European Sham vs. Standard Sham: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to styling your bed, there are so many options to choose from, including the type of pillow shams you use. Two popular choices are European shams and standard shams, but what exactly is the difference between the two? In this article, I’ll break down the key distinctions between European shams and standard shams, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to accessorizing your bed.

Let’s start with European shams. These shams are larger in size, typically measuring 26 inches by 26 inches. They are designed to fit square pillows and add a touch of elegance to your bedding ensemble. On the other hand, standard shams are rectangular in shape and usually measure 20 inches by 26 inches. They are more commonly used with standard-sized pillows and can give your bed a more traditional and tailored look.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the sizes and shapes, let’s dive deeper into the design details and how each type of sham can enhance the overall aesthetic of your bed.

What are European shams?

European shams are a stylish and versatile addition to any bedding ensemble. These shams are larger in size compared to standard shams, measuring approximately 26 inches by 26 inches. Their square shape gives them a distinct and elegant appearance.

European shams are designed to be used with square pillows, also known as Euro pillows. These pillows are typically 26 inches by 26 inches and fit perfectly inside the European shams. The larger size and square shape of the shams create a striking visual impact on your bed.

One of the key benefits of European shams is that they offer great support when sitting up in bed. Their size and design provide a comfortable backrest for activities such as reading or watching TV. This makes them a popular choice for those who enjoy spending time in bed beyond just sleeping.

When it comes to styling your bed, European shams can add a touch of luxury and sophistication. They create a polished and finished look, giving your bedding ensemble a high-end feel. Whether you prefer a minimalist or a more ornate design, European shams can elevate the overall aesthetic of your bedroom.

European shams are available in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns. This allows you to easily match them with your existing bedding or experiment with different styles to create a personalized look. Whether you prefer a crisp white sham for a classic look or a bold pattern for a statement piece, European shams offer endless design possibilities.

In the next section, I’ll delve into the world of standard shams and explain how they differ from their European counterparts.

What are standard shams?

Standard shams are rectangular pillow covers that are designed to fit standard-sized pillows. They are commonly used as decorative accents on a bed, adding a finishing touch to your bedding ensemble. Standard shams typically measure 20 inches by 26 inches, which is the standard size for most pillows.

Like European shams, standard shams are available in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns, allowing you to customize the look of your bed. Whether you prefer a classic and elegant design or something more modern and vibrant, there are standard shams to suit every style and taste.

When it comes to styling your bed, standard shams can be versatile. They can be used in conjunction with European shams to create a layered and textured look. Alternatively, you can mix and match standard shams with other decorative pillows to create your own unique combination.

In addition to their decorative role, standard shams also serve a functional purpose. They provide a comfortable and supportive surface when sitting up in bed, allowing you to lean back and relax. This can be especially useful if you enjoy reading, watching TV, or working on your laptop while in bed.

By using standard shams on your bed, you can elevate the overall aesthetic of your bedroom and create a cozy and inviting space. With the wide range of options available, you can easily find standard shams that complement your existing decor or help you explore new design possibilities.

Difference in size and shape

When it comes to European shams and standard shams, one of the main differences is in their size and shape. European shams are larger and designed for square pillows, while standard shams are rectangular and used with standard-sized pillows.

European shams typically measure 26 inches by 26 inches, making them perfect for filling up the space on a queen or king-sized bed. Their larger size adds a touch of elegance and luxury to your bedding ensemble. On the other hand, standard shams are usually 20 inches by 26 inches, accommodating the rectangular shape of standard pillows.

These size differences mean that European shams provide a broader backdrop for your pillows, creating a more prominent focal point on your bed. They can help add a sense of height and structure to your bedding arrangement, giving it a polished and sophisticated look.

On the other hand, standard shams are versatile and can be used as decorative accents in various ways. They can be placed in front of European shams to add layering and depth to your bed. They can also be mixed and matched with other decorative pillows to create interesting patterns and textures.

In terms of shape, the square shape of European shams offers great support when sitting up in bed. Whether you’re reading a book, watching TV, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, European shams provide a comfortable and supportive surface. On the other hand, standard shams also serve a functional purpose by providing a comfortable surface to lean against while sitting up in bed.

Overall, the difference in size and shape between European shams and standard shams allows for endless design possibilities. Whether you prefer the elegant and grand appearance of European shams or the versatility of standard shams, both options can help elevate the overall aesthetic of your bedroom and create a cozy and inviting space.

European shams – adding elegance to your bed

When it comes to styling your bed, European shams are a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance. These larger shams, specifically designed for square pillows, offer a luxurious and refined look to your bedding ensemble.

One of the great things about European shams is the wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns available. Whether you prefer a classic and timeless style or something more contemporary and bold, there are endless design possibilities to suit your taste.

The generous size of European shams, measuring 26 inches by 26 inches, makes them perfect for filling up the space on a queen or king-sized bed. By providing a broader backdrop for your pillows, European shams create a more prominent focal point on your bed. They lend an air of elegance and sophistication, elevating the overall aesthetic of your bedroom.

Not only do European shams enhance the visual appeal of your bed, but they also serve a functional purpose. The larger size and quality construction of European shams provide excellent support when sitting up in bed, making them comfortable and practical. Whether you’re reading a book or watching TV, these shams offer a cozy and supportive surface to lean against.

European shams are a fantastic choice for those looking to add elegance to their bedroom decor. With their larger size, wide range of design options, and functional benefits, they bring both style and comfort to your bedding ensemble. So, why not indulge in the luxury and sophistication of European shams and transform your bed into a truly inviting and stylish haven?

Standard shams – giving a traditional and tailored look

When it comes to styling your bed, standard shams offer a traditional and tailored aesthetic that can elevate your bedding ensemble. These rectangular-shaped shams are designed to fit standard-sized pillows, adding a touch of sophistication to your bedroom decor.

One of the key benefits of standard shams is their versatility. They come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns, allowing you to choose the perfect style that complements the theme and mood of your bedroom. Whether you prefer a classic white pillow sham or something bold and vibrant, there are options available to suit every taste.

Standard shams are also great for achieving a neat and organized look. Their rectangular shape creates clean lines and adds structure to your bed, making it appear more put-together and cohesive. With their tailored design, standard shams can create a polished and refined aesthetic that enhances the overall appeal of your bed.

Additionally, standard shams provide functionality along with style. They offer support when sitting up in bed, making them ideal for reading, watching TV, or simply lounging. By adding standard shams to your bedding ensemble, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your bed but also create a comfortable and inviting space for relaxation.

Standard shams are a fantastic choice for those seeking a traditional and tailored look for their bed. With their versatility in style, ability to create clean lines, and added functionality, they can transform your bed into an elegant and inviting haven. So, why not consider incorporating standard shams into your bedroom decor and enjoy the timeless appeal they bring to your bedding ensemble?

Design details of European shams

When it comes to adding an extra touch of elegance to your bedding ensemble, European shams are a fantastic choice. They are larger in size compared to standard shams, measuring around 26 inches by 26 inches, which is perfect for square pillows. This larger size allows for more decorative impact and creates a plush, luxurious look on your bed.

One of the key design features of European shams is their decorative flange. The flange is an extension of the sham’s edge, usually around 2-3 inches wide, and it adds a tailored and sophisticated touch to the overall design. This flange can be adorned with contrasting piping, trim, or embroidery, enhancing the visual appeal of the sham and your bedding ensemble.

European shams offer endless design possibilities with a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns available. Whether you prefer a rich velvet, a soft linen, or a silky satin, there is a fabric option to complement any bedroom decor. Similarly, you can choose from solid colors, bold patterns, or delicate prints to match the theme and mood of your room.

To enhance the overall aesthetic, European shams can be layered with other pillows and shams on your bed. You can mix and match different sizes, shapes, and textures to create a visually interesting and inviting arrangement. Adding a few accent pillows in coordinating colors or patterns will tie everything together and create a cohesive look.

In addition to their decorative role, European shams also serve a functional purpose. They provide excellent support when you want to sit up in bed and read a book or watch TV, making them both stylish and practical. So, don’t hesitate to incorporate European shams into your bedroom decor for a touch of sophistication and comfort.

Remember, when it comes to design details of European shams:

• They are larger in size, measuring around 26 inches by 26 inches.
• They feature a decorative flange, adding a tailored and sophisticated touch.
• They come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns for endless design possibilities.
• They can be layered with other pillows and shams to create a visually interesting arrangement.
• They provide excellent support when sitting up in bed, combining style and functionality.

Let’s move on to explore the design details of standard shams.

Design details of standard shams

When it comes to standard shams, there are some distinctive design details that set them apart. Here, I’ll discuss the characteristics that make standard shams a stylish and timeless addition to your bedding ensemble.

Size and Shape

Standard shams are rectangular in shape, measuring around 20 inches by 26 inches. This size is specifically designed to fit standard-sized pillows, providing a perfect fit that creates clean lines and adds structure to your bed. The rectangular shape of standard shams offers a classic and tailored aesthetic that can elevate the overall look of your bedding.

Fabrics, Colors, and Patterns

Similar to European shams, standard shams come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns. Whether you prefer crisp cotton, luxurious silk, or cozy flannel, there is a wide selection of materials to choose from. This allows you to select the perfect fabric that suits your personal preferences and complements the theme and mood of your bedroom.

When it comes to colors and patterns, the choices are endless. From solid hues to intricate prints, you can find standard shams to match any decor style. Whether you want to create a soothing and serene atmosphere or make a bold statement with vibrant designs, standard shams offer versatility and flexibility in design.

Tailored Aesthetic

One of the key design elements of standard shams is their tailored aesthetic. The rectangular shape and clean lines of these shams add a sense of structure and sophistication to your bed. This tailored look creates a more put-together and cohesive appearance for your bedding ensemble.

Functionality

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, standard shams offer functionality. Just like European shams, they provide support when sitting up in bed, making them comfortable and practical. Whether you enjoy reading, working, or simply relaxing in bed, standard shams offer a comfortable backrest that enhances your lounging experience.

Incorporating standard shams into your bedroom decor not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures that your bed looks stylish and feels comfortable. Their rectangular shape, tailored aesthetic, and functional qualities make them a perfect choice for anyone looking to create a well-designed and inviting haven in their bedroom.

Conclusion

European shams and standard shams offer distinct design details and benefits when it comes to styling your bed. European shams, with their larger size and decorative flange, add elegance and sophistication to your bedding ensemble. They provide excellent support when sitting up in bed and come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns, offering endless design possibilities. On the other hand, standard shams offer a classic and tailored aesthetic that can elevate the overall look of your bed. Their rectangular shape and clean lines create a more put-together and cohesive appearance, while still providing functionality and support when sitting up in bed.

Both European shams and standard shams bring style and comfort to your bedding ensemble, and incorporating them into your bedroom decor can transform your bed into an elegant and inviting haven. Whether you prefer the elegance of European shams or the classic appeal of standard shams, these decorative pillows are sure to enhance the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. So go ahead, choose the style that best suits your personal taste and create a well-designed and inviting haven in your bedroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between European shams and standard shams?

European shams are larger and designed for square pillows, while standard shams are rectangular and used with standard-sized pillows.

2. How do European shams enhance the look of my bedding ensemble?

European shams add elegance to your bedding ensemble and offer great support when sitting up in bed. They come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities.

3. What is the aesthetic appeal of standard shams?

Standard shams offer a traditional and tailored aesthetic that can elevate your bedding ensemble. They come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns, allowing you to choose the perfect style that complements the theme and mood of your bedroom.

4. What is the design detail of European shams?

European shams are larger in size, measuring around 26 inches by 26 inches, and feature a decorative flange that adds a tailored and sophisticated touch to the overall design. They can be layered with other pillows and shams to create a visually interesting arrangement.

5. What is the design detail of standard shams?

Standard shams are rectangular in shape, measuring around 20 inches by 26 inches, and offer a clean and structured look to your bed. The clean lines and rectangular shape of standard shams create a more put-together and cohesive appearance. They provide support when sitting up in bed.

6. How do European shams and standard shams enhance the overall look and comfort of my bed?

Both European shams and standard shams bring style and comfort to your bedding ensemble. Incorporating them into your bedroom decor can transform your bed into an elegant and inviting haven.