If you’re looking to enhance your bedding and add a touch of European elegance to your bedroom, you’ve likely come across the term “Euro Sham Cases.” Often mentioned alongside “pillowcases” and “pillow shams,” understanding what euro sham cases are and how they differ from other bedding accessories is key to creating a beautifully styled bed. While sometimes confused with standard pillowcases, euro sham cases serve a distinct decorative purpose and bring a unique dimension to your bedding ensemble.
Euro Sham Cases vs. Pillowcases: Key Differences
To understand euro sham cases, it’s helpful to differentiate them from standard pillowcases. The primary distinction lies in their function. Pillowcases are fundamentally designed for sleep. Their main job is to protect your pillows from dirt, oils, and allergens while providing a comfortable sleeping surface. They are typically simple in design, with an open end for easy pillow insertion and removal. Often made from soft, breathable materials like cotton or linen, pillowcases prioritize comfort and practicality.
Euro sham cases, on the other hand, are purely decorative. They are designed to cover square decorative pillows, commonly known as Euro pillows, and are used to enhance the visual appeal of your bed. Unlike pillowcases, euro sham cases often feature more elaborate designs, textures, and embellishments. They typically have a hidden zipper or envelope closure on the back for a clean, polished look.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Pillowcase | Euro Sham Case |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Functional (sleep and protection) | Decorative (style and aesthetics) |
| Shape | Rectangular | Square |
| Closure | Open end | Hidden zipper or envelope back |
| Design | Simple, practical | Decorative, embellished |
| Material | Soft, breathable fabrics | Variety of fabrics, often decorative |
What Exactly are Euro Sham Cases?
Euro sham cases are specifically designed to fit Euro pillows, which are large, square pillows typically measuring 26×26 inches (65×65 cm). This square shape is a defining characteristic of Euro shams and sets them apart from standard rectangular pillow shams. The “Euro” in the name refers to the European size standard for these square decorative pillows.
Euro sham cases are crafted from a wide range of materials, from luxurious silks and velvets to textured cottons and linens. They often feature details like flanges (a flat border around the edge), embroidery, quilting, or piping to add visual interest and sophistication. The purpose of a euro sham case is to transform a plain Euro pillow into a stylish decorative element that complements your duvet cover, comforter, or other bedding accessories.
Euro sham cases are available in a vast array of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to coordinate them with your overall bedroom décor and create a cohesive and inviting look. They are a key component in achieving a layered and luxurious bedding style.
Styling Your Bed with Euro Sham Cases
Euro sham cases are essential for creating a layered and visually appealing bed. They are typically positioned behind your sleeping pillows, adding height and dimension to your bedding arrangement. Here are a few popular ways to style your bed using euro sham cases:
Layered Arrangement: This is a classic and sophisticated approach. Start by placing your sleeping pillows flat against the headboard. Then, in front of them, arrange a row of Euro pillows dressed in euro sham cases. This creates a beautiful backdrop for smaller decorative pillows. You can then layer standard or king-sized pillow shams in front of the euro shams, and finally, add smaller accent pillows like boudoir or bolster pillows in the very front. Euro shams act as the foundational layer for decorative pillows in this style.
Layered Pillow Arrangement with Euro Shams
Stacked Arrangement: For a simpler yet elegant look, you can stack Euro pillows with euro sham cases behind your sleeping pillows. This adds height and visual interest without being overly complex. This style works well for minimalist or contemporary bedrooms.
Asymmetrical Styling: For a more relaxed and less formal approach, you can use Euro shams on only one side of the bed, creating an asymmetrical pillow arrangement. This can add a touch of modern flair, especially when combined with different textures and sizes of decorative pillows.
Asymmetrical Pillow Styling with Euro Shams
Euro sham cases provide a versatile way to express your personal style and elevate the look of your bedroom. By choosing different colors, textures, and patterns, you can easily change the feel of your bedding ensemble and create a welcoming and stylish retreat.
Can You Sleep with Euro Sham Cases?
While technically you could sleep with Euro sham cases, they are not primarily designed for sleeping comfort. Euro shams are often made from decorative fabrics that may not be as soft or breathable as pillowcase materials. Additionally, the embellishments or flanges on euro sham cases might be uncomfortable to sleep on.
Therefore, it’s generally recommended to remove Euro sham cases before sleeping, especially if they are made from delicate or heavily embellished fabrics. You can place them behind your sleeping pillows against the headboard during the night or simply remove them from the bed to keep them clean and in good condition.
Euro Sham Cases FAQs
Q: What size are Euro sham cases?
A: Euro sham cases are designed to fit square Euro pillows, which typically measure 26×26 inches (65×65 cm). Always check the dimensions of your Euro pillows and sham cases to ensure a proper fit.
Q: Are Euro sham cases and Euro pillowcases the same thing?
A: While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, “euro sham cases” is the more accurate term for decorative covers. “Euro pillowcases” might be used informally, but it’s important to remember their primarily decorative, not functional, purpose.
Q: What materials are Euro sham cases made from?
A: Euro sham cases can be made from a wide variety of materials, including cotton, linen, silk, velvet, polyester blends, and more. The material choice often depends on the desired look and feel, ranging from luxurious and opulent to casual and relaxed.
Q: How do I clean Euro sham cases?
A: Cleaning instructions vary depending on the material. Many cotton and linen euro sham cases are machine washable. However, more delicate materials like silk or velvet may require dry cleaning or gentle hand washing. Always refer to the care label on your euro sham cases for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: Are Euro sham cases necessary for bedding?
A: No, euro sham cases are not a necessity, but they are highly recommended for enhancing the style and visual appeal of your bedding. They are a key element in creating a polished and luxurious bed and are a great way to express your personal style in your bedroom décor.
Elevating your bedding with euro sham cases is a simple yet impactful way to transform your bedroom into a stylish and inviting space. By understanding their purpose and incorporating them into your bedding arrangement, you can create a sophisticated and comfortable retreat.
