Wait, is this the end of the throw pillow pile? Why 'unipillows' are the new bedroom power move

There was a time when styling a bed meant surrendering to the tyranny of the throw pillow – fourteen deep, in every conceivable shape and trim, stacked like a soft sculpture no one dared disturb. But lately, designers and brands alike are saying the fluff is enough, ditching the pillow fort in favor of something sleeker: one pillow. One really good pillow.

‘We’re seeing more and more of our clients – especially our city dwellers – request fewer throw pillows when it comes to styling a bed,’ says New York–based designer Darci Hether. ‘Instead of the typical pile, they’re opting for one standout piece that makes a statement for their bedroom ideas. Not only does it create a clean, modern tone, but it’s also practical: in tighter spaces, storing a mountain of pillows at night isn’t realistic (and frankly, can turn into a tripping hazard at 2 a.m. – not exactly the vibe anyone’s going for!).’

The new rule of bed styling is one and done, which means that a single throw pillow better be interesting. Most are long, elongated lumbars, architectural bolsters, or even the occasionally confident body pillow. Retailers like CB2 and Lulu and Georgia are making it hard to commit to the bit of buying just one, thanks to their irresistibly punchy patterns and rich textures. Think Deco geometrics, embroidered tigers, and silky-smooth velvets.

‘Scale matters most,’ notes Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios. ‘A long lumbar that stretches nearly across the bed always makes a bigger statement than a short one lost in the middle.’ And don’t play this bedding too safe, either. ‘Choosing a fabric with a bit of texture or pattern draws the eye and gives the bed a sense of polish even without layers of cushions.’ (Midimalist bedroom ideas, if you will.)

As temperatures drop, there’s a valid fear that this move might read more stark than snug. ‘You can keep the warmth by layering elsewhere,’ says Brittney Luedecke, founder of Signature Styles in San Antonio. ‘Think a chunky knit throw, a quilt folded at the foot of the bed, or warm wood tones in the furniture. The single pillow becomes a statement piece while the other layers keep the space plush and welcoming.’

It might sound counterintuitive, but one pillow really is more comfortable than ten. This minimalist bedroom approach eliminates visual clutter – and the physical kind, too – creating a calmer, more relaxing bedroom that soothes the body, mind, and (maybe most importantly) your bank account. Don’t be surprised if you finally delete five of the six pillows languishing in your open tabs.

Ahead, six pillows that prove one really is the loneliest – and loveliest – number.

People are craving less clutter and more clarity – in small city bedrooms and beyond. ‘We’re also seeing this trend extend into formal living spaces, where the goal is a tailored, less-cluttered look,’ says Darci Hether of the growing ‘unipillow’ moment.

Lauren Saab adds: ‘On a window seat or built-in bench, a single bolster is enough.’ Like the bed, you don’t need a mountain of cushions to make a space feel finished, or even inviting. ‘It softens the spot while keeping the design crisp, and it turns an empty corner into a finished moment,’ she explains.

Which is excellent news – all the license you need to buy another bolster.