What Is A Euro Sham?

Are you in the market for new bedding or considering updating your home decor? If so, you may have come across the term "Euro sham" and wondered what it is and why it's become so popular.

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this popular pillow covering, exploring its unique features and sizes and providing tips on how these accessories can elevate your bedroom's style.

So say goodbye to ordinary pillow covers and hello to a world of sophisticated and functional design with Euro shams. Let's dive in and discover the ins and outs of these chic bedding accessories.

What's a bed sham?

A bed sham, also known as a pillow sham, is a decorative pillow cover designed to enhance the aesthetics of your bedding arrangement. It serves as an ornamental casing for a pillow, transforming an ordinary pillow into a stylish and elegant accessory.

Bed shams often feature intricate designs, patterns, textures, or embroidery, adding a pop of style to your bedroom decor.

Bed shams are available in various sizes to accommodate different types of pillows, such as standard, queen, king, and Euro pillows. They typically have an opening on the back, either with a flap or a zipper, allowing you to easily insert and remove the pillow for cleaning or replacement.

By incorporating bed shams into your bedding ensemble, you can create a polished luxury look that showcases your personal style.

What’s the difference between standard sham and Euro sham?

Knowing the difference between a standard sham and a Euro sham is helpful so you can choose the best option for your home. Let's compare these two types of pillow covers and highlight their unique features:

Standard sham

A standard sham, also known as a bed sham, is designed to fit standard-size pillows, which typically measure 20 x 26 inches. They are the most common type of bed sham used for bed decorations and provide a decorative layer over standard pillows.

Pros of the standard sham

• Easily fits standard-sized pillows
• Less expensive than Euro shams
• Can be functional or decorative in design

Cons of the standard sham

• Not as decorative or versatile as Euro shams
• Won’t fit larger-sized pillows, such as queen or king pillows
• Limited decorative style options that often look similar to a traditional pillowcase

Euro sham

A Euro sham is larger than a standard pillow sham, measuring 26 x 26 inches. They are specifically designed to fit the softer, oversized Euro pillows and provide a fuller and more substantial look compared to standard shams. European sham fabrics often feature intricate patterns, textures, and designs that add an elegant touch to your bedroom decor.

Pros of the Euro sham

• Fits larger pillows
• Tend to be more decorative and elegant in design
• Adds a sophisticated look to your bedroom decor

Cons of the Euro sham

• Often more expensive compared to standard shams
• May not fit smaller pillows such as standard or baby size-pillows
• Less common for shoppers to find, especially in the U.S.

What is a Euro pillow?

A Euro pillow, also known as a European pillow or square pillow, is a distinctive and versatile bedding accessory that sets itself apart from other pillows in both shape and function.

Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, Euro pillows boast a square design, typically measuring 26 x 26 inches. These pillows not only provide added comfort and support for sitting up in bed or lounging, but they also enhance the aesthetics of your bedroom.

Euro pillows serve as the perfect backdrop for layering other pillows on your bed, creating depth and visual interest in your home. They're also quite practical, adding a bit of additional support and softness when you're lounging on a stiffer or hard surface.

They can be used in various settings, such as on sofas, daybeds, or even as floor cushions. When paired with elegant and chic Euro shams, these pillows elevate the overall look of your living space, making them a popular choice among interior design enthusiasts.

Can you sleep on a Euro sham?

Yes, you can sleep on a sham. However, it is not necessary to do so, and sometimes not even comfortable to do so, depending on its material.

Shams with decorative elements such as ruffles and pleats may not make for a very comfortable sleeping surface. In these cases, you might want to opt for a traditional pillowcase instead of a sham.

On the other hand, if your Euro sham is made of soft fabrics such as cotton or linen, it can provide additional comfort when you sleep on it.

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How to stage Euro pillows: decor tips

Now that you know the ins and outs of euro pillows, you get to do the fun part — making sure they add a pop of style to your home! Here are four tips for staging the euro pillow sham in your home:

1. Layer Euro shams with a variety of other pillows

Create a visually appealing arrangement by layering Euro pillows with other pillow sizes, such as standard, queen, or king pillows. Place the Euro pillows at the back, and layer the smaller pillows in front, complementing the colors, patterns, and textures for a cohesive look.

2. Mix up your patterns and textures

Pillows really allow you to go wild with bold colors, patterns, and unique materials. Enhance the visual interest of your bedding ensemble by mixing different patterns and textures in your Euro shams and other pillow covers.

You can do this by pairing a geometric print with a more subtle texture or combining velvet and linen for an interesting contrast. Accents also add flair to your pillow decor, such as embroidery, beading, and pom-poms.

3. Be bold and choose strong colors

Whether your home has a bold, bright color scheme or is minimal and neutral, euro pillows make the perfect accent piece with a bit of pop and drama. Add a splash of color with pillows in complementary or contrasting shades to draw attention to your bedding ensemble.

A little color will go a long way and won't overpower the main color scheme of the room when done correctly.

Let the colors play off your bedspread, curtains, or other decorative elements in the room to create a harmonious and well-balanced color palette. The best part about shams? When you're ready to change it up with the newest color trends, simply purchase a new set of shams and switch them out for an instant transformation.

4. Let your shams live in other rooms

Euro pillows can also be staged in settings beyond the bedroom. Consider using them on sofas, daybeds, window seats, or even as floor cushions in a living room, playroom, or reading nook. It never hurts to have extra cushions lying around for unexpected guests or just to know that comfort is an arm's reach away.

The bottom line: what is a Euro sham?

A Euro sham is the key to unlocking endless possibilities for elevating your bedroom's aesthetic and comfort. These versatile and stylish pillow covers have the power to transform your living space, creating an atmosphere that reflects your unique taste and personality.

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