by Furnishly | Jan 19, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If there’s any spot in your home where you want to feel extra bougie, it’s your bed. Don’t get me wrong, this is the place for lounging and streaming your favorite TV series as you sprawl out in every direction, but you also want to feel like you’re surrounded by the softest, comfiest sheets and covers as you do so. Finding your perfect bedding set doesn’t seem too difficult when you consider all the brands and retailers you have at your fingertips, but finding something of high quality for a reasonable price? That’s another story. Among all the bedding brands we know and love here at AT, there’s one we frequently return to when we want low-cost staples that rival those from any luxury brand, and that’s Quince. They have so many bedding essentials to choose from in different colors and materials, you’re sure to find something you like. If you need a little help getting started, not to worry — you’ll find our top 10 picks below.
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by Furnishly | Dec 16, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Britt FranklinAssistant Shopping Editor
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to satiate her natural-born wanderlust. (Sometimes even all at the same time.)
by Furnishly | Sep 9, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Making sure your bed and bedroom are primed for rest and relaxation is a vital part of making your home happy and healthy — all of which we take seriously at Apartment Therapy. As the unsung heroes of the bedroom, pillows are typically one of those bedding essentials you don’t really notice until something’s wrong. If something is, it’s probably because your pillow isn’t the best for your sleep position. So, we got to testing. We’ve determined the best mattresses for different sleep positions, have a whole list of the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers, and tested a ton of silk pillowcases to find out which ones are worth it. We’ve even got a round-up of the best editor-tested pillows, but what about those best suited for the most popular sleep position? Side sleepers, this Best List was made specifically for you. Of all the dozens of pillows we’ve tested, these are the very best for side sleepers, from firm and ergonomic to soft and cuddly.
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The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
What to Consider When Buying a Pillow for Side Sleepers
As we mention in our complete guide to the best pillows, there are two main features to consider when shopping for one: firmness and fill. But when you narrow your search for the best pillow for you and you tend to sleep on your side — or even in multiple positions — shape becomes the third important aspect to consider. Altogether, a pillow’s shape, firmness, and fill contribute to its overall support, and for side sleepers, personalized support is key.
For a breakdown of the most common types of pillow fill, you can reference our complete guide. Once you know the basics of memory foam, gel, down, down alternative, and latex fill types, it’s time to chat about their pros and cons for side sleepers.
Memory foam: This common fill type tends to allow the head to sink into it. Keep in mind, leveling up the firmness of a memory foam pillow could also mean experiencing extra warmth from heat trapped by its density. This said, memory foam pillows in contouring shapes can help counter these effects and provide the head and neck more tailored support for side sleepers.
Gel: Gel is a form of memory foam — its longer name is “gel-infused memory foam.” The main benefit of gel is that it makes the foam much more breathable, which is great for sweaty sleepers who need a cooling material. It’s also a bit denser than memory foam, so it offers greater support for side sleepers.
Down: Down, made from the natural material found under the feathers of geese or ducks, tends to flatten over time. A high-quality down pillow with a firm feel can combat this in the short term, but since side sleepers require support, you’ll see more synthetic fiber fills in our list than natural ones. Real down material can also trigger allergies and/or ethical concerns for some.
Down alternative: If you want the same luxurious feel as natural down, there are plenty of down alternative options that are nearly identical to the real thing. The added benefit here is that synthetic down fill has less of a tendency to flatten over time, so lack of support is less likely to creep up on side sleepers.
Latex: Latex comes from the rubber tree and is a chemical-free alternative to foam. Soft, bouncy, and durable, it’s a high-quality material that typically has a higher price tag. It’s also hypoallergenic and anti-fungal, and it doesn’t absorb heat like foam does. Most organic pillows are made from latex, and it’s an excellent, sustainable fill option for side sleepers.
Because they work in tandem, it makes sense to think about pillow firmness and height in relation to each other. For side sleepers, a pillow’s height is possibly one of the most important factors: It has to be able to raise your head enough to align your spine without letting it sink throughout the night (or over time, for that matter). That said, if you’ve got a pillow with plenty of height that lacks firmness, you may still not be sleeping with a level of support critical for side sleepers. Because the space between our shoulders, neck, and head differs from person to person, our ideal fits can vary from piling up multiple soft pillows to sleeping on a single firm pillow with a taller height. As with most things, a little experimentation might be called for.
Tip: If you sleep in multiple positions, consider two pillows of different firmness levels: one suited for the position you fall asleep in and another nearby in case you toss and turn and need more or less support in the position you wake up in.
What We Look for in a Pillow for Side Sleepers
We tested a wide range of pillows for our list, judging them on the following criteria:
Our best overall pillow for side sleepers had a lot to achieve (not to mention some pretty particular editors to impress), and Cushion Lab’s Deep Sleep Pillow, with its gentle contouring and perfect medium-firm feel, comes out on the top of our list. Assistant shopping editor Britt says, “I was never really a sculpted-pillow person before, but the Deep Sleep Pillow has changed my mind. It has high and low neck supports and side-sleeper bolsters that create a cushioned cradle whether I turn to the left or right, as well as ample support when I am on my back. I’ve never before slept on a pillow that made me sigh in relief every time I change positions. I haven’t had any recent shoulder or neck aches, and I wake up feeling vacation-level rested. Deep sleep, indeed!”
Who It’s Best For: Those who want contouring without the obvious look of it; those who sleep in multiple positions.
Good to Know: Need several? When you shop multiple Deep Sleep pillows, you can save up to $20 off the total.
Commerce SEO editor Sarah began her quest for a new head rest when she “looked down at my pancaked pillow and I thought to myself, ‘Ouch — it may be time for an upgrade.’” Luckily for her, and for the rest of us, the upgrade comes in a pack of two and is available via Amazon for less than $50. “As a side sleeper, I knew I needed to find something with an ample amount of support for my neck,” Sarah says. Fern & Willow’s Premium Down Alternative Pillow Set became her “new go-to that was just right.”
“Not only did they provide outstanding neck support,” she continues, “but I was floored by how well they kept their shape. After a couple days, my neck pain was gone and I knew there was no turning back. In fact, when I went to visit my parents for a month, I ended up buying a set for their guest room. What can I say? I’m a ride or die when it comes to products that work for me.” And it’s pretty much what we’re all about at AT.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want the most bang for their buck; those who want a set of the same pillows.
Good to Know: Yep, these pillows are totally machine washable! Be sure to let them air dry for 72 hours before putting them back to use.
AT’s founder and CEO Maxwell can’t say enough great things about The PIllow Bar’s Down Alternative Side Sleeper Pillow. “I’m a side sleeper,” he says. “I chose four pillows from our list to get a sense of the differences, slept with each one, and came back very swiftly — spoiler alert — to liking the most luxurious, most expensive one.” Not only was Maxwell impressed by this luxe pillow, but two of his fellow testing editors also “joined me in this unanimous ruling, EVEN THOUGH we admitted that it would be hard to recommend this pillow to AT readers, since it would assuredly bring sticker shock. Nevertheless…” here we are recommending it. So, for side sleepers who are willing to invest, you’ve met your match.
It’s a down pillow — points for price justification — that’s also shaped like a boomerang so “your head is aligned with your spine to keep your blood flowing freely all night long. Problems result when this is not the case,” Maxwell shares. “I found myself quickly adapting to the unique shape of the pillow and the fact that a down pillow was quite firm (better to keep the head up). The pillow sits under your neck, but then slopes into your body in front of you, giving you a really nice feeling of an embrace.”
Who It’s Best For: Those who want something that fully contours around their head, neck, and shoulder; those who want something to help prevent excess movement.
Good to Know: The Pillow Bar recommends washing the cover once a week when you’re using it regularly.
Designed for side sleepers, the Pillow Cube has a wide range of unique, angular, and editor-loved pillows. Tack on the breathable poly-fiber fill that gives it such great support and noticeable temperature regulation, and it’s no surprise that the Ice Cube Cooling Pillow PRO wins our best cooling category.“I can lay on my side for way longer than I was able to before,” says Britt, “because the unique shape of the pillow fits in the curve between my neck and shoulder, relieving the pressure that would typically prompt me to roll over.” A wannabe side sleeper turned stomach sleeper, Britt could never get quite comfortable enough on her side. Now, after using the Ice Cube, she sleeps on her side more often. But this pillow doesn’t just live in her bedroom: “When I’m relaxing on the couch, I like to lay down on my side and watch TV, so I’ve been using the Ice Cube instead of the (less-than-ideal) sofa arm. I never thought I’d use a square pillow ever, but this is definitely a find that makes me so happy that I let my curiosity get the best of me.”
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot and on their sides; those who want something supportive while lounging.
Good to Know: Pillow Cube recommends using a pillowcase on top of the Ice Cube’s cooling cover to protect it from possible pilling.
*Honorable Mention: The Layla Kapok Pillow. “Like the mattress, the pillow does NOT disappoint,” says AT contributor Emily. “I’ve tried other cooling pillows in the past, but none have this medium-firm density and are able to keep cooling through thick pillowcases! Definitely a 10/10.”
“The Easy Breather Pillow arrives at its firmest,” Britt says of our best adjustable pillow for side sleepers. “It’s packed with a mix of memory foam and polyester fiber, and it comes overstuffed on purpose. The point of the pillow is for you to adjust it to your liking by removing the fill, and it even comes with a complimentary cloth bag to hold any removed fill in case you want to add it back in later.” So far, so good. Not only is the pillow height and firmness adjustable, but its cover is cooling and machine washable, “so you end up with a versatile pillow that won’t need to be replaced as quickly as others,” Britt says, “which saves money in the long run.” Even better.
Britt adds that she’s impressed with the shape of the Easy Breather Pillow. “I’ve become more of a combination sleeper these days, alternating between my stomach and side, so a firm-but-not-too-firm pillow is perfect for me. To accomplish that with the Easy Breather Pillow, it just meant taking out a fraction of the fill to make it softer while preserving a supportive level of firmness.” Easy Breather, easy peasy.
Who It’s Best For: Those who change sleep positions; those who want the ability to change firmness and height as needed.
Good to Know: Nest Bedding advises making your Easy Breather “very soft first by removing a lot of fill… then add some back as you test to reach your optimal firmness.
When searching for the best ergonomic pillow for side sleepers, we hoped for something with a subtle shape that we could keep discreetly on our beds when they’re made and fit easily into the standard-size pillowcases we already love. Ultimately, though, it had to perform in terms of spine alignment throughout the night and allowing us to wake up pain-free. News & culture director Tara “likes that the Sleep Number Comfortfit Curved Pillow keeps its shape, is firm but not uncomfortable, and feels supportive no matter what position I am sleeping in. The curved shape creates a little pocket for your shoulder,” which is ideal if you’re a side sleeper and can prevent unnecessary tossing and turning. In fact, “my boyfriend said that he felt that he tossed and turned less frequently when he used it,” Tara says. “It was comfortable when I put my arm underneath the pillow as well.” It’s a uniquely shaped pillow that can still be used a number of ways — but we especially love that it maintains its unique shape night after night.
Who It’s Best For: Those who primarily sleep on their sides; those who want to prevent as much flattening over time as possible.
Good to Know: Not convinced this one’s for you? Sleep Number also has a Pillow Quiz that’ll help you land on the right one.
by Furnishly | Sep 5, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Britt FranklinAssistant Shopping Editor
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to satiate her natural-born wanderlust. (Sometimes even all at the same time.)
by Furnishly | Sep 2, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Whenever my space feels a little blah, my tried and true trick is to swap out a few of my old throw pillows with a couple of fun, new ones. This small change can completely redefine your space, shifting your aesthetic and making it feel brighter, polished, and totally new. But where do you find the perfect throw pillow? With so many places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start — but fear not. Whether you’re looking to invest in versatile throw pillows that will look good all year long, or you simply want to swap out your pillows for something a bit more seasonal, we’ve rounded up 15 places you have to check out to find the perfect throw pillows for any space (and style!).
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Do you have a go-to source you swear by for awesome throw pillows? Share your favorite places in the comments below!
The popular retailer may be best known for its fashion offerings, but did you know H&M is also home to a killer home department? Featuring tons of contemporary designs, H&M Home’s throw pillows run the gambit from bold and eyecatching to chich a neutral, like this tassel accented pick, all coming in at an affordable price.
For a wide range of more affordable options, you can’t go wrong with Joss & Main. The retailer allows you to shop by color, shape, type, and room type to find the perfect decorative pillows. This courduroy pillow will elevate any space with its intricate details and subtle colors (and feel free to mix and match — there are six hues to choose from!).
Add unique accents to your home with the contemporary African designs of 54kibo. The brand exclusively sells products from top African designers, and their selection of throw pillows features bold graphic designs and beautiful threadwork. This vibrant pillow showcases contemporary African design in a colorful print, and is handmade in South Africa.
You can always count on Society6 for fun designs and bold prints, and their pillow assortment is no different. Shop by art type, like illustration, photography, graphic design, and more, to find your ideal style, or search directly for designers you already like. We might be a little biased, but we love how our 2020 Pattern of the Year looks on this Terracotta throw pillow.
West Elm is beloved for its chic mid-century designs, so is it any shock to hear it’s home to some of the chicest understated throw pillows around? Take this cozy pillow — handwoven from thick yarn, each pillow features a chunky knit design that’s soft to the touch and perfect for late night’s cuddled up on the sofa.
Urban Outfitters is a treasure trove of quirky, trendy pillows that’ll suit nearly any home aesthetic. Although these pillows aren’t quite as cheap as other options on this list, most pillows on this retailer’s website are eye-catching. They come in unique shapes, like this strawberry throw pillow, and color combinations that will create focal points on your couch or bed.
When it comes to pillows with bold designs, Jungalow has you covered. The brand’s luxe home accessories will elevate any room you add them to, and the pillow collection is particularly good. If you’re looking for a throw pillow that will grab attention, check out the Reef Pillow. With its bold colors and tropical motif, it’ll add some bold boho flair to your sofa.
For unique, block-printed textiles, check out the distinctive pillow selection at John Robshaw. You’ll find one-of-a-kind prints in a range of sizes and all styles, all of which are painted, printed, and stitched by hand. Try this throw pillow to add a sense of zen to your space — the bold pattern and larger size mean it’s perfect for a bed.
You might know Minted for their wedding invitations and stationery, but did you know they also have a great line of throw pillows? From minimalist designs to funky graphic prints, the selection at Minted is curated from independent artists and filled with unexpected finds. This “Surf’s Up” Pillow is a great addition to a nautical-themed living room or nursery.
For handmade pieces sourced from artisans around the world, shop for your pillows at St. Frank. The range of sturdy, printed pillows showcase whimsical designs and lively colors, and all of them are ethically sourced and made using heritage craft techniques. Add this terracotta throw pillow to a neutral couch to create a finished, casual look.
If you’re looking for multiple throw pillows for every room, shop Overstock’s giant selection. You can shop by style — like textured, geometric, faux fur, and more — to find the exact pillow you’re looking for. Plus, you can always find a deal. Considering swapping out your pillows for a summer vibe? This Tommy Bahama striped throw pillow is a great find.
For unique pillows tailored to your specific aesthetic, Etsy should be one of the first places you browse. From expertly embroidered cushions to contemporary monogrammed pillows, Etsy is the place to shop for customized, affordable designs from small businesses. This pillow from Aishea Home is made of durable mud/bogolan cloth, perfect for a modern boho space.
If you’re as obsessed with Rifle Paper Co’s stationery, you’ll love their pillow selection, too. You’ll find the brand’s signature prints, ranging from bold and colorful patterns to sweet and simple florals. For example, this lovely Botanical Pillow will give your room year-round springtime vibes.
For more affordable options, check out the array of pillows at Bed Bath & Beyond. Shop by color, price, brand, and rating to find the perfect fit for your home — in particular, this is a good spot to find basic, neutral pillows. This pillow, available in four muted colors, will polish off your space, especially when paired with more vibrant options.
For luxury designs that will delight everyone who visits your home, One Kings Lane has what you need. The retailer specializes in traditional, classically beautiful designs that will add a refined look to your space. We especially love the vibrancy of this red pillow, featuring zebras and a feather-and-down insert.
Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
