How to Use a European Pillowcase to Add Colour to Your Bedroom (Without Getting Out the Paintbrush)

We get it- sometimes you look around your bedroom and think, Hmm… bit beige, isn’t it? But between work, life, and trying to remember if you fed the dog (again), repainting the walls or overhauling the furniture feels like a next year problem.

Enter: the European pillowcase
A quick, cosy, commitment-free way to add colour, texture, and that just-styled-but-still-snuggly feel to your bedroom… no renovations required

Wait- what is a European pillowcase again?

Good question!
A European pillowcase is the square one. Typically 65cm x 65cm, it’s larger and squishier than your standard rectangle pillow. It’s basically a squishier, comfier version of the throw cushion

At Jade and May, our European pillowcases are part of our linen homewares collection. They’re made from ethically sourced, natural fibres (because you can be stylish and sustainable), and they’re the perfect starting point for a bedroom refresh

How to Add Colour with a European Pillowcase

Here’s how to bring a little more oomph to your bedroom styling, one square pillow at a time:

1. Go Bold or Go Home 

Pick a European pillowcase in a standout colour. Think deep Burnt Clay, moody Grape Slushie, or a calming Jade green—a nod to our namesake, naturally.

Pop two at the head of your bed, behind your regular pillows. They’ll instantly frame your space, adding a layer of colour that’s not too shouty but still makes an impact

2. Mix and Match Your Linen Homewares

Don’t be afraid to clash (in a chic way). Pair your European pillows with a neutral quilt cover but throw in different textures - think a linen duvet, a cotton waffle throw, and maybe a velvet cushion for good measure. The result? That effortless, cosy vibe we all want for a precious downtime

All our linen homewares are made to play well together. No colour combos are off-limits, promise.

3. Switch Them Out Seasonally

A simple pillowcase swap can take your room from summer light and bright to winter warm and cosy. No heavy lifting required. Our ethically made homewares are designed to last through countless seasons, so you can rotate your favourites as often as your mood changes.

4. Layer It Up

The European pillow is the backbone of that layered bed look you see in magazines (the one you save to your ‘dream home’ pinterest board ). Place them at the back, then layer your standard pillows, followed by your cushions. Instant boutique hotel vibes in the cosiest, plushest kinda way

Why Choose Ethically Made Linen Homewares?

At Jade and May, we believe your home should feel good—literally and ethically. That’s why all our linen homewares, from European pillowcases to sleepwear and gifts, are made from natural fibres in small batches by our female-led team in Bali. We’re big on fair wages, low waste, and slow fashion (or in this case, slow homewares).

So if you’re ready to give your bedroom a refresh that’s easy on the eyes and easy on the planet, a set of European pillowcases is the perfect place to start

Shop the Collection

Browse our European pillowcases and other ethically made homewares here - because sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference (and they don’t require a trip to Bunnings)