Sleeping is a critical part of our life, and a night of good sleep is proven to boost the productivity of humans. Everybody yearns for a good and sound sleep.

The body requires proper pillows and a bed to rest with ease. European and standard shams are different types of pillow covers available in the market.

Key Takeaways

  1. European Shams are larger than Standard Shams and are used as decorative pillows in the back of the bed.
  2. Standard Shams are smaller and are used as the primary pillows on the bed.
  3. The main difference between European Sham and Standard Sham is the size and function of the pillows.

European Sham vs Standard Sham

The difference between European Sham and Standard Sham is that the size of a standard sham is 20*26 inches, while the size of a European sham is 26*26 inches. The size of the sham is the most fundamental difference between the European sham and the standard sham. But there are a few more notable aspects that differ in these shams.

The European word sham is used to describe the covers that are the size of a European pillow. So, to understand what a European sham is.

It is necessary to understand the significance and uniqueness of the European pillows. European sham is made for cushions that are 26*26 inches in size.

The term Standard sham is used to describe the covers that are the size of a standard American pillow.

So, to understand what a standard sham is, it is essential to understand the uniqueness and usefulness of American pillows. This standard sham is made for American pillows that are 20*26 inches in size.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonEuropean ShamStandard Sham
PillowsIt is used for European pillows.It is used for American pillows.
SizeThe size of the European sham is 26*26 inches.The size of the standard sham is 20*26 inches.
CostIt is costlier due to the excess usage of the fabric.It is less expensive than a European sham.
ShapeThe European sham and the pillow are shaped like a square.The standard sham and pillow are shaped like a regular rectangular pillow.
UsesIt is used on sofas, chairs, and beds.It is used on beds.

What is European Sham?

The term European sham is used to denote pillow covers. The pillow covers are also known as shams.

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The European shams are designed specifically to suit European pillows. Before buying a sham for a European pillow, it is necessary to understand the fundamental aspects of a European pillow.

The sham is made to suit the pillows that are used in countries situated on the European continent. It is majorly used by European countries, while other countries.

Rarely use European cushions for their beds. European shams are made in the size of European pillows.

These European pillows are in the size of 26*26 inches. Size is a vital aspect of European pillows, setting them apart from standard or American pillows.

The European sham is made 26*26 inches in size to fit these pillows perfectly. It is interesting to note that the height and width of the European shams or pillows are similar.

These European shams with the same length and breadth make a perfect square shape. The European pillow and shams are square, unlike the standard shams.

Due to their size, European covers are costlier and are used in places other than beds, like sofas and chairs. 

What is Standard Sham?

The term Standard sham is used to denote the pillow covers. Shams are synonyms of the regular pillow covers that cover the pillows from dirt.

The standard shams are designed specifically to suit the usual American pillows. Before buying a sham for the American cushion, it is necessary to understand the primary aspects of the same.

The standard sham is made for the American pillows used in the U.S., as American pillows became the standard-sized pillow around the world.

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The standard sham is used for pillows in several countries around the world. Unlike European covers, standard shams are used by a lot of people globally. 

Standard shams are made in the size of American or standard pillows. These average pillows are of the size 20*26 inches.

It is necessary to understand that the size of the natural American pillow is different from the European pillows. The height and width of these pillows are varied.

The standard shams are made to fit these pillows perfectly. The length of the standard pillow is higher than the breadth.

This makes the standard pillow a rectangular shape. The rectangular-shaped pillows are used by several countries, except in Europe.

Due to the lesser size of standard shams, they are less expensive than European shams.

standard pillow

Main Differences Between European Sham and Standard Sham

  1. The European shams are made to suit European pillows. The standard shams are made to suit the standard American pillows.
  2. The European sham and pillows are made up of a size of 26*26 inches. The American sham and pillows are made up of a size of 20*26 inches.
  3. European covers are costlier because they are made up of more fabric material. Standard shams are less expensive due to the less fabric material used. 
  4. The shape of a European sham is square because of the similar size in length and breadth. The shape of the standard sham is a rectangle because of the different sizes.
  5. European shams are used in sofas and chairs, apart from beds. Standard shams are used in beds.
Difference Between European Sham and Standard Sham
References
  1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2015.07.004
  2. https://studymongolia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/textile-specialty-group-postprints-vol-15-2005.pdf#page=27
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By Chara Yadav

Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.