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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Decorate Your Home » The Secret to a Great Fitting Euro Sham

The Secret to a Great Fitting Euro Sham

by Lindsay Ballard on January 30, 2014 46 Comments

the secret to a great looking euro sham pillow via MakelyHome.com

Over the past few months, I’ve started falling in love with the Euro sham all over again.  We’ve had a love/hate relationship for many years, since the edges of the shams always looked so sloppy when I put them over a Euro insert.

But here’s the thing: I’ve been doing it wrong all along.

the secret to a great looking euro sham pillow via MakelyHome.com

Do you notice the difference in the above picture of my daughter, Emma’s, bed?  On the left, you have the big square pillow with crisp edges.  On the right, you have the big square pillow with floppy edges and extra fabric at the bottom that I have to tuck underneath the pillow.

Let’s take a closer look.  Right:

the secret to a great looking euro sham pillow via MakelyHome.com

And left:

the secret to a great looking euro sham pillow via MakelyHome.com

The secret, y’all, is two-fold.  First, and most importantly, is insert pillow size.  While the Euro sham traditionally measures 26 x 26 inches, a 26 x 26 pillow form won’t cut it.  I don’t understand why the seemingly right size pillow doesn’t fit correctly into the sham, but it doesn’t.  You need to find a Euro pillow form that is 28 x 28 inches to completely fill the sham.

Secondly, the fill of the pillow matters, too (although it’s not as important in having the correct size insert).  I prefer a down or feather insert in my shams over a poly or cotton fiber fill.  The down/feather pillows aren’t as stiff, which allows you to “karate chop” the top of them if you like.  You can also fluff the pillows more easily and move the fill around so that it reaches the edges and fills out the sham.

Down alternative is an option if you have a down allergy, but make sure you can chop them!  You can order down alternative Euro forms – they are hypo-allergenic and chopable.

the secret to a great looking euro sham pillow via MakelyHome.com

The result is a nicely fitted, non-loosey goosey sham.  I use these on my bed, too.  My general rule is 3 on a king, 2 on a full/queen and 1 on a twin.

the secret to a great looking euro sham pillow via MakelyHome.com

But here’s the kicker: 28 x 28 inserts can be tough to find locally.  They don’t sell them at your traditional places like Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens ‘n Things, Walmart or Target.  You may be able to find them at retailers like TJMaxx, HomeGoods and Marshall’s, but you never really know what they will have in stock.  I have been lucky to find mine at Tuesday Morning ($14.99 for a feather fill), but I don’t know if they always have them or if they have them at every location.  You can follow Mandi’s lead and take ugly covers off of clearance pillows.

You obviously have more options online. Definitely check Amazon for good prices on 28 x 28 Euro pillow inserts!

So, what do you think?  Do you have a frumpy Euro sham problem, too?

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

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Comments

  1. aussiebeachgirl says

    January 30, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Hallelujah and thank you Lindsay! Phew, what a relief to get this awesome feedback at a time when I am planning on re-introducing the euro pillow back onto our bed! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your input and advice. I’ve been going round in circles and agonizing over sizes and trying to get the right look for our bed. Like yourself, it’s never worked for me in the past, so now that I’m armed with all your valuable info, our bed is going to be transformed! Woo hoo! I am also grateful that you mentioned bed sizes because the number of euro pillows on a kingsize bed has always got me flummoxed. Do you have any suggestions on placement? I tend to put the euros upright against the headboard, then layer the normal ones in front. However, the gap left in the middle really has me tearing my hair out! Help desperately need here!! 😉 Cheers and thx heaps, heather x

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      February 4, 2014 at 10:29 am

      You sound just like me, Heather! LOL! I think I was able to cover the placement in my bedding formula post (http://makelyhome.com/bedding-formula/). If you play with that and you run into questions, let me know! 😀

      Reply
      • Jodi says

        February 15, 2020 at 11:18 am

        Hi
        I love the story of not fitting! I have that same issue though with king Shams / king pillow still leaving extra room thus baggy and these tie in cute knots / bows on the end but there is all of this open baggy on that end that it just looks ridiculous. All I can ever find or know that would fit in a king pillow sham is a king pillow! I want it to be tight fitting if that makes sense?

        Thank you if any ideas

        Reply
      • Dana Gale says

        July 3, 2020 at 3:22 pm

        the only other thing to consider is how geese suffer so you can have down pillows. Yes, they are gorgeous and comfy, but gees endure horrible treatment. I’m not going to offer any links to articles. You can do the research, I’m sure.

        Reply
        • Lisa says

          November 16, 2020 at 9:34 pm

          Thank you for your comment

          Reply
  2. Hilde says

    January 30, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    I’ve seen the larger pillow forms at Joann. They’re not very down-like though. I don’t like the karate-chop thing though. It’s what my pillows look like after my dog sleeps on the top of them!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      February 4, 2014 at 10:30 am

      HA!

      Reply
    • Linda says

      March 10, 2017 at 11:06 am

      Yes, it is. Little dachshund top of the pillow habits! Lol

      Reply
    • Julie Johnson says

      February 6, 2019 at 11:42 am

      I do not like droopy shams, either. I like them to stand up square and for lack of a better word, look more stiff. They are the backdrop for other decorative throw pillows or standard shams on my bedding. That’s the only place I use the 26×26 euro, though. Happy decorating, ladies!

      Reply
  3. Gen says

    February 15, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    Hilde, I am totally with you on the karate chop. I want my pillows to be fluffed and have been buying oversized inserts for years. How/where/when did this whole thing with a dent in the top of the pillow start? We need someone to blame! ;D

    Reply
    • De Angeles Davis says

      May 21, 2014 at 9:32 am

      Funny…it’s really a matter of preference!

      Reply
    • Susan Kanoff says

      September 14, 2016 at 9:55 am

      Probably came from the same design professionals who hang flat screens over a fireplace. Ugh!

      Reply
      • Hawk says

        December 15, 2016 at 8:23 pm

        This piece was a lijkeaceft that saved me from drowning.

        Reply
  4. Kari says

    September 13, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    Thank you for this info! I’ve never had euro pillows and didn’t know to buy a size bigger. I definitely would have been disappointed with floppy dog-eared pillows!

    Reply
  5. Cheryl Miller says

    December 11, 2014 at 11:01 pm

    I bought two inserts but now I am having trouble finding a pillowcase cover that isn’t in the $30 range. Do you have any suggestions where to look?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      December 12, 2014 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Cheryl! Have you tried looking on Amazon? I don’t know what color you are looking for, but I just found these plain white ones for $10 each: http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Ideas-Tailored-Poplin-Pillow/dp/B002X79Y5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418415562&sr=8-1&keywords=euro+sham&tag=digitalca0daa06-20

      Reply
      • Ina says

        January 20, 2017 at 4:27 pm

        Thanks alot

        Reply
    • Christiana says

      December 15, 2016 at 11:56 pm

      Great photos Sandra. They look like something out of a magazine. Plus you look so hot if I can say that without any inclination, just simply adaerabli.Hmve a nice day.oxox ^-^

      Reply
    • fifa 14 coins cheat xbox 360 says

      April 20, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      Sounds like a brilliant day from start to finish. What a shame there weren't many chazza bargains but never mind eh, I'm sure the beer and Bob more than made up for it. Second To None looks a fine shop and you look FANTASTIC in the black crepe dress. Methinks you will be heading to Walsall again soon.xxxx

      Reply
  6. Janice says

    June 26, 2015 at 10:21 am

    The size of the euro pillow fill is exactly what I need to know and therefore googled.
    Priceless info.
    Now, tell me why my Queen duvet covers are always sloppy – too big. Who’s sizing these things anyway????

    Thank YOU!!!

    Reply
  7. BarryOB says

    June 30, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    Thank you for confirming what I just discovered today. I bought new shams at Macy’s and they didn’t look quite right with the old inserts I had. I called the store to see if they had inserts to fit the gusseted shams I just purchased. Macy’s directed me to their online site where they had Ralph Lauren 95/5 feather/down gusseted inserts. The inserts were 28×28, the shams being 26×26. I thought I’d give them a try but was sure I’d wind up having to return them, WRONG…they are a perfect match–larger insert fills the corners of shams. These inserts were on sale at 40 or 50% off (about $37 ea.) highly recommended! These may be discontinued so check site soon if this is what you’re searching for.

    Reply
  8. Beth says

    July 10, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    I just bought new pillows and covers today and thought I got the wrong size. However, after reading this, it appears that I have done things correctly. I wanted to let people know that my inserts came from Bed, Bath and Beyond. They even had two different price points from which to choose.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Sara says

    July 18, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    I just lucked onto your site and was so happy to learn I need 28 x 28 inserts for the euro shams. I don’t like them floppy either and I would never have known the right size was even available. thank you!!

    Reply
  10. Rachel says

    August 3, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Hi, Lindsay!

    I absolutely love the euro pillow shams shown in the photo of your daughter’s bed here. I know this post is 2.5 years old, but I am hoping I can still find these fabulous shams or the fabric. Could you tell me your source?

    Thank you for the great advice on euro pillows!

    Rachel

    Reply
  11. Andrea says

    August 6, 2016 at 12:24 am

    Great article- thank you! The shams I purchased are advertised as 26×26 but the area that the pillow can actually fit in is 24×24 due to extra fabric on the ends like the blue pillows of your daughter’s shown. Does this mean 28×28 pillow would be too big? Thank you again!

    Reply
  12. choose says

    August 29, 2017 at 9:13 pm

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    Reply
  13. Bobbie Harrison says

    August 31, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    Where, oh where, do I find inserts for a 30×30 sham?

    Reply
  14. Jeannie says

    October 16, 2017 at 1:02 am

    Ya’ll isn’t a word.

    Reply
  15. Mercedes Pittman says

    November 10, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    Hello!

    Do you have a link where I can find the pillows 28*28? Just bought 2 euro shams 26*26 for my daughter . I want for them too look full like in your picture. Thank you!!!!

    Reply
  16. Robyn says

    November 12, 2017 at 5:03 pm

    All pillows or cushions that are for embellishment should have a larger inserts. They look fantastic on either beds or your loungroom. I make my own covers and alway buy the next size up insert.

    Reply
  17. Barb says

    April 9, 2018 at 5:12 am

    well I already have down euro inserts so where, how do I find unfrumpy covers to fit the traditional size? I apologize if someone answered this already.

    Reply
  18. Sharon says

    April 11, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    FYI… I went to Michael’s; they had nothing but small pillow inserts. Joanne Fabrics had the 27 x 27, which I bought ($77 with 20% off). Home Goods only had the 27 x 27, but I looked for actual Euro Shams on clearance, and they had two fluffy white ones 28 x 28 ($32 for both). The fluffy ones fit inside the shams perfectly. Joanne’s are going back!! Thanks for the sizing tip!

    Reply
  19. Karen in NH says

    May 23, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    I’m embarrassed to admit that I thought the pillow on the RIGHT was the “good” one. To me it looks much better than the (floppy) one on the left. I guess it’s just personal preference?

    I love your site and especially the furniture makeovers!! They are very fun to read and inspirational too. Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Stacie says

    January 12, 2019 at 6:54 pm

    This is exactly what I needed to know in a search to find 3 pillow inserts. You recommend down do the feathers come out? Trying to avoid that from happinging but love the karate chop

    Reply
  21. Melanie says

    March 27, 2019 at 10:19 pm

    You can find 28 x 28 feather down inserts on Amazon. This is just one I found for $29: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MG7CDFW/ref=twister_B0799LFNS6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

    Reply
  22. Ruth says

    July 9, 2019 at 9:59 am

    I already have the pillow inserts, down and all, very nice, so I don’t want to get bigger ones. Would buying 24×24 covers make them look smaller somehow then? Do you advise it? Thanks!

    Reply
  23. June says

    October 24, 2019 at 12:05 am

    I new to the whole EURO pillows….I have size 28 x 28, 26×26 and 22×22 Euro pillow inserts bought from https://www.pacificcoast.com/
    Can some one please help me understand the size covers to get for each size and where to find them I confused

    Reply
    • Ava Aroha says

      August 31, 2020 at 1:09 am

      https://www.aanyalinen.com/blogs/aanya-blog/what-is-euro-sham here you can read about euro sham and
      https://www.aanyalinen.com/collections/euro-shams-100-cotton/products/lilac-euroshams you can find perfect euro pillows

      Reply
  24. Carol Bodmer says

    November 6, 2019 at 8:58 am

    what is a good fit pillow for standard pillow shames 26×20

    Reply
  25. Carol PHillips says

    December 20, 2020 at 9:05 am

    I have pillows that measure 23×23. What size sham do you recommend?

    Reply
  26. Corina Klies says

    February 26, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    Can we do better and not recommend shit from amazon – they are pure evil.

    Reply
  27. Allcottonandlinen says

    June 7, 2021 at 6:23 am

    Great post and such good tips

    Reply
  28. Fitted Sheet says

    December 30, 2021 at 4:20 am

    We read your blog and it is very beautiful and the content is also good, you have well described the fabric well and I liked it so thank you.

    Reply
  29. Michelle says

    June 23, 2022 at 8:24 am

    Quick question- aside from buying new inserts, is there another way to get the fully stuffed look? I have inserts that are 26”, but they look sloppy in the sham..they were really expensive 😩 so short of replacing them what other options are there…has anyone tried used shredded foam or down type filling (purchased in bulk) to stuff the sham edges?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Coyuchi Down Pillow Review | The Pillow Report says:
    January 23, 2018 at 6:35 am

    […] the upper and bottom seams stock pure down, making its touch as soft as silk. The plump, silky pillow can fill a sham correctly. It offers the right head support to fritter away time reading, relaxing or couch […]

    Reply
  2. euro sized pillows - Home Interior Ideas says:
    November 24, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    […] secret great fitting euro sham sized pillows. source […]

    Reply

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About Makely

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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