Have you ever been frustrated by Euro shams that just look… sloppy? You’re not alone! For years, achieving that crisp, designer look with Euro pillows seemed like an impossible task. It’s a common problem: you slip a 26 x 26 inch pillow insert into your beautiful 26 x 26 euro pillow cover, only to find it looking limp and underfilled.
Euro sham looking sloppy due to incorrect insert size
But here’s the good news: there’s a simple trick to getting those picture-perfect Euro pillows you’ve always dreamed of. It’s not about the covers themselves – especially if you’ve chosen stylish 26 X 26 Euro Pillow Covers – but rather what you put inside them.
The Euro Sham Dilemma: Spotting the Problem
Take a look at the difference in these two pillows. On the left, you see a Euro sham that’s perfectly filled, with sharp, clean edges. On the right? Well, that’s the all-too-familiar floppy Euro pillow. Notice the loose fabric and how the corners aren’t filled out? This is often the result of using the wrong size pillow insert.
Comparison of well-filled vs. poorly filled Euro sham pillows
Let’s get a closer view to really understand the issue. On the right, you can clearly see the saggy, underfilled look that detracts from the elegance of your bedding.
Close-up of a poorly filled Euro sham showing excess fabric
Now, compare that to the pillow on the left. See the difference? The edges are crisp, the corners are full, and the pillow stands tall and proud. This is the look we’re aiming for when styling with 26 x 26 euro pillow covers.
Close-up of a well-filled Euro sham with crisp edges
The Two-Part Secret to Perfectly Filled Euro Shams
The solution to this common Euro sham problem is actually twofold. It boils down to the size of your pillow insert and the type of fill you choose.
1. Size Matters: Go Bigger Than Your 26 x 26 Euro Pillow Covers
This is the most crucial part. While your euro pillow covers measure 26 x 26 inches, using a 26 x 26 inch pillow insert will almost always result in that saggy, underfilled look. It seems counterintuitive, but to properly fill out a 26 x 26 euro pillow cover, you need a larger insert.
The magic number? 28 x 28 inches. Yes, you need a 28 x 28 inch Euro pillow insert to perfectly fill your standard 26 x 26 euro pillow covers. This slightly oversized insert is what creates that plump, tailored look we all admire in home decor magazines.
2. Choose the Right Fill: Feather or Down for the Win
While size is the primary factor, the type of fill also plays a role in achieving the best look with your 26 x 26 euro pillow covers. For Euro shams, down or feather inserts are generally superior to polyester or cotton fiberfill.
Why? Down and feather fills are more pliable and less stiff. This allows you to manipulate the pillow, fluff it up, and really push the fill into the corners of your 26 x 26 euro pillow covers. They also lend themselves beautifully to that stylish “karate chop” in the top center of the pillow, if that’s your style.
If allergies are a concern, down alternative inserts are a great option. Just make sure to choose a high-quality down alternative that is still pliable and “chopable” to get the best results within your euro pillow covers.
A perfectly filled Euro sham with crisp corners and edges
The result of using a 28 x 28 insert in your 26 x 26 euro pillow covers is a beautifully filled sham with crisp, clean lines – no more floppy, sad-looking pillows! This simple change can elevate the entire look of your bedding and bedroom décor.
Where to Find 28 x 28 Euro Pillow Inserts for Your 26 x 26 Covers
Finding 28 x 28 Euro pillow inserts can sometimes be a bit trickier than finding standard 26 x 26 inserts. You typically won’t find them in mainstream stores like Walmart or Target. However, you might get lucky at discount home goods stores like TJMaxx, HomeGoods, or Marshall’s, though their stock can be unpredictable.
Your best bet for reliably finding 28 x 28 Euro pillow inserts is online retailers. Amazon is a fantastic resource with a wide selection of 28 x 28 Euro pillow inserts in various fills and price points.
Ready to transform your Euro shams? Ditch the undersized inserts and embrace the secret of the 28 x 28 pillow form. Your 26 x 26 euro pillow covers will thank you for it, and your bedroom will instantly look more stylish and put-together!