• Decorative pillows feature textured fabrics with a tailored button at the center.pillow image by Adrian Costea from Fotolia.com
  
  In 2006, archaeologists discovered a hidden tomb in the Valley of the Kings. They were surprised to find "six feathery pillows, almost perfectly preserved in the tomb after more than 3,000 years. At least one of the pillows contained hieroglyphic markings reading, "life, stability, and power," according to USA Today. In ancient China, decorative pillows were a prized commodity. Today we toss decorative pillows onto sofas, armchairs, window seats and beds to add accent color and to draw together a room's décor.
  
  

Bolster

• Take a look at the bolster pillow. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used richly decorated bolsters to rest their heads and feet on. "Old Anglo-Saxons were propped in bed with pillows and bolsters so that they slept almost erect," according to The Leisure Hour. Cylindrical in design, this pillow style supports the neck, back and knees. Use the bolster purely as a decorative piece for a couch or daybed. One type of bolster has a removable inner bun so the shopper can purchase a coordinating outer shell and wash it when needed. The other type of bolster features a fabric covering as part of the pillow. Find the bolster in a range of lengths and diameters including 6 inches by 13 inches, 8 inches by 30 inches, and 12 inches by 60 inches.
  
  

Euro

• The Euro or European pillow retains a uniform square shape measuring 26 inches by 26 inches. This pillow has a contemporary feel and is often positioned against the head board or behind standard pillow shams on a bed for a layered look. This pillow style also offers extra support for sitting upright when reading. Place a decorative pillow case or euro sham on the pillow to complement bedroom décor.
  
  

Boudoir

• The boudoir pillow, also known as a breakfast pillow, has a narrow rectangular or round shape. Use this pillow as an accent in home décor or for lumbar support. Combine a boudoir pillow with a bolster pillow to enhance a layered look on the bed. Alternately, boudoir pillows can rest on the back of an armchair. The decorative pillow measures approximately 12 inches by 16 inches, 18 inches by 12 inches or 9 1/2 inches in diameter and up. Fabrics range from cotton blends to silk, velvet, damask, bamboo, woven and quilting, to name a few.
  
  

Novelty

• Explore the various novelty pillows available. Novelty pillows do not have a uniform shape. Often formed irregularly, novelty pillows take the appearance of an object such as a heart, football or other sports-related item, animal, fruit or character. Toss these decorative pillows onto a bed or armchair to lighten the room decor. Novelty pillows tend to be trendier. Fabrics include plush, fleece, polyester and tapestry with added adornments such as buttons, ribbons, emblems and gems. Sizes vary according to pillow design.