Hoteliers have more options than ever when it comes to pillows for guestroom beds or seating. Here are some top trends to keep in mind.
1. Mixed Density
Chad Altbaier, chief commercial officer at Standard Fiber, said the textile company has seen a “continued trend” of demand for mixed-density pillows in hotels. “It’s common to see both softer and firmer bed pillows on the same hotel bed now,” he said. As far as sizes, the standard and jumbo sizes remain the most popular while luxury and premium hotel brands opt for king-sized bed pillows.
2. Pops of Color
Decorative pillows can add pops of color on an otherwise white bed or add cushioning on a guestroom sofa (or both, as needed). “Pillows are functional in that they can provide support, and possibly reduce the wear on sofa arms,” said Danielle Crowder, senior marketing specialist at Indiana Furniture, noting that pillows are also “eye-catching and inviting.”
3. Next-Gen Materials
Last year, biotechnology company MycoWorks partnered with furniture company Ligne Roset to bring its Reishi mycelium material to decor, starting with the Teneo line of pillows. “Our industry is going greener and greener, and we are embracing this movement—but the quality has to remain at the highest level,” said Antoine Roset, global marketing director at Ligne Roset. “Developing at early stages hand in hand with MycoWorks allows us to combine innovation and durability.”
4. Varied Fillings
Altbaier said economy and midscale hotels tend to choose pillows with a polyester fill. Upscale and luxury hotels, meanwhile, tend to want pillows filled with down or feathers. “Foam is less common due to washability concerns,” he said. With hotel beds often having a more minimalist aesthetic these days, he added, the pillows typically are exposed at the top of the bed, either stacked “layered cake style” or more vertically oriented.