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In this day and age of Home Edits and Marie Kondos, surely we all know by now how to properly organize and store pillows. They’re soft, squishy and fairly small. But if you’re a pillow hoarder with just one too many pillows and not a lot of storage space, then pillow storage can be a problem. But as always, we got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive list of pillow storage ideas for all those extra pillows.
Bedroom pillow storage ideas
First of all, do you really need all those extra pillows? If you answered yes, then stop buying pillows until you’ve used up your stash. That goes for extra linens and seasonal throw pillows too. Now here are all the ways you can store all those pillows.
How to store bedroom pillows when not in use:
- Under the bed
- Storage bench
- Storage headboard
- Storage ottoman
- Next to the bed
- Plastic bins
- Vacuum-sealed bags
- Wicker trunk
Under the bed
Storing pillows under the bed is a great way to save space in your bedroom. If you live in a small bedroom/apartment like I do this is ideal.
It’s also a great way to keep your pillows out of the way when not in use. When storing pillows under the bed, it’s important to make sure they are stored in a way that won’t cause any damage or dust buildup or worse, mold and mildew. The best way to do this is to wrap the pillows in a protective covering such as a pillow cover or vacuum storage bags (more on these below). The covering will help keep the pillows clean and dust-free.
Also, it is important to make sure the pillows are not placed in direct contact with the floor as this can cause them to become moldy or mildewed. Once the pillows are wrapped and placed in the desired spot, it is a good idea to check on them periodically to make sure they are still in good condition.
Storage bench
A storage bench is a great storage solution. Not only is it functional, when closed it can serve as a standing shelf to display your home décor or as a seating area.
To store pillows in a storage bench, wrap each pillow in a protective covering such as pillow covers or plastic bags and stack inside the storage bench. As a preventative measure especially if you live in a humid climate, stick a couple of packets of silica gel into the storage bench along with the pillows. This keeps the moisture levels in check and can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Again, check on your pillows from time to time to make sure that they are clean and dry. If not, then you may need to wash the pillows before returning them to storage. If you choose to include silica packets, change them out every couple of weeks.
Storage headboard
If you’re a lucky duck whose bed comes with a storage headboard, you can store pillows in them too. Some beds come with either cubbies or built-in drawers. The only caveat is, most storage headboards can only fit small to medium sized pillows (hint: they’re great for storing extra travel pillows) If you’ve got Kings and extra large pillows like the ones made by Luxe or Airweave, they may not fit.
Once again, pillow covers are your best friends. Slip each pillow into one pillow cover each and you’re good to go.
Storage ottoman
Similar to a storage bench, a storage ottoman only works as a storage solution but also as a seating area or coffee table. Things like storage benches and ottomans are great space savers for those with very limited space.
Storage ottomans come in many different sizes and depending on what you have, you can store as many pillows and bedding as you want in your storage ottoman. The same rule applies as that with the storage bench: Use pillow covers to protect your extra pillows from any dust and mold and stack into your storage ottoman.
Next to the bed
This can mean one of two things: on the floor next to the bed if your bed is parallel to the wall and there’s a little bit of space between or on top of a chair or loveseat if you have one next to your bed.
Usually if pillows are stored in plain sight, this means they are used in rotation with the other pillows on a bed. They should also be pleasant to look at or else your bedroom will look a little undone and unkempt. You do not need to use pillow covers if you store your pillows this way but a pillow case can go a long way.
By on the floor next to your bed, we don’t mean that you just chuck them onto the floor. The same rule applies like that of storing pillows under the bed.
Plastic bins
Plastic bins are excellent when it comes to storing pillows and other stuff. They are waterproof and pretty sturdy.
To store pillows and decorative pillows in plastic bins, make sure to choose one that is large enough to fit all your extra pillows. It is also a good idea to line the bin with a thin layer of moisture-absorbing paper or fabric so your pillows won’t stick to the plastic. Place the pillows in the bin, stacking them neatly and making sure they are not cramped together. Then, place another layer of paper or fabric on top of the pillows and close the plastic lid tight. This helps seal the plastic bin from any unwanted dirt or moisture.
Vacuum-sealed bags
Whoever came up with vacuum storage bags is a genius. By storing your extra pillows, other bedding and linens such as blankets and sheets in vacuum sealed bags, you are ensuring their longevity. This is because vacuum sealing sucks all the air out from each bag which then keeps out all the nasties such as dirt, dust, moisture and closet critters. As a bonus, vacuum sealing your pillows will flatten them uniformly which makes them easier to stack and adds more room. Also, don’t worry, as soon as you take them out of the bags, they fluff up to their original size.
To vacuum seal your extra pillows, you need to choose bags that can fit whatever pillow sizes you have plus a little more room for the sealer. Most home improvement stores will have different sized bags to choose from. Use one pillow per bag. Remember, you can’t just vacuum seal any regular plastic bags, specialty barrier bags are needed.
Place the pillow into the bag and seal the open end leaving a couple of inches of space at the top. Place the vacuum sealed bag onto the vacuum sealer and press the seal button. This will create a tight seal around the pillow. Once the seal is complete, remove the bag from the vacuum sealer and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight such as storage bins or your linen closet.
Wicker trunk
Wicker trunks and wicker baskets are a pretty way to store pillows. Storage spaces that look nice are a clever way of playing up your decor but keeping pillows in wicker trunk or basket involves a bit more work compared to other storage solutions.
Again, make sure that your wicker trunk or basket can fit all the pillows you want to store. Then begin by lining the inside of your wicker trunk with plastic sheeting. This helps keep moisture and dust at bay because depending on where you live, wicker can be a moisture magnet.
Next, place a thin layer of foam at the bottom of the trunk and place one pillow on top of it. Keep alternating foam layers with each and every pillow. Once you reach the top, cover with moisture-absorbent paper or fabric and close the wicker trunk.
Alternatively, you can vacuum seal your pillows before stacking them inside the wicker trunk, thus eliminating the need to line your trunk or basket with plastic and foam.
Throw pillow storage ideas
Usually smaller and thinner than regular pillows, throw pillows can be stored properly in much the same way as we’ve outline above but here are a few more great tips.
How to store throw pillows when not in use:
- Stacked on chair
- Storage shelf
- Linen closet
- Built-in storage
- Lift-top table
- Closet shelves
- Plastic trash bags
- Cardboard boxes
Stacked on chair
If you’ve got an extra chair in your bedroom or your living room that does not get a lot of love, repurpose it as a storage space! Not only will it help keep your throw pillows organized and within easy reach but it will also look cozy and inviting.
Stack them up however you wish but we found that it’s best to start with the largest at the bottom and smallest on top.
Storage shelf
If your storage shelf is open plan, you need to make sure your organization looks nice and cohesive as well as ensuring that your pillows won’t shift or budge.
To do this you need to first make sure that your shelf can accommodate all your throw pillows. Before you begin stacking, we suggest placing your pillows in either vacuum bags or covering each one with a pillow cover. This will help prevent dust and dirt from collecting on your pillows.
Place the pillows in an organized pattern on the shelf. Make sure that the pillows aren’t too close together and that there is enough space for air circulation. We also suggest putting a sheet of cardboard between each layer of pillows to help maintain their shape and prevent them from shifting. Cover the top shelf with a dust cover or sheet to protect the pillows from dust and dirt.
Linen closet
This is where you can have a bit of organizational fun, especially if you’re a Home Edit fan like I am. Linen closets usually have a lot of space to be able to store your throw pillows – as well as everything else you need to dress up your bed or couch.
It is best if you can utilize covered bins or baskets which helps keep your pillows well-organized and easy to find. Place the pillows inside the bins and line them up neatly along a shelf or on the floor. Place a lid or cover over each bin to keep the pillows protected from dust and moisture. Label each bin clearly to make it easy to find the correct pillow.
In the likely event that you have more throw pillows than bins, consider using a storage bag or vacuum seal bag to store them in. This will help keep them dust and moisture free.
Built-in storage
Depending on what kind of built-in storage you have, the first thing you need to make sure is that it can accommodate all your throw pillows. Next is if it is an open plan storage or one that is closed.
For open plan, it’s best to place your throw pillows in decorative baskets or boxes. Similar to what we’ve done in the linen closet previously, you can label these boxes to make your pillows easier to find, especially if you use different types of pillows for each season.
For closed plan storage (ones that have a door), you can line your vacuum sealed pillows on a shelf or if your storage features a hanging mount, you can use a hanging storage bag with compartments large enough to fit your throw pillows.
Lift-top table
Lift-top tables are a genius idea when it comes to storing throw pillows. We also love that it serves two entirely different purposes whilst being great space savers.
To store throw pillows in lift-top tables, vacuum seal each pillow before stacking them inside the table. This helps create more space within the lift-top table so you will be able to store more as well as helping keep moisture and dirt away.
Closet shelves
Depending on the size of your closet and the number of throw pillows you have, there are several ways to store them in closet shelves. If you have a lot of throw pillows, you may want to purchase storage containers that can fit in the shelves, such as plastic bins or baskets. If you have fewer throw pillows, you can simply stack them on the shelves.
If you have a lot of space, you can even hang the pillows from hooks or pegs for easy access. You can also use shelves or hangers to display the pillows, making them a decorative part of your closet.
Plastic trash bags
Don’t have a vacuum sealer just yet? You can use good old plastic trash bags in the meantime. To store throw pillows in plastic trash bags, start by placing the pillow in the center of the bag. Then, use tape to secure the opening of the bag. Finally, tie the bag shut and store it in a cool, dry place such as under your bed or in a closet.
Cardboard boxes
Similar to storage bins, you can store throw pillows in cardboard boxes if that’s what you have or prefer. A little more precaution is needed though because cardboard can be prone to moisture.
First, you start by placing your throw pillows inside clear plastic bags or vacuum bags. Place the pillows inside a cardboard box, add a couple of packets of silica gel if you wish.
If the box is too large for the pillows, use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill in the extra space. Make sure to seal the box securely with packing tape. Label the box “Throw Pillows” to make sure it’s easily identifiable.
Store the box in a cool, dry place – now this is crucial because as we’ve mentioned, cardboard can be a magnet for moisture. Make sure to check on your pillows from time to time.
FAQs
Most garages serve as a catchall for extra or unneeded items around the house. This includes pillows. If you plan to store your throw pillows in the garage, make sure to seal them in vacuum bags before storing them in waterproof plastic bins or boxes.
There are a few factors when it comes to how many pillows should be in a bedroom: bed size, personal preferences and whether or not you share your bed with a partner. As a general rule, each sleeper should ideally have a pillow to lay on, a pillow to hug or straddle and one throw pillow as a decorative piece. Add as needed.
You can store pillows for the winter by keeping them under your bed in vacuum storage bags, in your linen closet or any other storage space you may have.
Guest pillows should be stored in vacuum sealed bags or plastic bins under the bed in the guest bedroom or in the linen closet.
Seasonal pillows like decorative holiday pillows should ideally be kept in the same storage space as your other seasonal decor. They can be stored just like regular pillows.
Conclusion
There is certainly more than one way to store pillows, even if you think you do not seem to have a lot of storage space. We’ve outlined all the ways you can do so above.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to storing your pillows is that they are protected from moisture, dirt and dust.
And remember, before you go buying more pillows, make sure to use up your pillow stash first!
Next step: Read our My Nuzzle Pillow review. Nuzzle is one of the most popular pillows in the world, but is it worth it? We go over the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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