European Pillowcases

A European pillowcase is an oversized square pillowcase designed to fit a European or continental pillow, which measures 65 × 65 cm. Unlike a standard rectangular pillowcase, the European format is used primarily for visual layering at the back of a dressed bed. They're a staple of hotel-style bedding arrangements and are sold separately from standard pillowcase sets. For a full overview of all pillowcase types, see our guide to the nine types of pillowcase.

The standard Australian European pillowcase measures 65 × 65 cm, designed to fit a 65 × 65 cm square pillow insert. European pillowcases won't fit a standard rectangular sleeping pillow. If you try, the pillow will be too small and will bunch inside the case. Our bed linen sizing guide lists common pillow and pillowcase dimensions and has guidance on pairing the right insert size with your case.

A standard pillowcase is rectangular, typically 48 × 73 cm for a standard size or 50 × 90 cm for a king size, and fits sleeping pillows. A European pillowcase is square (65 × 65 cm) and designed for a square continental pillow insert. The two serve different purposes: standard pillowcases are for sleeping on, while European pillowcases are used decoratively at the back of a dressed bed. Our pillowcase buying guide covers all the options.

Yes, "European", "continental", and "euro" all refer to the same thing in Australian bedding: a square 65 × 65 cm pillowcase and the pillow insert that fits it. The terms are used interchangeably by different retailers, which causes confusion when shopping. You may also see "continental square" used. If a retailer uses any of these names and the size is 65 × 65 cm, it's the same item.

European pillowcases are available in cotton percale, velvet, jersey-knit, boucle, and satin finishes. As they're primarily decorative, the material choice affects how the case looks and drapes as much as how it feels. Velvet and boucle add texture and warmth to a bedroom scheme; cotton percale is the most practical and easy to launder; satin gives a smooth, polished finish. For guidance on which bedding fabrics suit your space, our bedding materials guide is a useful reference.

Primarily for decoration, European pillows sit at the back of a dressed bed and are typically removed before sleeping. Their square format is designed to lean against the headboard rather than support your head during sleep. That said, some people do sleep on them and they work well as firm back support pillows. For ideas on how to style them with the rest of your bedding, our guide to adding cushions to a bedroom has practical tips.