In general, pillow cases that match the sheets are for sleeping pillows and pillow shams that match the coverlet are for decorative pillows.

"In general, pillow cases that match the sheets are for sleeping pillows and pillow shams that match the coverlet are for decorative pillows."

Yes, I understand that. My question was more about whether to use two pairs of king size pillows on the bed when I make it -- one pair would be in the pillow cases, and the other pair in the shams. Or should I stow the pillows in the cases somewhere else?

I have a King bed and use 3 standard size pillows. I use the two King cases that comes with my sheet sets and tuck the extra length inside like an envenlope. I buy extra standard size pillow cases and use one of them for the third pillow. It works for me because I only use white, khaki, or ivory sheets (I don't care if the third pillow is slightly off-color).

I got used to that third pillow when the kids were smaller and sleeping with us (occasionally) and more recentlly when the grandaughter is with us. She is 11 years old, scared of the dark, and is not about to sleep in the spare bedroom by herself :). The third pillow also gets used occasionally when one of us needs to use two pillows.

The extra standard size cases are nice when we need a "resting" pillow for the sofa also so that we are not napping on the decorative sofa pillows.

I use two cheap King size pillows in my shams and an extra 20" (app) for decor. They get tossed on the rug at the end of the bed.

My DH and i each use 2 king pillows for sleep. The are placed one on top of the other, 2 on his side 2 on mine when I make the bed. I then prop 2 king pillows in shams that match or compliment the coverlet in front of them. The pillows inside my shams are not used for sleeping, they are cheapo pillows with a lot of bulk to make the shams pretty.

Sorry that I misunderstood your question. I use king-sized pillows in pillowcases for sleeping. When I make my bed, I lay them flat at the head. I place a set of king-sized pillows in shams on top of the sleeping pillows so that the wrinkled pillow cases aren't showing. In front of those, I use a collection of pillows that changes depending on my mood and the season. Sometimes, I use three Euro pillows in decorative shams with a boudoir pillow in a decorative sham in front of those. Sometimes, I skip the Euro pillows and use two standard pillows in decorative shams with a boudoir or neckroll pillow in front.

In a guest room, where I keep the sleeping pillows stored away in a dust-proof bag, I use the following sets of decorative pillows from the headboard forward: five Euros, two kings, three 18" squares and one boudoir. Clearly, that many decorative pillows would be onerous to arrange every day, but I love the look. When I have guests, I move all of the decorative pillows to storage and provide several types of sleeping pillows in cases.

i also have 6 king sized pillows on our bed... 4 in pillow cases, 2 in king shams. i also have a couple of small decorative pillows that i will occasionally (rarely!) put on the bed.....

I have 2 king sized pillows in cases for sleeping. When I make the bed, those go up against the headboard. I put three Euro shams that match the duvet cover that's folded at the foot of the bed in front of them, and I put king sized shams that match the coverlet in front of the Euros. A small monogrammed pillow that matches the curtains goes in front of the king shams. All the pillows in the shams are cheap pillows that stay in the shams.

2 King size pillows in shams for looking good on the made bed. 6 standard size pillows for sleeping, with standard cases (placed behind the pretty pillows when the bed is made).

More then a few king sized cases not used, folded nicely in the linen closet.

We never were comfortable sleeping on King size pillows.....

ML