Upgrading to a king-size bed is a game-changer for sleep and bedroom aesthetics. The expansive space offers unparalleled comfort, transforming your bedroom into a luxurious retreat. However, with a larger bed comes the question of bedding and pillow arrangements. If you’re wondering how to maximize style and comfort on your king bed, especially when it comes to achieving that polished, designer look, euro shams are your secret weapon.
Understanding Euro Shams and King Bed Styling
King pillows and Euro shams on a king bed
When transitioning from a smaller bed, like a queen, to a king, the scale changes everything, especially pillow arrangements. Suddenly, the pillow combinations that once worked might look dwarfed or out of proportion. This is where euro shams come into play. Euro shams are large, square decorative pillow covers, typically 26×26 inches. They are designed to house euro pillows, which are often firmer than standard sleeping pillows and primarily for decorative purposes.
But why are euro shams essential for a king bed? Firstly, they add significant height and visual interest to your bedding arrangement. On a large king bed, standard pillows alone can get lost. Euro shams, placed behind your sleeping pillows, create a substantial backdrop, lifting the eye and making the entire bedscape feel grander and more inviting. Secondly, euro shams offer a fantastic opportunity to introduce texture, color, and pattern to your bedding ensemble. They act as a canvas for your personal style, allowing you to coordinate with your duvet cover, throw blankets, or bedroom decor.
Step-by-Step Pillow Arrangement Featuring Euro Shams on a King Bed
Creating a balanced and stylish pillow arrangement on your king bed using euro shams is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by popular design principles:
1. Start with King-Size Sleeping Pillows
King size pillows in white pillowcases on a made king bed
The foundation of any comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bed starts with your sleeping pillows. For a king bed, king-size pillows are a must. Standard pillows will simply look too small and won’t adequately fill the width of the bed. Invest in quality king-size pillows that suit your sleep preferences – whether you prefer firm, medium, or soft density. Cover them with high-quality pillowcases, ideally from a matching sheet set, to create a cohesive base.
2. Introduce the Elegance of Euro Shams
Three euro shams in neutral covers arranged on a king bed
Now for the stars of the show: euro shams. For a king bed, three euro shams are generally recommended to span the width effectively and create a balanced look. Position these euro shams upright behind your king-size sleeping pillows. This arrangement immediately adds height and structure. When choosing euro shams, consider texture and material. Linen, velvet, or textured cotton shams can add depth and visual interest, especially if your duvet cover is more minimalist.
3. Layer with Decorative Pillows for Personality
Two striped decorative pillows in front of euro shams on a king bed
With your functional and foundational pillows in place, it’s time to inject personality with decorative pillows. In front of the euro shams, layer two decorative pillows. A size range of 20×20 inches to 22×22 inches works well for king beds. These pillows are an opportunity to introduce patterns, colors, or textures that complement your bedroom decor. Consider stripes, geometric prints, or solid colors that tie into your room’s color scheme.
4. Finish with a Lumbar Pillow for Style and Comfort
A vibrant lumbar pillow centered in front of decorative pillows on a king bed
To complete the look and add a final touch of style, place a lumbar pillow in the very front, centered in the arrangement. A lumbar pillow, typically rectangular, adds a different shape and dimension to the pillowscape. A size of around 14×28 inches is suitable for a king bed. This is another chance to add a pop of color or a contrasting texture. A vibrant or richly patterned lumbar pillow can serve as the focal point of your bedding arrangement.
Exploring Different Euro Sham Arrangements for King Beds
While the step-by-step guide above offers a classic and versatile approach, there’s no single “right” way to style pillows on a king bed. Personal preference and bedroom style play a significant role. Here are a couple of alternative arrangements, inspired by popular interior design styles, demonstrating the flexibility of euro shams:
Minimalist Euro Sham Arrangement
King bed with four sleeping pillows and a lumbar pillow, minimalist style
For a minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired bedroom, simplicity is key. You can achieve a chic and uncluttered look by using euro shams in a more pared-down arrangement. Consider using just two euro shams instead of three, placed behind two king-size sleeping pillows on each side of the bed. Finish with a long, simple lumbar pillow in a neutral tone. This arrangement, as seen in designs by Emily Henderson, maintains elegance while embracing minimalism.
Layered and Luxurious Euro Sham Arrangement
King bed with layered pillows including euro shams, decorative pillows and lumbar pillow, luxurious style
For a more opulent and layered look, often seen in Studio McGee designs, you can maximize the use of euro shams. Start with four king-size sleeping pillows laid flat against the headboard. Then, layer three euro shams in front of the sleeping pillows. Add another layer of two decorative pillows (possibly in a smaller size than in the step-by-step guide) and finally, a lumbar pillow. This creates a plush, inviting, and highly textured bedscape, perfect for creating a luxurious bedroom retreat.
Choosing the Right Bedding to Complement Your Euro Shams
Close up of bedding details on a king bed, featuring duvet cover and euro shams
The overall impact of your euro sham arrangement is enhanced by the bedding you choose. High-quality bedding not only feels luxurious but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of your bed. Consider investing in good quality sheets, a duvet cover, and a bed blanket that complement your euro shams and decorative pillows.
Brands like Boll & Branch, mentioned in the original inspiration, are known for their high-quality bedding. Choosing a white or neutral sheet set provides a versatile base, allowing your euro shams and decorative pillows to take center stage. A textured duvet cover or a soft bed blanket can add another layer of visual interest and comfort.
Conclusion: Euro Shams – The Key to King Bed Perfection
King bed with a complete pillow arrangement including euro shams, inviting bedroom scene
Euro shams are more than just decorative pillows; they are essential styling elements for a king bed. They provide height, structure, and an opportunity to express your personal style through texture, color, and pattern. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a more layered and luxurious look, incorporating euro shams into your king bed pillow arrangement will undoubtedly elevate your bedroom’s style and create a more inviting and comfortable space. Experiment with different arrangements and bedding choices to discover the perfect euro sham styling that reflects your taste and transforms your king bed into a true centerpiece of your bedroom.
