What Are Shams?

American Shams

• American shams, which are also called standard shams, measure 20 inches wide by 26 inches long. Pillows made this size fit into a wide variety of coverings made from patterned and solid fabrics. Once covered, standard shams are generally used only to decorate beds.

European Shams

• European shams are different from American shams in that they are larger, measuring 26 inches wide by 26 inches long. European or "Euro" shams also tend to have a frilly, 1-inch thick ribbing surrounding the sham, adding elegance and formality. Like standard shams, European shams come in a variety of patterns and colors; unlike standard shams, they are often used to complement couches in dens and living rooms as opposed to just bedrooms.

Decorating Bedrooms

• When decking your bed out in pillow shams, choose whether you want to add one layer or cover half your bed in decorative pillows. A good rule to follow is to add two shams to a queen size bed, three or more for a king and only one for a twin or full size bed. Select colors that complement your sheets, carpet and wall color. Use them to add depth to your bed. Place your shams behind or in front of your sleeping pillows. Complement shams with a duvet cover if shams are placed in front of pillows. Decorate a child's room with a favorite sports team or cartoon shams.

Decorating Other Rooms

• Use European shams to decorate large couches, wing-back chairs or chaise lounges in living rooms, sitting rooms or bedrooms. Even a bench in a large picture window can be enhanced with three or more European shams. Select a fabric and color that fits the style of your room. Choose silk or chenille for elegant, formal rooms and cotton, polyester, linen or rayon for less formal rooms. Mix European and American shams for a blend of sizes to give a bedroom or couch a multi-layered look.