling.
Someone who has been sleeping on a square pillow for years may therefore naturally prefer this format.
Shape should be considered as one of the criteria when choosing a pillow, rather than the only determining factor.
Why Are Square Pillows So Common in Our Bedrooms?
In Belgium and France, square pillows are among the traditionally used pillow formats. They are therefore naturally very common in bed linen collections and in the way we are accustomed to styling our beds.
But their popularity is also aesthetic. Two large square pillows placed against the headboard immediately add volume and structure to the bed.
They can then be combined with rectangular pillows and, if desired, a few decorative cushions.
There is therefore no need to choose exclusively between the two formats: a square pillow can be used to add volume and provide support when sitting up, while a rectangular pillow can be preferred for sleeping.
Square or Rectangular Pillow for Reading in Bed?
When reading or relaxing in bed, your needs are different from when you are sleeping. In this case, you are looking for more support to keep your upper body in a semi-upright position.
This is where the square format really comes into its own. Its height allows it to support a larger part of your back when placed against the headboard.
You can also layer several pillows to adjust your position. When it is time to sleep, the pillows used for support can be placed behind your sleeping pillow or removed from the bed.
Is the Shape of the Pillow Enough to Make the Right Choice?
No. Choosing between square and rectangular is only the first step.
A pillow should also be chosen according to your sleeping position, body shape and the level of support you are looking for. A pillow that is too high or too low may not suit your sleeping position, regardless of its shape.
The filling also plays an important role in how the pillow feels: natural or synthetic, softer or firmer, each type of pillow offers a different level of comfort.
In the second part, we will look at which pillow to choose depending on whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, as well as how to find the height and level of firmness that best suit your sleeping habits.
Which Pillow Should You Choose According to Your Sleeping Position?
The shape of your pillow matters, but your sleeping position is just as important. Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, the space between your head, neck and mattress is different.
The aim is to find a pillow that allows you to settle comfortably without leaving your head feeling too high or too low.
If You Sleep on Your Side
When you sleep on your side, the space between your head and the mattress is influenced in particular by the width of your shoulders. Your pillow therefore needs to provide enough height to support your head and neck comfortably.
In this position, a rectangular pillow can be particularly practical: its width gives you room to move during the night without unnecessarily taking up too much space vertically on the mattress.
Firmness and thickness remain essential, however. Someone with broad shoulders will not necessarily have the same needs as someone with a smaller frame.
If You Sleep on Your Back
When sleeping on your back, it is generally best to avoid a pillow that is so thick that your head is pushed too far forwards.
A rectangular pillow can again be an interesting option, but the height and level of support are more important than the shape itself.
A pillow suited to your body shape should allow your head and neck to rest in a natural and comfortable position without feeling excessively elevated.
If You Sleep on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach generally means turning your head to one side. In this position, a very thick pillow can quickly feel uncomfortable.
If you mainly sleep on your stomach, you may therefore prefer a relatively low and soft pillow. Once again, a rectangular format can be practical because it takes up less space vertically on the mattress.
Some stomach sleepers even prefer a very thin pillow. The right choice therefore depends above all on your body shape and personal comfort.
Square or Rectangular: Is Pillow Height More Important Than Shape?
Shape is the first thing you notice when comparing two pillows, but it should not distract from another essential factor: how thick the pillow actually is once you rest your head on it.
Two 50 × 70 cm pillows can feel completely different depending on their filling, firmness and loft. Likewise, two square pillows of identical dimensions will not necessarily provide the same level of support.
Rather than choosing solely according to the dimensions on the label, think about the sensation you are looking for:
- a lower pillow may be better suited to some stomach sleepers;
- a medium-height pillow may suit many back sleepers;
- a higher pillow may be preferred by some side sleepers, particularly depending on their body shape.
These are only general guidelines: there is no single pillow height that suits every sleeper.
Firm or Soft Pillow: Which Should You Choose?
After shape and height comes the question of support. Again, there is no single answer that works for everyone.
A softer pillow allows the head to sink further into the filling. A firmer pillow provides a different feeling of support and generally retains more of its structure when you lie on it.
Your choice therefore depends on your sleeping position, but also simply on your personal preferences. Some people enjoy the feeling of their head sinking gently into the pillow, while others prefer firmer support.
At Carré Blanc, you can discover our different pillows and compare shapes, fillings and comfort levels according to your sleeping habits.
Natural or Synthetic Filling: What's the Difference?
The filling also has a significant influence on how a pillow feels.
Pillows with Natural Filling
Natural fillings, including down and feathers depending on the model, are appreciated for their loft and their ability to offer a softer or more supportive feel depending on their composition.
They may particularly suit people who like to reshape their pillow by plumping it up or redistributing the filling.
Pillows with Synthetic Filling
Synthetic pillows are also available in different levels of firmness and loft. How they feel depends on the type of fibres used and the construction of the pillow.
The choice between natural and synthetic filling should therefore not be based on the shape of the pillow alone. You should also consider the comfort you are looking for, the care recommendations and the specific characteristics of each model.
Which Pillow Size Should You Choose According to the Width of Your Bed?
The size of your bed can also influence your choice, particularly if you sleep with a partner.
Two large square pillows take up a considerable amount of space across and down the bed. On a more compact bed, two rectangular pillows can create a lighter arrangement while still providing enough space for each sleeper.
On a larger bed, you can make the most of the available space by combining different formats: square pillows against the headboard and rectangular pillows in front for sleeping.
This arrangement allows you to combine comfort and style without having to choose exclusively between the two shapes.
Can You Sleep on a Rectangular Pillow and Keep Square Pillows on the Bed?
Yes, and this can be a particularly appealing solution if you like the generous appearance of a bed styled with several pillows.
You can place two square pillows at the back, against the headboard. They add volume to the bed and can provide support when you are reading or relaxing.
Then place the rectangular pillows you use for sleeping in front. You can also add a few decorative cushions if you wish, without necessarily overcrowding the bed.
This way, you can enjoy the advantages of both formats: square pillows for volume and relaxation, and rectangular pillows for sleeping if this shape better suits your habits.
What If You Change Position During the Night?
Few people remain in exactly the same position throughout the entire night. You may fall asleep on your side, find yourself on your back a few hours later and then change position again.
In this case, it is better not to choose a pillow according to overly strict rules. Instead, look for a balance of height, firmness, loft and dimensions that remains comfortable in your usual sleeping positions.
In the third part, we will compare square and rectangular pillows directly in a table, before looking at how to make your final choice, how to arrange your pillows on the bed and answering the most frequently asked questions in our FAQ.
Square or Rectangular Pillow: A Comparison
Still hesitating between the two formats? Here is a quick comparison to help you identify which one best suits your habits.
| Your needs | Square pillow | Rectangular pillow |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | Suitable depending on your habits | Particularly practical |
| Reading or sitting up in bed | Very suitable | Possible |
| Leaving more room for the shoulders | Takes up more space vertically | More suitable |
| Moving your head during the night | Generous surface | Good width |
| Adding volume to the bed | Very suitable | More discreet |
| Creating a hotel-style bed | Ideal at the back | Ideal at the front |
In short, a rectangular pillow is often particularly practical for sleeping, while a square pillow is useful for sitting up in bed and adding volume. However, your comfort also depends on the height, filling, firmness and your body shape.
50 × 70, 60 × 60 or 65 × 65 cm: Which Size Should You Choose?
Once you have chosen the shape, you still need to select the right dimensions.
The 50 × 70 cm Pillow
The 50 × 70 cm format is rectangular. Its width provides plenty of space for movements of the head while taking up less room vertically on the mattress than a large square pillow.
It is therefore an interesting option if you are primarily looking for a pillow for sleeping or want to leave more space for your shoulders.
The 60 × 60 cm Pillow
The 60 × 60 cm is a common square format. It provides a generous surface while being slightly less imposing than a 65 × 65 cm pillow.
Depending on your preferences, it can be used for sleeping, but also as an additional pillow for reading or adding volume to the bed.
The 65 × 65 cm Pillow
With its generous surface, the 65 × 65 cm format takes up more space on the bed. It is particularly useful if you like to sit comfortably against your pillows or create a generous arrangement around the headboard.
If you use it for sleeping, simply make sure it is positioned in a way that suits your body shape and sleeping habits.
How Should You Arrange Square and Rectangular Pillows on the Bed?
You do not have to choose just one shape. Combining the two can create a bed that is both comfortable and carefully styled.
For a simple arrangement, start by placing two large square pillows against the headboard. They structure the bed and can also provide support when you want to read or relax.
Then place your rectangular sleeping pillows in front if you prefer this format for sleeping. You can finish the arrangement with one or two decorative cushions or a throw at the foot of the bed.
This layered arrangement helps recreate the generous look of a hotel bed while allowing you to sleep on a pillow chosen specifically according to your preferences.
How Do You Make the Final Choice Between a Square and Rectangular Pillow?
Before making your choice, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Do you mainly sleep on your side, back or stomach?
- Do you prefer a low or thicker pillow?
- Do you prefer a soft feel or greater support?
- Do you move around a lot during the night?
- Do you regularly read in bed?
- Would you like to use the same pillow for sleeping and sitting up?
- How much space would you like to leave for your shoulders on the mattress?
If sleeping is your priority and you want to keep more space vertically on the mattress, a rectangular pillow can be a particularly interesting choice.
If you enjoy sitting up in bed or are looking for a generous shape that contributes to the overall look of the bedroom, a square pillow still offers plenty of advantages.
And if you do not want to choose between the two, you can simply combine them.
When Should You Replace Your Pillow?
Even a pillow that is perfectly suited to your sleeping position changes over time. The filling may gradually lose its loft or become unevenly distributed, and the pillow may no longer feel the same as when you first bought it.
Rather than relying solely on a specific replacement timeframe, pay attention to the condition of your pillow. If it remains flat even after you plump it up, if the filling has become uneven or if it no longer provides the comfort you are looking for, it may be time to consider replacing it.
To help preserve your pillow, always follow the instructions on its care label and use a pillowcase that matches its dimensions.
FAQ: Square or Rectangular Pillow?
Which Is Better for Sleeping: a Square or Rectangular Pillow?
There is no single shape that is ideal for everyone. A rectangular pillow is particularly practical for sleeping because it offers good width while taking up less space vertically on the mattress. However, comfort also depends on the pillow's height, firmness, filling, your body shape and your sleeping position.
Why Choose a Rectangular Pillow?
A rectangular pillow leaves more space between the shoulders and the top of the mattress while still providing enough width to accommodate movements of the head. It can therefore be particularly suitable as a sleeping pillow.
Why Choose a Square Pillow?
A square pillow provides a generous surface and can be particularly comfortable for sitting up, reading or relaxing in bed. It is also an excellent way to add volume to the overall arrangement of the bed.
Which Pillow Should You Choose If You Sleep on Your Side?
If you sleep on your side, the height and support of your pillow are particularly important. The space between your head and the mattress varies depending, among other things, on the width of your shoulders. A rectangular pillow can be practical, but its firmness and thickness should above all suit your body shape.
Which Pillow Should You Choose If You Sleep on Your Back?
If you sleep on your back, look for a pillow with a height that allows your head and neck to rest comfortably without feeling excessively elevated. Whether square or rectangular, the right choice depends mainly on thickness, support and your personal preferences.
Which Pillow Should You Choose If You Sleep on Your Stomach?
Stomach sleepers may prefer a relatively low and soft pillow to avoid the feeling of the head being raised too high. A rectangular format can be practical, but thickness remains an essential consideration.
What Is the Standard Size of a Rectangular Pillow?
50 × 70 cm is one of the common rectangular pillow sizes. For square pillows, 60 × 60 cm and 65 × 65 cm are also widely used formats.
Can You Put a Square Pillowcase on a Rectangular Pillow?
It is best to use a pillowcase that matches the dimensions of your pillow. A pillowcase that is too large may leave excess fabric, while one that is too small can compress the pillow and alter its loft.
Can You Mix Square and Rectangular Pillows?
Yes. For example, you can place square pillows against the headboard to add volume and provide support when sitting up, then position your rectangular sleeping pillows in front. This combination allows you to balance comfort and style.
Square or Rectangular Pillow: What Should You Remember?
The choice between a square and rectangular pillow ultimately depends on how you plan to use it and your sleeping habits.
A rectangular pillow can be particularly practical for sleeping thanks to its width and the fact that it takes up less space vertically on the mattress. A square pillow is particularly useful for sitting up, reading and adding volume to your bed styling.
But shape is not everything. Your sleeping position, body shape, pillow height, firmness and filling are all important when choosing the model that best suits you.
At Carré Blanc, discover our selection of pillows and find more advice in our Choosing Your Bedding guide to create a bed suited to your sleeping habits.
