Euro Pillow Size: Dimensions in cm and Inches

A Euro pillow is a large square pillow. The standard size is 65 x 65 cm, which is about 26 x 26 inches. Sleep Foundation gives the same 26 by 26 inch figure. Across much of continental Europe, 65 x 65 cm is also a common standard pillow size. This guide covers the measurements, the insert and cover that fit, how many to use per bed and how to style Euro shams.

Key takeaways

• Standard Euro pillow size: 65 x 65 cm (26 x 26 inches). Some brands use 60 x 60 cm, 70 x 70 cm or 80 x 80 cm, so check the label.
• A Euro pillow is square. A UK standard pillow is rectangular, at 50 x 75 cm.
• Euro pillows work as a backrest, as decoration and as support for hips and knees. Most people do not use them as their main sleeping pillow.
• For a snug, full look, choose an insert slightly larger than the cover.
• Two Euro pillows suit a double, king or super king. One suits a single.

Table of Contents

• What size is a Euro pillow?
• Euro pillow size chart
• How European pillow sizes differ by country
• Euro pillow vs standard pillow
• What size insert fits a Euro sham?
• What size pillowcase fits a Euro pillow?
• How many Euro pillows for each bed size?
• How to style Euro shams on your bed
• Can you sleep on a Euro pillow?
• Perspective: how we think about Euro pillow size
• Find pillows and bedding to match
• FAQ
• Sources

What size is a Euro pillow?

The standard Euro pillow, also called a continental pillow or Euro sham when it is in a cover, measures:

The shape is the key point. A Euro pillow has equal sides. Sleep Foundation notes that this square shape contrasts with common rectangular pillows. It also adds to the look of a bed.

The measurement is the same however it is searched: Euro pillow dimensions, European pillow measurements or a Euro sham size guide all point to 65 x 65 cm. In the US you will often see 26 x 26 inches. Some US shams are sold at 27 x 27 inches.

Euro pillow size chart

The table below lists the sizes you are likely to see in UK and European shops.

Some retailers list a smaller Euro at 50 x 60 cm, and some list long continental pillows at 40 x 80 cm. These are variations. When a listing says Euro or continental, read the measurements before you buy.

How European pillow sizes differ by country

Size standards for pillows vary between countries. TechRadar’s pillow size guide notes that square pillows are common in Germany and rectangular pillows are common in Spain. So “European pillow size” can mean different things depending on the shop.

In the UK, the usual bed pillow is the 50 x 75 cm rectangle. The Euro pillow is an extra: a larger square that sits behind the standard pair. If you buy bedding from abroad, check whether the pillowcases in a duvet set are rectangular or square. Many continental sets include a 65 x 65 cm case, and some include longer cases.

Euro pillow vs standard pillow

Here are the practical differences:

• Shape: Euro is square. Standard is rectangular.
• Size: At 65 x 65 cm, a Euro pillow is wider than a 50 x 75 cm standard pillow. It is shorter in length.
• Height: A Euro pillow stands taller against a headboard because it is square.
• Main use: Euro pillows are used mostly for decoration, as a backrest while sitting up in bed, or for hip and knee support. Standard pillows are used for sleeping.

If you are choosing between standard and queen sleeping pillows, our guide to standard vs queen pillow sizes covers it.

What size insert fits a Euro sham?

A sham is the cover, and the insert is the pillow inside. For a 26 x 26 inch (65 x 65 cm) sham, a common approach is to choose an insert that is the same size or slightly larger, such as 28 x 28 inches (70 x 70 cm).

This is a common styling rule rather than a fixed standard, so check what the cover maker recommends. The reasoning is simple:

• Same size as the cover: A flatter, neater look. Corners can look less full.
• About 2 inches (5 cm) larger: A plumper pillow with filled corners. This is the look most people want for a bed.
• Much larger: The cover may strain at the seams and the pillow may bulge.

Filler matters as much as size. Goose down and feather inserts drape softly and can be shaped. Microfibre inserts hold a more even shape. For smaller square cushions at the front of the bed, our square 60 x 60 cm microfibre cushion inserts and square goose down pillows in 60 x 60 cm are sold in pairs. Check the stated measurements against your cover before you order.

What size pillowcase fits a Euro pillow?

The case needs to match the pillow, so a Euro pillow takes a 65 x 65 cm case. Three points help:

1. Measure your pillow flat. Lay it on a bed without pressing it, then measure edge to edge.
2. Match the label. A 65 x 65 cm case fits a 65 x 65 cm pillow. The fit is snug and tidy.
3. Check the closure. Envelope closures and flaps hold the pillow inside. Zip closures give a clean front.

A standard 50 x 75 cm pillowcase does not fit a Euro pillow, and neither does a long continental case. Our pillowcase collection lists the size on each product page.

How many Euro pillows for each bed size?

The number depends on the width of the bed and the look you want. These are common guides:

Two Euro pillows, each 65 cm wide, take up 130 cm. That fits comfortably across a king or super king headboard. On a double, they cover most of the width.

Bed widths above are standard UK mattress sizes. Check your own mattress, as some makers vary by a few centimetres.

How to style Euro shams on your bed

Euro shams go at the back, against the headboard. They add height and frame the rest of the pillows. A simple order from back to front:

1. Euro pillows: Stand them upright against the headboard.
2. Standard sleeping pillows: Place them in front, in matching cases.
3. A small square cushion or lumbar pillow: Set one at the centre as a final layer.

Ideas that work:

• Match the duvet cover. Use the Euro shams in the same fabric as your duvet cover set for a clean, uniform look.
• Pick a contrast. If the duvet is plain, choose a patterned or embroidered sham. If the duvet is patterned, choose a plain one.
• Layer the tones. Use two shades from the same palette, such as ivory and stone.
• Use texture. Linen, cotton sateen and mulberry silk each give a different finish. Our mulberry silk bedlinen has a smooth, soft surface that catches the light.
• Keep it symmetrical. Pairs look tidy. Odd numbers look relaxed.

For more ideas on layering a bed with square pillows, see this page on stylish throw pillows in the UK.

Can you sleep on a Euro pillow?

You can, but it is not the usual choice. A Euro pillow is larger and squarer than most sleep pillows. Most people use one as a backrest for reading, a prop for watching television, or support under the knees or hips, rather than as the main pillow.

If you do want to sleep on a square pillow, the filling and loft determine how it feels. A softer down filling compresses more. A firmer filling holds its height.

Perspective: how we think about Euro pillow size

We see Euro pillows as part of how a bed is built, rather than a separate product. The size is the easy part: 65 x 65 cm. The harder part is matching the cover, the insert and the rest of the bedding.

Our range covers duvet cover sets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases and mulberry silk bedlinen, in fabrics from cotton to linen and lyocell. Because the fabric and design change the look of a sham, we suggest choosing the bedding first. Then add the square pillows to match.

Two habits give good results. Read the stated measurements on every pillow and case before you order. Choose an insert slightly bigger than the cover for a fuller shape.

— Roomie Design

Find pillows and bedding to match

We offer pillows and cushions, pillowcases, sheets and duvet cover sets in a range of fabrics, sizes and styles. Each product page lists the sizes available.

• Pillows & Cushions
• Pillowcases
• Minimalist Down & Feather Pillow (Set of 2)
• Duvet Cover Sets

FAQ

What size is a Euro pillow?

A Euro pillow measures 65 x 65 cm, which is about 26 x 26 inches. It is square. Some retailers sell slightly different sizes, so check the label.

What size pillowcase fits a Euro pillow?

A 65 x 65 cm pillowcase fits a standard Euro pillow. A standard UK 50 x 75 cm case is the wrong shape. If your pillow is 70 x 70 cm or 80 x 80 cm, buy a case to match.

What size insert for a 26 x 26 inch Euro sham?

Many people choose a 28 x 28 inch (70 x 70 cm) insert for a fuller look. A 26 x 26 inch insert gives a flatter finish. Follow the recommendation of the cover maker where one is given.

How many Euro pillows do I need?

Use two on a double, king or super king bed, and one on a single. For a fuller look on a super king, three can work. Place them against the headboard, with standard pillows in front.

Are Euro pillows the same as European pillows?

Yes, in most listings, the terms are used for the same large square pillow. Across Europe, sizes vary by country. Square pillows are common in Germany and rectangular ones in Spain, so check the measurements.

Sources

• Pillow Sizes & Dimensions: Find The Right Fit For Your Bed, Sleep Foundation
• A complete guide to pillow sizes, TechRadar
• Stylish throw pillows in the UK, Zoneoffer

Recommended

• Standard vs queen pillow: how to choose the right size
• How to size bedding correctly: a complete guide