Types of Pillows

What is a "Euro" sham? How exactly do you go about arranging all of these pillows on your bed? If these are the types of questions you find yourself asking, this quick guide will get you set on the right path. Learn about the different kinds of pillows you can decorate with, as well as the best way to arrange them for a photo-finish look. Pillow Glossary Pillow Guide Ways to Style Pillows on a Bed Note: European shams are propped against the headboard, sleep pillows come next, and then Standard/Queen or King shams are propped against these. Finally, the smaller accent pillows are arranged in front of the backdrop of larger pillows. Twin: 1 Euro sham, 1 Standard/Queen sham (or 1 King sham) + one standard pillow (or one king pillow) + 1-2 accent pillows Full 2 Euro shams, 2 Standard/Queen shams + 2 standard pillows + 1-2 accent pillows Queen 2 Euro shams, 2 Standard/Queen shams + 2 standard pillows (or 2 queen pillows) + 2-3 accent pillows King 3 Euro shams, 2 King shams (or 3 Euro shams, 3 Standard/Queen shams) + 2 king pillows (or 3 standard pillows) + 3 accent pillows Accent Pillows Bolster Pillow Bolster Sham Cylinder Pillow Euro Sham European Sham King Pillow King Sham Neckroll Pillow Shams Queen Pillow Rectangle Pillow Round Pillow Standard Pillow Standard Sham Std/Queen Sham Stuffer Pillow Square Pillow

Accent Pillows Smaller pillows displayed in front of shams and sleep pillows; this category covers square, round, and rectangle pillows as well as neckrolls.

Bolster Pillow (Bolster Sham) A long, wedge-shaped pillow designed for use with a Hollywood cover. Tip: A bolster pillow includes the sham and foam insert. A bolster sham is the covering only (no foam insert inside.)

European Sham (Euro Sham) Decorative coverings for a 26"x26" pillow. These are generally propped against the headboard and are useful for sitting up in bed to watch television or read.

King Pillow A sleep pillow that is 18"-20"x36" in dimensions; these pillows go inside the pillowcases that often come with a sheet set.

King Sham A decorative casing that holds your 20"x36" stuffer pillow; these shams are displayed in front of European shams.

Neckroll (Cylinder Pillow) Small, cylindrical pillows that traditionally were used to support the neck.

Pillow Shams Decorative coverings for Standard/Queen, King, or European stuffer pillows (not to be confused with sleep pillows); most have an opening on the reverse side. Tip: A “Standard Sham” and a “Queen Sham” are usually the same size. Some pillow shams may have a zipper closure at the bottom.

Queen Pillow A sleep pillow that is 18"-20"x29" in dimensions; these pillows go inside the pillowcases that often come with a sheet set.

Rectangle Pillow Four-sided accent pillows that are longer than they are wide.

Round Pillow Circular accent pillows, often (but not always) with a button in the center, that are used to style a bed.

Standard Pillow A sleep pillow that is 18"-20"x26" in dimensions; these pillows go inside the pillowcases that often come with a sheet set.

Standard Sham (Standard/Queen Sham) A decorative casing that holds your 20"x26" stuffer pillow; these shams are displayed in front of European and/or King shams.

Stuffer Pillow Plump pillow form that fills the inside of a decorative sham casing; designed for ornamental use but may be used as a firm support pillow.

Square Pillow Four-sided accent pillows that are equal in length and width.