The gol pillow — the long round bolster that sits at the head of the bed or at either end of a diwan — is one of the most familiar pieces of furniture in a Pakistani home. The pillows themselves last for years, which is why most people replace only the covers. A fresh pair costs a fraction of new bedding and changes the look of a room in minutes.
This guide covers the three things people get wrong: size, fabric and arrangement.
Getting the size right
Gol pillow covers are sold by length and width, for example 36 × 17 inches, which is the most common size in Pakistan and fits a standard bolster.
Measure before you order:
- Length: run a measuring tape from one flat end of the pillow to the other.
- Width: measure across the pillow at its widest point, lying flat, not around it.
- Add a little room. A cover one or two inches larger goes on easily and looks full. A cover smaller than the pillow will strain at the seams and the pattern will distort.
| Cover size | Fits | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 30 × 15 in | Small bolsters | Sofas, single beds |
| 36 × 17 in | Standard gol pillows | Double and king beds, diwan |
| 40 in and above | Long bolsters | Large takht, floor seating |
All our gol pillow cover sets are 36 × 17 inches and come as a pair.
Which fabric lasts?
- Velvet jacquard: the pattern is woven into the fabric rather than printed on top, so it does not wash off and the surface has real texture. This is what most good quality gol pillow covers in Pakistan are made from.
- Printed cotton: cheaper and lighter, but the print fades faster and the covers look flat next to woven ones.
- Plain velvet: rich but shows every mark and every cat hair.
- Embroidered fabric: beautiful for special occasions; threads catch and pull with daily use.
Look for the words colour fast and washable. A cover that cannot be washed at home will be replaced within a year.
How many and where
- Bed: two gol pillows, laid in front of the regular pillows. On a king bed they fill the width properly; on a single bed, one is enough.
- Diwan or takht: one at each end, used as an armrest and a backrest.
- Long sofa: one in each corner, with two square cushions between them.
The common mistake is having too many cushions of the same size. Gol pillows work because they are a different shape from everything else on the bed. Our cushion styling guide explains how to mix shapes without the room looking cluttered.
Matching them to your bedding
Two approaches, both of which work:
- Pick a colour out of the bedsheet. If the sheet has maroon flowers on cream, maroon gol pillows tie the bed together.
- Go darker than the sheet. Black, navy or dark brown bolsters frame a lighter bedsheet and hide marks from everyday leaning.
Our sets come in maroon, navy, black, green, brown and dusty pink, so there is a match for most bedsheet sets.
Washing and care
- Wash covers cold on a gentle cycle, or by hand. Hot water dulls woven patterns.
- Never bleach: it strips the colour from the woven threads first.
- Dry in shade. Strong sun fades dark covers unevenly because one side faces up.
- Iron on low heat from the reverse side if the fabric creases.
- Air the pillow itself in sunlight every few months, even though it never gets washed.
When to replace the pillow, not the cover
If the bolster has gone soft in the middle, lost its round shape, or smells musty after airing, a new cover will not fix it. Filling compresses over the years. A flat gol pillow in a beautiful cover still looks flat.
Frequently asked questions
What size gol pillow cover is standard in Pakistan?
36 × 17 inches fits most standard gol pillows. Measure your pillow end to end before ordering, and choose a cover the same size or an inch larger.
Do gol pillow covers come with the pillows?
Usually not. Covers are sold on their own because the filling inside a bolster lasts for years, so replacing just the cover is far cheaper.
How many gol pillows should a bed have?
Two on a double or king bed, one on a single. More than two starts to crowd the bed and they end up on the floor every night.
Can velvet jacquard covers be machine washed?
Yes, on a cold gentle cycle with mild detergent. Dry them in shade and iron from the reverse if needed.
Do you deliver across Pakistan?
Yes. Khaash delivers free all over Pakistan with cash on delivery, usually in 3 to 5 working days.
