Quick answer

A sateen sham refers to the fabric weave — silky, smooth, and soft — while a euro sham refers to the square size (26" x 26") typically used as a decorative back layer. If you want a soft, lustrous pillow cover for sleeping or layering, choose a sateen sham. If you need a large square accent pillow for the head of your bed, a euro sham (often also available in sateen) is the way to go.

What is a Sateen Sham?

A sateen sham is defined by its fabric: a sateen weave gives the cotton a smooth, silky feel with a subtle sheen. Sateen shams are often sold in standard, queen, or king sizes and are designed to match your duvet cover or sheet set. They can be used both for sleeping and as decorative layering.

Riley Home offers several sateen sham options, including the Sateen Euro Sham, which combines the soft sateen fabric with the larger euro size. The Reversible Color Block Sateen Duvet Cover & Shams Set also includes matching standard shams in sateen for a coordinated look.

What is a Euro Sham?

A euro sham is a square pillow cover, typically 26" x 26", used as a decorative back layer behind sleeping pillows. It adds height and structure to your bed styling. Euro shams are not usually slept on — they are removed or propped behind you when you get into bed.

Because the euro size is a decorative standard, you can find euro shams in many fabrics, including sateen. The Sateen Euro Sham from Riley Home is a perfect example: it gives you the soft sateen feel in the square euro format.

Sateen Sham vs Euro Sham: Trade-offs

  • Size and shape: Sateen shams come in standard rectangular sizes (standard, queen, king). Euro shams are always square (26" x 26"). The euro shape creates a taller back layer, while standard shams lie flat against the headboard. Choose standard sateen shams for sleeping pillows; choose euro shams for decorative layering.
  • Fabric feel: Sateen shams are made with a sateen weave — smooth, silky, and slightly lustrous. Euro shams can be made from any fabric (cotton, linen, velvet). If you love that soft, cool hand feel, look for a sateen euro sham like the one from Riley Home. Sateen fabric adds a luxe touch whether you choose a standard or euro size.
  • Usage and function: Standard sateen shams are often slept on and changed with your sheets. Euro shams are purely decorative — they stay propped against the headboard during the day and are removed at night. This means euro shams can be made of more delicate fabrics without wear issues. If you want a sham you can sleep on, stick with a standard sateen sham. For a purely decorative accent, a euro sham works well.

Product facts at a glance

  • Sateen Euro Sham: Mix, match, mingle our Sateen Euro Sham, and make bedding fun again. Wash before use and wash often, as our sheets get softer with every wash. Sold individually. Inserts not included. This sham is sold individually, so you can buy exactly the number you need for layering. The sateen fabric gets softer with washing, making it more comfortable over time.
  • Reversible Color Block Sateen Duvet Cover & Shams Set: A bold and beautiful look in bedding, in silky soft sateen. Sets come in 3 sizes: Twin (with 2 standard shams), Full/Queen (with 2 standard shams), and King/California King (with 2 king shams). Wash before use and wash often, as our sheets get softer with every wash. If you want a complete matching set with standard-sized shams, this duvet cover set is a convenient option. The sateen fabric provides the same silky feel across all pieces.

Which one should you choose?

Best for

  • Anyone who wants a silky, soft pillow cover for sleeping or matching their duvet set — choose a standard sateen sham.
  • Bed stylists who want a tall, square back layer to create a hotel-style look — choose a sateen euro sham.

Not for

  • If you need a pillow cover to sleep on every night, a euro sham is too large and decorative — choose a standard sateen sham instead.
  • If you prefer a crisp, matte cotton feel, sateen's sheen may not suit your taste — consider a percale or linen sham.