When styling your bed, you might come across terms like “pillow shams” and “Euro shams.” These decorative pillow covers play a key role in elevating the look of your bedding ensemble, but understanding their differences is essential to achieve the desired aesthetic. Many people wonder, What Are Shams And Euro Shams and how do they differ from regular pillowcases? Let’s delve into the specifics of standard shams and Euro shams to clarify their purpose and distinction.
Standard Shams: The Classic Rectangular Choice
What is a standard sham? A standard sham is designed to fit standard-size pillows, the rectangular pillows commonly used for sleeping in the United States. These shams are primarily decorative covers intended to enhance the visual appeal of your bed. While traditionally used purely for decoration, some standard shams are crafted from soft sheeting material, offering the option to use them as pillowcases for sleeping if preferred.
Standard shams typically feature a flange, which is a flat border that extends beyond the pillow’s edge, adding a decorative frame. They often have an envelope closure on the back for easy pillow insertion and removal. Placed behind your sleeping pillows, standard shams contribute to a layered and polished bed styling. They are a versatile choice, available in simple solid colors to match your bedding or in more elaborate designs to make a bolder statement.
Euro Shams: The Bold Square Accent
What is a euro sham? A euro sham, in contrast, is designed to accommodate European-size pillows, also known as Euro pillows. Euro pillows are square, setting them apart from the rectangular shape of standard American pillows. Consequently, euro shams are also square to ensure a snug and proper fit.
Euro shams serve a primarily decorative function and are often larger than standard shams, making them impactful accent pieces on a bed. They are typically positioned behind standard shams or sleeping pillows, leaning against the headboard or against the wall when the bed is against it. Euro shams add height and visual interest to your bedding arrangement, contributing to a luxurious and complete look. Like standard shams, euro shams come in various styles, from understated to highly embellished, allowing for diverse styling options.
In summary, both standard shams and euro shams are decorative pillow covers that enhance your bedding. The key difference lies in their shape and size: standard shams are rectangular for standard pillows, while euro shams are square for Euro pillows. Understanding this distinction will help you choose the right shams to create your desired bed styling.
