Have you ever admired the sophisticated look of Euro shams, only to be disappointed when your own pillows look saggy and deflated? Many people struggle with achieving that crisp, full appearance with their Euro shams. For years, I wrestled with floppy, less-than-perfect Euro pillows myself. The issue wasn’t the shams; it was the Pillow Insert Euro size and fill.
Euro sham pillow with a standard 26×26 pillow insert showing floppy edges and poor fit.
Let’s examine the common problem. Take a look at the picture above. Notice the difference? On the left side of the comparison, you see a Euro sham that looks tailored and elegant with sharp, clean edges. On the right, the same size sham appears sloppy, with loose fabric and a deflated shape. The key difference isn’t the sham cover, but what’s inside – the pillow insert.
Comparison of Euro sham pillow fit: left side with crisp edges using correct insert, right side with saggy edges using wrong insert.
Focus on the pillow on the right in the image above. You can clearly see the excess fabric and the underfilled look. This is a common frustration when using standard-sized inserts.
Close-up of a Euro sham pillow showing the loose fabric and improper fit with a standard size pillow insert.
Now, shift your attention to the pillow on the left in the comparison image. See the difference? The edges are crisp, and the pillow looks full and inviting.
Close-up of a Euro sham pillow with a feather insert, demonstrating a fuller, crisper appearance.
The Secret: Oversized Pillow Inserts for Euro Shams
The secret to achieving that professionally styled Euro sham look boils down to two key factors. First, and most crucially, is the size of your pillow insert euro. While Euro sham covers typically measure 26 x 26 inches, using a 26 x 26 inch pillow insert will consistently result in that underfilled, floppy appearance. It seems counterintuitive, but the “correct” size insert is actually too small.
To properly fill a 26×26 Euro sham cover and achieve those desirable crisp edges, you need to use a 28 x 28 inch pillow insert. This slightly larger insert completely fills out the corners of the sham, eliminating saggy edges and creating a plump, tailored look.
The Importance of Pillow Insert Fill
The second factor, while less critical than size, is the type of fill in your pillow insert euro. While personal preference plays a role, the fill material impacts the final look and feel of your Euro pillows.
For a luxurious and easily styled look, consider using a down or feather fill insert. Down and feather inserts are less rigid than polyester or cotton fiber fills. This flexibility allows you to easily “karate chop” the tops of the pillows for a decorative touch and to fluff and adjust the fill to reach the corners of the sham effectively.
If allergies are a concern, down alternative inserts are a great option. Look for down alternative fills that are still pliable and “chopable” to maintain that stylish, relaxed appearance.
Perfectly filled Euro sham pillow showcasing crisp corners and a smooth, tailored look achieved with the right pillow insert.
The result of using the correct size and fill is a beautifully fitted Euro sham pillow, free from that loose, underfilled look. I use this 28×28 insert method throughout my home for perfectly styled beds. A general guideline is to use three Euro shams on a king-size bed, two on a full or queen, and one on a twin.
Finding the Right Euro Pillow Inserts
Finding 28 x 28 inch pillow inserts can sometimes be a challenge in local stores. Traditional retailers like big box bedding stores often stock only standard sizes. You might occasionally find them at discount home goods stores, but stock can be unpredictable.
Your best bet for finding a wide selection of 28 x 28 pillow insert euro options is online. Online marketplaces offer a variety of fills and price points, making it easy to find the perfect inserts for your Euro shams.
Stylish Euro sham pillows arranged on a bed, suggesting where to find affordable bedding and pillow inserts.
Say goodbye to frumpy Euro shams! By choosing the right pillow insert euro – specifically an oversized 28×28 insert and considering fill type – you can easily achieve that polished, designer look in your own home.
