If you’ve ever shopped for bedding, you’ve probably seen pillow shams. But what are pillow shams, and how are they different from your regular pillowcases? They’re more than just fancy covers; they’re a key part of a polished bedroom look that offers both style and function.
Think of them as the decorative jackets for your pillows. While a standard pillowcase is for sleeping, a sham is primarily for show. It’s designed to cover the pillows you pile on your bed during the day, creating a layered, inviting appearance. Understanding them can help you build a more complete and stylish bedroom.
What Are Pillow Shams
A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover that typically closes in the back with a hidden envelope closure, a flange (a decorative border), or a zipper. They are meant to encase throw pillows or bed pillows that are not used for sleeping, serving as the finishing touch to your bed’s aesthetic. The key difference lies in their purpose: a pillowcase is functional for sleep, while a sham is decorative for display.
Key Characteristics of a Sham:
* Decorative Closure: Usually has an envelope flap, zipper, or intricate button closure on the back, not an open end.
* Decorative Details: Often features trims, flanges, cording, or elaborate patterns.
* Structured Look: Designed to hold a pillow insert firmly for a neat, plump appearance.
* Standard Sizes: Made to fit common pillow insert sizes (like Standard, Queen, King), but the dimensions are often slightly larger to accommodate the insert snugly.
Pillow Sham vs. Pillowcase: The Core Differences
It’s easy to mix them up, but they serve distinct roles. Here’s a simple breakdown.
Pillowcase:
* Purpose: For sleeping. It’s functional and soft against your skin.
* Closure: Has an open end, sometimes with a simple hem or a tucked flap.
* Fabric: Usually made from comfortable, breathable materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo.
* Design: Typically simple, solid colors or subtle stripes to match your sheets.
* Fit: Often “baggy” to easily slip a pillow in and out.
Pillow Sham:
* Purpose: For decoration. It protects a pillow from dust and adds style.
* Closure: Has a formal closure (envelope, zipper) on the back to create a clean look.
* Fabric: Can be made from decorative, sometimes less-sleep-friendly fabrics like heavy cotton, velvet, or silk.
* Design: Often bold, patterned, or textured as the bed’s focal point.
* Fit: Snug to give the pillow a structured, plump shape.
In short, you sleep in a pillowcase, but you display a pillow inside a sham.
Why Use Pillow Shams? 5 Key Benefits
You might wonder if shams are necessary. While not essential for sleep, they offer several advantages for your bedroom’s look and feel.
1. Instant Style Upgrade: They are the fastest way to add color, pattern, and texture to your bed. You can change them seasonally or whenever you want a new look without buying a whole new bedding set.
2. Create a Layered, Luxurious Bed: A well-made bed uses layers. Shams proped against the headboard behind your sleeping pillows add depth and a hotel-like finish.
3. Protect Your Decorative Pillows: The sham acts as a shield for your more expensive pillow inserts or decorative pillows from dust, spills, and sunlight, making them last longer.
4. Easy to Clean and Change: Instead of washing a large duvet cover or comforter, you can just toss the shams in the wash. This makes seasonal updates or quick clean-ups a breeze.
5. Define Your Bed’s Style: Whether your taste is modern, farmhouse, or bohemian, the design of your shams sets the tone for the entire room.
Types of Pillow Shams and Their Features
Not all shams are created equal. The style is often defined by its edges and closure. Here are the most common types you’ll encounter.
Standard Sham
This is the most basic type, with a simple hemmed edge and a back envelope closure. It’s versatile and works with almost any bedding style, from minimalist to traditional.
Euro Sham
These are large, square shams (typically 26″x26″) designed to fit Euro-sized pillow inserts. They are often used as a backdrop for smaller pillows and are a staple for creating a layered bed. They usually have a knife-edge (plain seam) or a flange.
Flanged Sham
This style features a decorative border of fabric, called a flange, that extends beyond the seam all the way around the pillow. The width of the flange can vary from a subtle half-inch to a bold several inches, adding a formal, tailored look.
Knife-Edge Sham
As the name implies, this sham has a sharp, clean edge where the front and back panels meet in a simple seam. It offers a sleek, modern profile without any extra fabric or trim.
Boxed Edge or Box Corner Sham
Similar to a box-spring pillow, this style has side panels (gussets) that create a three-dimensional, structured box shape. It gives a very full, substantial appearance.
Quilted or Embroidered Sham
These shams feature intricate stitching, patterns, or embroidery on the front panel. They add significant texture and a classic, cozy feel, often found in traditional or cottage-style bedrooms.
How to Choose the Right Pillow Sham Size
Getting the size right is crucial for a polished look. A sham that’s too big will look sloppy; one that’s too small will overstuff and strain the seams.
Here’s a standard size guide:
* Standard Sham: Fits a 20″ x 26″ pillow insert. (Look for sham dimensions around 20.5″ x 26.5″ for a snug fit).
* Queen Sham: Fits a 20″ x 30″ pillow insert. (Sham dimensions ~20.5″ x 30.5″).
* King Sham: Fits a 20″ x 36″ pillow insert. (Sham dimensions ~20.5″ x 36.5″).
* Euro Sham: Fits a 26″ x 26″ pillow insert. (Sham dimensions ~26.5″ x 26.5″).
Pro Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s “finished size” and pair it with a pillow insert of the exact dimensions they recommend. For a plumper look, you can sometimes go up one size in the insert (e.g., a 21″x21″ insert in a 20″x20″ sham), but don’t overdo it.
How to Style Pillow Shams on Your Bed
Arranging shams is an art that makes your bed look inviting. Follow these steps for a professional, layered effect.
1. Start with the Foundation. Make your bed with fitted and flat sheets, a duvet or comforter, and your regular sleeping pillows in their pillowcases.
2. Place the Largest Shams First. Stand your Euro shams up against the headboard. If you have two, place them side-by-side. This is your back layer.
3. Add Your Standard/Queen/King Shams. In front of the Euro shams, place your larger sleeping pillows (now in their decorative shams). You typically use two of these.
4. Layer in Decorative Pillows. In front of the standard shams, add smaller accent pillows in various shapes (like squares, bolsters, or lumbar rolls). This is your front layer for pops of color and texture.
5. Mind the Odd Number Rule. For a visually pleasing arrangement, an odd number of pillows (3, 5, 7) often works best. But symmetry (2 Euros, 2 Standards, 1 lumbar) is also classic.
6. Play with Patterns and Textures. Mix solids with patterns. Combine different textures like linen, velvet, and knit. Just keep a cohesive color thread running through all pieces.
Remember, there’s no single right way. Experiment until you find an arrangement that feels balanced and beautiful to you.
Essential Care and Cleaning Instructions
To keep your shams looking fresh, proper care is key. Always check the label first, but here are general guidelines.
* Washing: Most cotton, polyester, or linen shams can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent. Wash similar colors together.
* Drying: Tumble dry on low heat. Remove promptly to avoid wrinkles. For shams with delicate trim or embroidery, air-drying flat is safest.
* Ironing/Steaming: If needed, iron on the appropriate heat setting for the fabric while slightly damp. Steaming is excellent for removing creases without direct heat, especially on flanges or trims.
* Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags; use cotton storage bags or an old pillowcase to allow the fabric to breath.
A common mistake is washing shams with heavy items like towels, which can cause excessive friction and wear on the fabric or trims.
FAQs About Pillow Shams
Q: Do you put a pillow in a sham?
A: Yes, absolutely. A sham is a cover for a pillow insert. For the best look, use a supportive insert made for the sham’s size, like a standard bed pillow or a decorative pillow insert.
Q: Can you sleep on a pillow sham?
A: Technically you can, but it’s not recommended. The closures (zippers, flaps) can be uncomfortable against your skin, and the decorative fabrics are often not as soft or breathable as standard pillowcase materials designed for sleep.
Q: How many pillow shams do I need?
A: It depends on your desired look. A common starter set is two standard/queen shams to match your duvet cover. For a fuller look, add two Euro shams. There’s no fixed rule—it’s about personal style and bed size.
Q: What is a pillow sham used for?
A: Its primary use is decoration. It styles the bed, protects decorative pillow inserts, and completes the layered bedding look. It’s not meant for regular sleeping.
Q: Where can I buy pillow shams?
A: They are widely available at home goods stores, department stores, online retailers (like Amazon, Wayfair, Pottery Barn), and even big-box stores. You can buy them separately, in sets with a duvet cover, or as part of a complete bedding ensemble.
Choosing the right ones for your home is about blending function with your personal aesthetic. By understanding their purpose, types, and how to style them, you can use pillow shams to create a bedroom that feels both comfortable and intentionally designed. Start with one or two that you love and build your bedding collection from there.