How To Use Pillow Shams

If you’ve ever looked at your bed and felt it was missing something, those decorative pillows at the head might be the answer. Learning how to use pillow shams is the key to finishing your bedroom’s style. They are more than just fancy pillowcases; they are a design tool that adds layers, texture, and a polished look. This guide will walk you through everything from putting them on to styling them like a pro.

Let’s start with the basics. A pillow sham is a decorative cover for a bed pillow. It typically has a flange—a decorative border—and an opening in the back, often with a hidden closure or overlapping fabric. Unlike a standard pillowcase, its main job is to look good, not necessarily to be slept on. They are designed to coordinate with your duvet cover or comforter set, pulling the whole room together.

This section covers the essential steps, from preparation to final placement. Getting it right makes all the difference in your bed’s appearance.

What You’ll Need First

Before you begin, gather a few items. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.

Pillow Shams: The decorative covers themselves.
Insert Pillows: These are the pillows that go inside the shams. Standard, Queen, or King size pillows are common.
Standard Bed Pillows: These are the ones you actually sleep on, which will go in front of the shams.
A flat surface, like your bed or the floor, to work on.

Choosing the Right Insert

The insert is crucial. A sham with a limp, underfilled pillow inside will look sloppy. The insert should be slightly larger and fuller than the sham to create a plump, luxurious look. For a standard sham, a queen-size pillow insert often works well to add extra fullness. For a king sham, consider using a king-size insert or even a special oversized one. Down or down-alternative inserts are popular because they are fluffy and easy to shape.

Step-by-Step: Putting on a Pillow Sham

Follow these simple steps to get a crisp, professional look everytime.

Fluff Your Insert: Vigorously fluff the pillow insert to distribute the filling evenly. This prevents lumps.
Locate the Opening: Find the closure on the back of the sham. It might be a zipper, a set of buttons, or a simple overlapping envelope style.
Open it Fully: Unzip or unbutton the closure completely. For an envelope closure, open the flaps wide.
Insert the Pillow: Hold the sham from the top front with one hand. With the other, push the pillow insert firmly into the bottom corner of the sham first, then guide the top corner in.
Adjust and Shape: Once the insert is inside, stand the sham upright and gently pat and punch the corners to ensure the insert is fully settled. Fluff the front and smooth the fabric.
Close the Sham: Secure the zipper, buttons, or flaps. Give the sham a final shake and plump.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small errors can ruin the look. Here’s what to watch out for.

Using a Small Insert: A insert that’s too small will leave the sham looking deflated and wrinkled.
Not Fluffing First: Putting in a lumpy insert guarantees a lumpy sham.
Forgetting to Close It: An open zipper or gaping envelope flap looks messy from the side.
Ignoring the Corners: Make sure the insert’s corners reach all the way into the sham’s corners for a sharp look.

Placing Shams on Your Bed

Now that your shams are ready, where do they go? The standard and most effective placement is at the very back of your bed pile, leaning against the headboard or wall. They act as a backdrop for your sleeping pillows and other decorative accents. Always place them with the closed side down, so the opening is hidden against the headboard. This keeps the neat, finished side facing the room.

Styling with Other Pillows

This is where you can get creative. Pillow shams are the foundation of your bed’s pillow arrangement. The classic layering order, from the headboard outward, is:

Pillow Shams (2): Upright against the headboard.
Sleeping Pillows (2): In standard pillowcases, placed in front of the shams.
Decorative Accent Pillows (1-3): These go in front. Think euro shams, lumbar pillows, or boudoir pillows.
A Throw Pillow or Folded Blanket: At the very front for a final touch.

This creates depth and interest. You can mix sizes, textures, and patterns, but try to keep a cohesive color story. For example, if your sham has a pattern, pick a solid color from it for an accent pillow.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your shams looking fresh, proper care is essential. Always check the manufacturer’s label first. Most shams, especially cotton or linen ones, are machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to avoid deep wrinkles. For shams with delicate trim or closures, consider using a mesh laundry bag. Ironing or steaming might be necessary to smooth out the flange for a perfectly crisp look. It’s a good idea to have a spare set so you can rotate them while others are being cleaned.

Dealing with Wrinkles

Wrinkles can make even the nicest sham look messy. A handheld steamer is your best friend here. It quickly relaxes wrinkles without the risk of scorching the fabric like an iron might. If you don’t have a steamer, you can toss the sham in the dryer with a damp washcloth for 10 minutes on low heat, then immediately hang it up.

Storage Tips

When not in use, store your shams in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture. A cotton storage bag or a shelf in your linen closet is perfect. If you’re storing them long-term, make sure they are completely clean and dry first to prevent mildew or yellowing.

Creative Uses Beyond the Bed

Pillow shams aren’t just for beds! Their decorative nature makes them versatile around the home. Here are a few ideas:

On a Sofa: Use two matching shams at the ends of your couch instead of expensive decorative pillows.
As a Wall Hanging: A large, beautiful sham can be framed and hung as textile art in a bedroom or living room.
Window Seat Comfort: Add plushness to a bench or window seat with a few shams as backrests.
Pet Bed Makeover: Place a sham (with an old pillow inside) in your pet’s favorite spot for a quick, stylish upgrade.

Mixing and Matching Patterns

Don’t be afraid to combine different shams and pillows. The key is to vary the scale. Pair a large-scale patterned sham with a smaller, coordinating pattern or a solid color. Use a consistent color palette to tie everything together. For instance, a navy blue sham with white stripes could be paired with a solid white euro sham and a navy lumbar pillow with texture. If you’re nervous, start with textures instead of patterns—a quilted sham, a velvet pillow, a linen throw.

Seasonal Swaps for Fresh Looks

One of the easiest ways to update your bedroom is by changing your shams with the seasons. You don’t need a whole new bedding set. In spring, switch to shams in light, floral patterns or pastel linens. For summer, try crisp white or light cotton. In fall, richer colors like burgundy or olive green work well, and for winter, deeper tones or cozy flannel shams can make the room feel warmer. This keeps your space feeling new without a major investment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common problems.

Sham Looks Flat: Your insert is too small. Upgrade to a larger, fuller insert or add a pillow pad behind the existing one.
Corners Won’t Stay Full: Before inserting, give the corners of your pillow insert a good pull to stretch the filling into them.
Sham Won’t Stay Upright: Make sure your sleeping pillows in front are providing enough support to hold them up. You can also tuck the bottom edge of the sham slightly under the mattress.
Closure Bulges: Ensure the insert is fully inside and not caught on the zipper. For envelope closures, make sure the flaps lay completely flat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?
A pillowcase is designed for sleeping on. It’s usually soft, simple, and opens on the side. A pillow sham is primarily decorative, often has a flange or trim, and opens in the back. It’s meant to be looked at, not slept on directly.

Can you sleep on a pillow sham?
You technically can, but it’s not recommended. The fabrics and closures (like zippers) are often not as comfortable as a standard pillowcase. They can also wrinkle or soil more easily, ruining their decorative purpose. It’s best to use a regular pillowcase underneath.

How many pillow shams should I use?
It depends on your bed size and style. For a full or queen bed, two standard shams is classic. For a king bed, you can use two king shams or three standard shams across the back. It’s really about the look you want to achieve.

What size pillow goes in a standard sham?
A “standard sham” typically fits a 20″ x 26″ pillow. However, as a styling tip, using a queen-size pillow (20″ x 30″) as the insert will create a plumper, more luxurious look. Always check the sham’s dimensions if possible.

How do I keep my pillow shams from sliding down?
This is a common issue. Try tucking the bottom edge of the sham firmly under the mattress. You can also use pillow stays (small fabric connectors) or even a strip of velcro to attach the back of the sham to your headboard. Placing heavier sleeping pillows snugly in front of them also helps hold them in place.

Can I mix pillow sham sets?
Absolutely! Mixing sets is a great way to create a custom, collected-over-time look. Just keep a unifying element, like color or texture, to make the mix look intentional instead of random.

Mastering how to use pillow shams is a simple skill with a big visual payoff. It turns a basic bed into a styled, inviting centerpiece for your bedroom. With the right inserts, a bit of fluffing, and thoughtful placement, you can achieve a magazine-worthy look that feels both comfortable and elegant. Start with the basics, then have fun experimenting with layers and textures to find your perfect style.