First, a Shams 101
What is a Sham?
Shams are available in standard, king, or euro size. Standard and kings are the size of standard and king pillows, and euros are 26x26.
How to Style a Bed with Shams
the John Robshaw WaY
There are many ways to style a bed with shams. To get the layered look John Robshaw loves, start by placing euro shams at the back of the bed. Next will be your regular pillows you use for sleeping, and then the standard shams in the front. And, of course, if you’re a maximalist like John, you can add decorative pillows and throws on top of the bed.
Shams can match the duvet or the quilt, or, if layering with both a quilt and a duvet, it can be fun to mix up the shams as in the examples below.
1. Match Duvet to Shams
Shams coordinate with the matching duvet creating a simple cohesive look.
2. Match Quilt to Shams
Shams coordinate with the matching quilt creating a simple styled look.
3. Match Standard Shams to Duvet
& Match Euro Shams to Quilt
Standard shams match the duvet, and euro shams match the quilt to add more dimension to a bed.
4. Match Standard Shams to Quilt
& Match Euro Shams to Duvet
Standard shams match the quilt, and euro shams match the duvet to give the bed more pop.
A Simple Formula for Buying Shams
1 Euro Sham, 1 Standard Sham
for a Twin
2 Euro Shams, 2 Standard Shams
for a Queen
3 Euro Shams, 2 King Shams
for a King