There’s a certain shape of pillow which is synonymous with opulent living. The humble, European-style square pillow is named as such because it’s an incredibly popular decorative and supportive addition to any sleep set-up throughout the continent.
Geographically, we’re part of Europe here in the UK – but it’s no secret that we tend to fall short culturally. From distinctly beige British food and drink to our perennially rainy weather, there’s a reason so many of us flock to the likes of Portugal, Spain, France and Italy whenever we get the chance.
Continental living means enjoying perfectly brewed coffee on a balcony in the sunshine, walks through bustling cultural capitals, the joy of learning a new language, and the excitement of being exposed to new customs. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to spend an extended time abroad in greater, sunny Europe, you might have come across one of the most criminally underrated customs related to the bedroom. It’s not what you think.
Though largely considered to solely provide aesthetic value, especially across luxury hotels, here at ES Best, we’re all for using continental-style pillows to sleep on. Though there’s no official standardisation which dictates the size of a ‘traditional’ European pillow, they typically measure roughly 65 x 65cm, or 26 x 26 inches. Double the size of a classic square throw cushion and taller than a standard 51 x 66cm rectangular pillow, European pillows instantly bring a sense of depth and style to the bedroom.
What are the benefits of investing in European pillows?
We’ve curated a selection of the best European-style pillows in various sizes, with a plethora of different fills.
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Bedfolk Down Alternative Square Pillow, Soft/Medium
Size: 65 x 65cm
For true, European-style, sink-in comfort – look no further than Bedfolk’s selection of down-and-down alternative square pillows. They come in soft/medium and medium/firm styles, with each of them measuring an impressive 65 x 65cm.
Though their natural fills are responsibly sourced, the allergy-prone among us are big fans of the down alternative, which consists of 100 per cent recycled plastic fill (hypoallergenic hollow fibre) with a 100 per cent cotton casing featuring delicate piping.
Buy now £59.90, John Lewis
John Lewis Natural Collection Goose Feather & Down Square Pillow, Medium
Size: 63 x 63cm
Though slightly smaller than a standard Euro pillow at 63 x 63cm, this luxurious natural goose feather and down option is perfect for those with smaller double beds who are looking to elevate their sleep-scape. Crafted in John Lewis’ partner textile factory in Lancashire, the ‘Nomite’ fill allows those with dust mite allergies to enjoy a plush, natural filling.
Buy now £55.00, John Lewis
Homescapes Microfibre Euro Continental Square Pillow Pair
Size: 80 x 80cm
Not only do these marvellously huge continental pillows come as a pair, but they’re remarkably well-priced. They’re filled with 100 per cent hypoallergenic microfibre and are twin-stitched along each edge keeping dust mites at bay.
Buy now £29.99, Homescapes
Homescapes Duck Feather & Down Euro Continental Square Pillow Pair
Size: 80cm x 80cm
Filled with hypoallergenic and ethically sourced duck feathers and down, this extra-large pair of plush continental pillows from Homescapes is set to elevate your sleeping experience tenfold. The double-stitching not only keeps dust mites out, but keeps all those precious, Oeko-Tex certified feathers in place.
Buy now £39.99, Homescapes
Utopia Bedding Cushion Inner Pads (Pack of 2)
Size: 65 x 65cm
Though available in a variety of sizes ranging from 30 x 30cm all the way up to traditional continental sizing – we say go big or go home. These cushion inserts by Utopia Bedding are filled with soft siliconised fibre which allows for a constantly full look without constant plumping.
Buy now £19.54, Amazon
Rohi Set of 2 Hypoallergic Cushion Inner Pads
Size: 65 x 65cm
Offered at an incredibly value-for-money price, these hypoallergenic cushion pads are nevertheless the exact same size as the majority of standard, hotel-grade European pillows. Soft and plump yet subtly supportive, the polyester hollow fibre filling bounces back with ease.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Bedding Direct UK Superior 80 x 80cm Square Euro Pillow
Size: 80 x 80cm
Complete with a rather luxurious and high-end satin stripe design, these continental pillows by Bedding Direct are a sure-fire investment in your best night’s sleep yet. Complete with an anti-allergy polyester spiral fibre fill and supreme bounce-back, standard rectangular pillows are set to be a thing of the past.
Buy now £29.89, Amazon
Verdict
The sheer variety of firmness and fillings aside, Bedfolk has truly mastered the art of the continental, European-style pillow. Plush, non-reactive and compatible with the brand’s range of gorgeous cushion covers – anything from Bedfolk will improve your sleep experience, but these pillows take the cake.
