What’s A Pillow Sham

If you’ve ever wondered what’s a pillow sham, you’re not alone. It’s a common question for anyone looking to improve their bedroom decor. A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover that looks great and serves a specific purpose. Unlike a standard pillowcase, it’s designed to be seen and often has fancy details.

Shams usually cover bed pillows you don’t sleep on. They are part of the layered, finished look of a well-made bed. Understanding them helps you create a more polished and stylish bedroom.

Let’s break down the basics. A pillow sham is a decorative covering for your pillows. It’s different from the pillowcase you use every night.

Key Differences: Sham vs. Standard Pillowcase

It’s easy to mix them up. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Closure: A sham typically has an opening in the back, often with a overlapping flap or a zipper. A regular pillowcase has an open end.
Decoration: Shams feature trims like corded edges (welting), tassels, flanges, or embroidery. Pillowcases are usually plain.
Function: You sleep on a pillowcase. A sham goes over a pillowcase or a filler pillow for show. It’s removed before bed.
Size: Shams are made to fit over a pillow plus its pillowcase, so they are slightly larger. A standard sham fits a 20″ x 26″ pillow form.

The Main Purposes of a Pillow Sham

Why bother with one? They serve several smart functions:

Style and Color: They add pattern, texture, and color to your bed. They’re a key part of your bedroom’s design.
Protection: They shield your nicer sleeping pillowcases from dust, sunlight, and daily wear.
Comfort for Sitting: The extra layer makes bed pillows more comfortable for reading or lounging.
Finished Look: They complete the layered, luxurious appearance of a hotel-style or designer bed.

Common Types of Pillow Shams

Not all shams are the same. The style often depends on your bedding.

Standard Sham: The most common type, sized for bed pillows (20″ x 26″). It usually has a flange (a decorative border).
Euro Sham: A large square sham (26″ x 26″) used for big, square Euro pillows. It adds height and structure.
King Sham: Made for king-size pillows (20″ x 36″).
Neckroll or Boudoir Sham: A small, cylindrical sham for tiny decorative pillows.
Flanged vs. Knife Edge: A flanged sham has a flat border. A knife-edge sham has seams right at the edges, like a throw pillow.

Typical Materials and Fabrics

Shams come in many materials. The fabric affects the look and feel.

Cotton: Popular, breathable, and easy to care for. Percale is crisp, sateen is silky.
Linen: Offers a relaxed, textured, and casually elegant look. It gets softer over time.
Silk or Satin: Provides a luxurious, shiny finish. It feels smooth but can require delicate care.
Velvet or Velour: Adds rich texture, depth, and warmth, perfect for colder months.
Blends: Poly-cotton blends are durable and wrinkle-resistant, good for busy households.

How to Use and Style Pillow Shams on Your Bed

Styling is the fun part. Here’s a simple guide to arranging them.

The Basic Layering Order

Start with your sleeping pillows (with regular pillowcases) against the headboard.
Place your pillow shams over the sleeping pillows. For a tidy look, tuck the sleeping pillows inside the shams.
Add Euro shams in front of the standard shams, standing up against the headboard.
Finish with smaller decorative pillows or a lumbar pillow in front.

Pro Styling Tips

Mix sizes and shapes for visual interest (standard squares in back, Euros in middle, a rectangle in front).
Play with patterns. Pair a solid sham with a patterned duvet, or mix complementary patterns.
Don’t be afraid to use odd numbers, like three pillows across, for a balanced look.
Fluff and pat your shams daily to maintain their shape and a crisp appearance.

How to Choose the Right Pillow Sham

Picking one can feel overwhelming. Focus on these factors.

Match Your Bedding: Most people buy a sham as part of a bedding set (duvet cover + shams). You can also buy them separately for a mixed look.
Consider Care: Check the label. If you hate ironing, choose wrinkle-resistant cotton or linen.
Think About Texture: A velvet sham adds cozy warmth. A crisp cotton percale feels fresh and clean.
Measure Your Pillows: Ensure you get the right size sham for your pillow inserts. A sham that’s too tight will look lumpy.

Step-by-Step: How to Put on a Pillow Sham

It can be tricky with the back closure. Here’s the easiest method.

Lay the sham flat with the opening facing up. The decorated front should be down.
Take your pillow (with its sleeping pillowcase on) and place it on top of the sham.
Starting from the top, roll the pillow and the sham together towards the opening.
When rolled, reach into the open end of the sham and pull the pillow corners to the sham corners.
Unroll the bundle. The pillow will now be inside the sham. Adjust and fluff.

Caring for Your Pillow Shams

Proper care keeps them looking new for years.

Washing: Always check the care label first. Wash similar colors together in cool or warm water. Use a gentle cycle.
Drying: Tumble dry on low heat. Remove promptly to avoid deep wrinkles. Some fabrics, like linen, air-dry beautifully.
Ironing/Steaming: Iron on the appropriate setting while slightly damp for best results. A steamer is great for removing wrinkles quickly without direct heat.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags; use cotton storage bags instead to let the fabric breath.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small errors can ruin the look. Watch out for these.

Using Flimsy Inserts: Always use a firm, high-loft pillow insert. A flat pillow makes the sham look saggy and sad.
Wrong Size Insert: For a standard sham, use a 20″ x 26″ insert. For a plump look, some stylist even recommend going one size up for the insert.
Ignoring the Back: When styling, make sure the back flap of the sham is neatly tucked and not hanging out awkwardly.
Over-stuffing: Too many pillows can make the bed impractical. Find a balance between style and function.

Where to Buy Pillow Shams

You can find them in many places, both in-store and online.

Bedding Retailers: Stores specializing in home textiles offer the widest selection and quality.
Department Stores: A good source for a variety of brands and price points.
Online Marketplaces: Offer endless options, but be sure to read reviews and check return policies.
Custom Sewing: For unique sizes or fabrics, consider having them made by a seamstress.

FAQ Section

Do you sleep on a pillow sham?

No, you typically do not. A pillow sham is a decorative cover. You remove it at bedtime to sleep on your regular pillowcase underneath. This keeps the sham clean and looking its best.

What is the point of a sham?

The main point is decoration and protection. It adds style, color, and texture to your bed’s appearance. It also protects the pillowcases you actually sleep on from dust and fading.

What’s the difference between a pillowcase and a sham?

A pillowcase is for sleeping and has an open end. A sham is for show, has a closure (like a flap or zipper) on the back, and features decorative details like piping or a flange.

How many pillow shams do I need?

It depends on your bed size and style. A common setup for a queen bed is two standard shams and two Euro shams. For a king bed, you might use three standard shams or two kings and two Euros. It’s really up to your personal taste.

Can I use a pillow sham as a regular pillowcase?

You technically can, but it’s not recommended. The decorative trim can be irritating against your skin. Also, the back closure is less secure and may open during the night. Frequent washing may also damage delicate decorations.

What size pillow sham should I get?

Match the sham size to your pillow insert size. A standard sham fits a 20″ x 26″ insert. A Euro sham fits a 26″ x 26″ insert. Always check the product dimensions, as sizes can vary slightly between brands.

How do I keep my pillow shams fluffy?

Use a high-quality pillow insert that fills the sham completely. Give them a good fluff every morning. When washing, adding a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer can help beat the filling back into shape.

Understanding what’s a pillow sham is your first step to creating a more beautiful and inviting bedroom. They are the finishing touch that pulls a room together. With the right shams, you can easily change the feel of your space for the seasons or just when you want a fresh look. Start with one pair and you’ll see the difference it makes. Remember, the goal is to create a bed that you love to look at and are comfortable using every day.