A Long Bolster Pillow Completes Your King Bed
A long bolster pillow is an essential accessory for any king-sized bed. This cylindrical cushion provides back support, props you up comfortably, and brings an elegant decorative touch to your bedroom decor. With the right size and fill material, a quality bolster pillow can maximize the comfort and style of your king bed.
Reasons to Use a Long Bolster Pillow on a King Bed
There are several excellent reasons to use a long bolster pillow on a king-sized bed:
- Provides back support - The bolster's cylindrical shape conforms to the natural curve of your spine, providing ergonomic lumbar support when sitting up in bed. This makes reading, working on a laptop, or watching TV more comfortable.
- Props you up in bed - A long bolster is useful for elevating your upper body when relaxing or sleeping. Place it upright against the headboard to read or sit up comfortably.
- Visually balances the bed - A horizontally oriented bolster can aesthetically anchor and define the lower part of the bed. This creates a polished, tailored look.
- Adds an decorative accent - Available in a range of stylish fabrics like linen, velvet, or cotton, a bolster lends elegance and sophistication to your bedroom's look.
Supports Proper Spine Alignment
One of the main benefits of a long cylindrical bolster is providing ergonomic support for your lower back. When you sit upright in bed against a vertical bolster, it fills the space between your mid to lower back and the headboard. This maintains the natural curve of your spine, preventing slouching and tension.
Eases Back Pain
By supporting proper spinal alignment and minimizing slouching, an upright bolster pillow can help alleviate chronic lower back pain. The cushioning support it provides takes pressure off the lower vertebrae and lumbar discs. This makes it ideal for those recovering from back injuries or surgery.
Comfortable Support for Reading or Working in Bed
Propping yourself up comfortably in bed for reading or using a laptop can be difficult without back support. A long bolster provides a supportive backrest so you can sit upright in bed for extended periods without strain. This makes it easier to relax and focus on your book or work.
Choosing the Right Size Long Bolster for a King Bed
Selecting the optimal long bolster pillow size for your king mattress ensures maximum comfort and visual appeal. Follow these useful tips:
- Measure mattress width - Standard king mattresses are 76" wide. Measure yours to ensure proper bolster fit.
- Bolster length - Ideally, choose a bolster that's at least half the mattress width. A 36-42" long bolster balances comfort and aesthetics.
- Consider your usage - If mainly for back support, opt for a longer bolster. Shorter ones work well horizontally at the foot of the bed.
- Bolster fill affects size - A firmer fill like memory foam results in a slimmer diameter bolster. Down and feathers are fuller.
36" - 42" Recommended Length
For most king beds, a long cylindrical bolster 36" - 42" long offers the right balance of size and decorative flair. This gives enough surface area for comfortable back support. Visually, a bolster of this length elegantly fills up space horizontally across the bottom of the bed without overwhelming the area.
Memory Foam Fill for a Slim, Supportive Bolster
Memory foam makes an excellent fill material for slim, firm bolsters that provide therapeutic back support. The foam molds to the contours of your back while maintaining shape. This results in a supportive, resilient bolster with a narrower cylinder diameter of just 6" - 8".
Material and Fill Options for Long Bolster Pillows
With the wide range of fabrics and interior fills for bolster pillows, you can find one that perfectly suits your priorities - whether that's comfort, support, aesthetics, or affordability. Here are some top options:
- Fabric outer covers - Cotton, linen, velvet, silk, polyester, organic fabrics
- Filling materials - Down and feathers, memory foam, polyester, organic buckwheat hulls
- Fill affects price, durability, hypoallergenic properties, and softness
Luxurious Linen or Velvet Covers
For a touch of luxury, upgrade to a supple linen or beautifully draping velvet fabric cover. Both naturally breathe and help regulate temperature. These textural fabrics also lend visual richness. Carefully laundering preserves their beauty.
Down and Feathers For Plush Softness
A down and feather filled bolster offers cloud-like plushness unmatched by synthetics. The fill conforms gently around your body for cushioning comfort. However, down requires careful upkeep to maintain resilience and loft.
Styling Your Long Bolster Pillow on a King Bed
One of the joys of a long bolster is how versatile it is to style on your bed. Whether laid horizontally, angled across corners, or propped against the headboard, a bolster brings function and elegance. Try these stylish placements:
- Vertically against headboard - Provides upright back support
- Horizontally at mattress bottom - Visually anchors bed
- Angled diagonally from corner - Adds visual interest
- Use one long or two shorter bolsters - Vary the look
Creative Corner Placements
For a unique look, place your bolster at an attractive diagonal angle across the corner of your bed, extending from the headboard to mattress bottom. Or, arrange two shorter bolsters symmetrically across both bottom corners. The angled bolsters create dynamic visual tension.
Stack with Other Pillows at the Headboard
Get creative with lots of piled pillows! Layer your cylindrical bolster horizontally above or below Euro shams and accent pillows of different shapes and sizes. The mix of pillow types adds bountiful texture and dimension.
Caring for Your Long Bolster Pillow
With proper care and cleaning, a quality long bolster will last for years. Follow these maintenance tips:
- Check fabric care instructions
- Use a removable cover for easy washing
- Freshen interior fill yearly
- Spot clean as needed
- Maintain shape by fluffing and smoothing
Invest in a Washable Cover
Protect the pristine look of your bolster and make cleaning easier by using a removable cotton or linen cover. Covers can be easily removed and machine washed regularly to keep your bolster fresh.
Air Out Down or Feathers
If filled with down or feathers, lay the bolster in direct sunlight periodically to refresh the fill. The sunlight naturally sanitizes and fluffs the feathers to maintain loft and support. Turn it frequently to evenly distribute the fill.
Where to Shop for Long Bolster Pillows
You can find quality bolster pillows in a range of sizes, materials, and prices at many home shops. Check these retailers for the perfect options:
- Online stores like Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock
- Big box stores like Target, Walmart
- Specialty linen and bedding shops
- Compare quality, sizes, and prices
Check Specialty Bedding Shops
For the widest selection of luxury bolster pillow options, browse the online catalogs of specialty bed, bath, and linen retailers. You'll find myriad fabrics and fills unavailable at mass-market stores. Expect to pay more for premium materials.
Search Reviews Online
Reading bolster pillow reviews from buyers is invaluable for identifying top-rated picks in terms of durability, comfort, and overall quality. Check reviews on retailer sites like Amazon or independent review sites.
A long bolster pillow is the perfect accessories for enhancing both the comfort and visual appeal of your king-sized bed. With numerous material and fill options, these cushions offer versatile support for sitting up comfortably along with lending an elegant, polished look. Take the time to find a size and style that perfectly suits your needs and bedroom aesthetic.
Your long bolster pillow will serve you well for a long time. Select one in a durable fabric like cotton, linen or velvet, using a removable cover for easy laundering. Fluff and reshape the interior fill periodically to maintain loft and support. A quality long bolster is well worth the investment for the luxury, comfort and style it lends to your king bed.