Bedtime Stories: Go Big With Euro Pillows and Shams
Get the lowdown on ways you can style these oversized decorative pillows
Whether you kick them off the bed before you get in or hold them tight all night long, Euro pillows and shams are a popular topping for beds. Consider this your quick guide to decorative Euros — from how many you should have to the different ways to arrange them.
What are Euro pillows and shams? The large pillows lining the back of this bed are known as European, or Euro, pillows with shams. Euro pillows generally measure 26 by 26 inches. The covers for the oversized decorative pillows are called shams. A king- or queen-size bed can accommodate up to three Euros in a single-file row across its width, a full-size bed will accept no more than two, and though it’s relatively uncommon, you could use a single Euro on a twin bed.
Three-in-the-back arrangement. The most common arrangement is for the Euros to take their place as the backmost layer of pillows, where they ground the pillow scheme. When you place three Euros in back, it’s common to add two standard pillows in front of them. Here, two cylindrical bolsters, also known as neck rolls, maintain a crisp symmetry.
Two-in-the-front arrangement. Placing Euros in the front, as seen here, is most common when all the bed linens (at least all the pillows) match, so that the larger pillows are not hiding any pillows featuring patterns behind them.
The two-Euros-in-front scheme also works well should you decide that your pristine hotel sheet set needs a little personality infusion. You won’t feel guilty keeping your very tame pillowcases in the background while a wild animal print takes center stage. And against a sea of white, stand out it will.
Single arrangement. Not only is it OK to use a single Euro to decorate a twin bed, it’s actually a commendable way for parents to boost the likelihood of their child making the bed. With only a single pillow to arrange, it’s hard for any kid to claim with a straight face that there was no time to make the bed.
Casual arrangement. For a more relaxed, casual look, angle your Euros so they become a feature all their own, no other pillows needed. Even better if you have a matching throw, as with the cable-knit one shown here.
Even bigger. Want to make an even bigger statement with your pillows? Try flanged Euro shams, like the three in back here. A flange is a flap of border fabric, like a tailored version of a ruffle, usually 2 to 3 inches wide and mitered at the corners; it makes the pillows appear even larger than their 26-inch forms. It can either be padded so that it holds its shape or unpadded for a softer bow.
More
How to Choose the Perfect Bed Pillow — and Sleep Better
The Secret Formula for Perfect Pillow Arrangements
More
How to Choose the Perfect Bed Pillow — and Sleep Better
The Secret Formula for Perfect Pillow Arrangements