Have you ever admired those chic, square pillows on perfectly styled beds, only to find your own Euro shams looking a bit…deflated? You’re not alone! Many people struggle to get that crisp, full look with their Euro shams, often ending up with floppy corners and a less-than-polished appearance. The secret, surprisingly, isn’t about the sham itself, but what you put inside: the Euro Pillow Insert.
Euro sham pillow looking deflated and sloppy due to wrong insert size
For years, I battled with sad-looking Euro shams. I’d diligently slip standard 26×26 inch euro pillow inserts into my shams, expecting that picture-perfect result. Instead, I consistently got limp edges and excess fabric pooling at the bottom. It was frustrating! I thought Euro shams were just inherently difficult to style.
But I was making a crucial mistake. The problem wasn’t the shams; it was the size of my euro pillow insert.
Comparison of euro sham pillows with different insert sizes, showing the difference in firmness and shape
Take a look at the difference in the picture above. On the left, you see a Euro sham that’s filled correctly – it has sharp, defined edges and a plump, luxurious feel. On the right, the same sham, but with a standard size insert, looks saggy and underfilled. Notice the loose fabric and the lack of structure.
Let’s get a closer comparison to really see the impact of the right euro pillow insert.
Close-up of a properly filled euro sham pillow showcasing crisp edges and full corners
And now, the same sham with an undersized insert:
Close-up of a poorly filled euro sham pillow with soft edges and visible wrinkles
The game-changer, as I discovered, is twofold. First, and most importantly, is the size of your euro pillow insert. While Euro shams are typically designed to fit a 26×26 inch pillow, using a 26×26 inch insert will leave you consistently disappointed. It seems counterintuitive, but to truly fill out a 26×26 inch Euro sham and achieve those crisp, professional-looking edges, you need to use a larger euro pillow insert, specifically one that measures 28×28 inches.
Why does this size difference matter so much? Essentially, the extra two inches on each side of the insert are crucial for filling the corners of the sham completely and creating that taut, plump appearance we all desire. A 26×26 insert simply doesn’t provide enough fill to reach the edges and give the sham structure.
Secondly, while less critical than size, the fill material of your euro pillow insert also plays a role. For that coveted “karate chop” look and a soft, yet substantial feel, I highly recommend down or feather euro pillow inserts. Unlike polyester or cotton fiber fills, down and feather inserts are less rigid. This flexibility allows you to easily fluff and shape the pillow, ensuring the fill reaches all corners of the sham. You can also redistribute the fill as needed to maintain a consistent plumpness.
If allergies are a concern, down alternative euro pillow inserts are a fantastic option. Modern down alternatives mimic the softness and “chopability” of down while being hypoallergenic. Just ensure that the down alternative insert you choose is also a 28×28 size for optimal sham filling.
A perfectly styled bed featuring euro shams with plump and crisp appearance thanks to correctly sized inserts
The result of using a 28×28 euro pillow insert is a beautifully filled Euro sham that elevates the entire look of your bedding. For my own bed, I typically use three Euro shams on a king-sized bed, two on a full or queen, and one on a twin.
Bedroom decor featuring euro shams and discount bedding options
Finding 28×28 euro pillow inserts can sometimes be a bit of a treasure hunt. You likely won’t find them at standard big-box retailers. While discount home goods stores like TJMaxx or HomeGoods might occasionally stock them, selection is unpredictable. I’ve had luck finding feather-filled 28×28 inserts at stores like Tuesday Morning, but availability is inconsistent. Another budget-friendly trick is to repurpose clearance pillows with unattractive covers – simply remove the unwanted cover and use the pillow insert!
However, for the most reliable selection and often the best prices, online retailers are your best bet. Amazon, in particular, offers a wide variety of 28×28 euro pillow inserts in various fills and price points.
So, are you ready to finally conquer the floppy Euro sham dilemma? Making the simple switch to a 28×28 euro pillow insert is the key to achieving that polished, designer look you’ve been dreaming of. Upgrade your bedding today and enjoy the transformation!
