Pillowcases are a common bedding accessory that serves the functional purpose of protecting your pillows while you sleep. But have you ever wondered about the decorative counterparts known as queen pillowcases or shams? These beautiful pillow coverings have existed since the 18th century and are popular today. This article will explore what pillow shams are, how they differ from regular pillowcases, the various types and sizes available, and creative ways to use them to enhance the ambiance of your bedroom.

Understanding Pillow Shams

Pillow shams, unlike regular pillowcases, have a purely aesthetic role in your bedroom decor. While pillowcases are primarily designed to protect your pillows from dust, debris, and bodily fluids, shams are meant to elevate the visual appeal of queen pillows on your bed and create a unified theme in your bedroom. These decorative pillow coverings can add a touch of style and personality to your home, bringing a splash of color and elegance to any room.

The Difference Between Pillow Shams and Pillowcases

To truly understand pillow shams, it’s important to differentiate them from regular pillowcases. While standard pillowcases have a functional purpose, shams are purely decorative. Pillowcases are usually open at one end and are made of lighter, more breathable fabrics such as cotton. On the other hand, shams often have a hidden opening at the back and are made from thicker, more luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, or premium cotton. They may also feature intricate embellishments and decorative details.

See Also: Pillowcase Sizes and Dimensions

Exploring the Variety of Pillow Sham Designs

Pillow shams come in various designs, allowing you to find the best match for your bedroom decor. From solid colors to intricate patterns and embellishments, a sham suits every style and preference. Some popular designs include:

Standard Pillow Shams

Standard shams are the most common size and typically measure 20″ by 26″. They are versatile and can be used with smaller bed pillows. You can mix and match king pillows with standard shams to give your bed a fresh and inviting look.

European Pillow Shams

European shams, also known as Euro shams, are larger in size, measuring 26″ by 26″. Although less common, they can also come in a larger square size of 32″ by 32″. Euro shams can be used in the same way as standard shams and offer a more substantial presence on your bed.

Quilted Pillow Shams

Quilted shams are thicker and softer than other sham designs. They often feature decorative stitching on the front and are available in various sizes. Quilted shams add texture and warmth to your bedroom decor.

Flanged Pillow Shams

Flanged shams have a fabric border, known as a flange, around all four sides. This piece of fabric can be plain or decorated with embroidery and embellishments. Flanged shams add an elegant touch to your bed and create a polished look.

Custom-Sized Shams

Some retailers offer custom-sized bed shams to accommodate unique bed sizes and pillow dimensions. You can find a custom-sized sham to fit your pillows and enhance your bedroom decor perfectly if you have specific requirements.

The Difference Between a Sham and a Pillowcase

While some overlap may exist, shams and pillowcases have distinct differences. The main distinction lies in the opening location. Pillowcases usually feature an opening at one end, with extra fabric draping from the side and no fastening. In contrast, shams often come with a zipper along one edge or an opening at the back secured with an envelope-style closure.

Additionally, pillow shams frequently showcase flange or cording details along the edges, with a more ornate front design compared to pillow covers. In contrast, pillowcases are typically plain and primarily shield your pillow from body oils and dirt during slumber.

How to Choose the Right Sham Pillow

When choosing a sham pillow, the first step is determining the size of the pillows you want to transform into decorative accessories. It’s essential to ensure that the shams will fit the pillows you already have, or consider purchasing new pillows that match the desired pillow sham size.

Another factor to consider is whether the used sham is decorative and will coordinate with your duvet, comforter, and other pillows. While some decorative shams come in a set with a duvet or sheet set, others may need to be purchased separately. Ultimately, your selection of sham style will be based on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you aim to create.

Pillow Sham Sizes 

Bedding retailers often provide a variety of sham sizes, each designed to fit specific bed pillow sizes. Understanding the dimensions of these shams can help you make the right choice for your bed. Here’s a breakdown of the different sham pillow sizes available in the market:

• Standard Sham: Dimensions of 20″ x 26″.
• Queen Sham: Measuring 20″ x 30″.
• King Shams: Larger in size at 20″ x 36″.
• Boudoir Shams: Smaller and more decorative, with 16″ x 12″ dimensions.
• Neckroll Shams: Available in sizes like 16″ x 6″ or 12″ x 6″, and even other custom sizes.
• Euro Shams: Measuring 26″ x 26″, these are square in shape.

With the exception of Euro shams, all other shams come in rectangular shapes. Some stores also offer customized euro sham part sizes to suit your specific needs.

If you’re wondering which size to choose, consider these guidelines:

• Standard Shams: Ideal for smaller bed pillows and a good fit for twin beds. You can use two or more standard shams to refresh the look of your bed.
• King and Queen Shams: Suitable for larger beds, such as queen or king-size, although they are less common due to their size.
• Euro Shams: Versatile and compatible with most pillow sizes and bed types. They provide excellent support for activities like reading or watching movies in bed.
• Boudoir and Neckroll Shams: These smaller shams are typically placed in front of standard, queen, or king shams, serving a primarily decorative purpose due to their petite size.

Why Use a Pillow Sham?

Pillow shams can transform your bedroom’s atmosphere, allowing you to make subtle yet impactful changes. For instance, if you want to enhance the charm of a cottage-themed bedroom, you can opt for rustic pillow shams. If you’re looking to introduce a pop of color and create a cozier, more relaxing vibe, floral pillow shams are a great choice.

On the other hand, if your bedroom has a contemporary design, minimalist pillow shams can complement it perfectly. They can add a touch of style without cluttering the space. To achieve a stylish look, you can select a single color, like white, for your bed sheets and go for abstract patterns or contrasting colors for your duvet cover and shams.

In addition to their aesthetic benefits, pillow shams serve a practical purpose by protecting your pillows from spills, dust, and pet hair. This helps extend the time between pillow washes. Placing shams on your sofa can reduce the risk of scratches if you have pets.

Furthermore, pillow shams can breathe new life into old pillows. Instead of disposing of an aging pillow, you can repurpose it into a modern sham. Pillow shams offer a cost-effective way to refresh your bedroom decor. Redecorating with shams is more budget-friendly than repainting walls or investing in expensive home decor items.

Even worn-out pillow shams sleeping pillows can find new uses. You can transform them into a cozy pet blanket, a lovely quilt, or a large placemat. They can also double as floor pillows for children or pets.

How to Care for Pillow Shams

Cleaning shams are quite similar to regular cotton pillowcases, but they don’t need as frequent washing since you don’t sleep directly on them. Make sure to check the care label for specific instructions, as different materials require different care.

It’s best to wash silk shams by hand or in the washing machine at temperatures between 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (30-40 degrees Celsius). Allow them to dry naturally in an area shielded from direct sunlight or high temperatures. If silk shams are heavily stained, they should be dry-cleaned. Delicate materials like satin and cashmere also demand special care.

Wash cashmere pillow shams by hand using a gentle shampoo or wool/cashmere detergent. If using a washing machine, place each sham in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with the lowest temperature setting. Avoid using the dryer, as it may harm or shrink the fabric.

Remember to remove the filler from the sham before washing and clean it separately. Use mild detergents or natural cleaning solutions to preserve the fabric’s quality.

FAQs

Are pillow shams and pillowcases the same?

No, pillow shams and pillowcases serve different purposes. Pillowcases are meant for sleeping and provide a barrier between your face and the pillow, while pillow shams typically are decorative covers.

How many pillow shams should I use on my bed?

The number of shams depends on your bed size and personal preference. A standard arrangement includes two or three shams for king-size beds, twin and queen beds, and three for king-sized beds.

Can I wash pillow shams?

Yes, most pillow shams are machine-washable. Make sure to review the care instructions provided on the label.

What’s the difference between Euro shams and standard shams?

Euro shams are larger and square, while standard shams are rectangular and smaller. Euro shams are primarily used for decorative purposes, while standard shams can be used for both decoration and sleeping.

Can I use pillow shams without regular pillows inside?

You can use pillow shams as decorative accents even without decorative pillows inside. They add an elegant touch to your bed.

Where can I buy pillow shams?

You can find a wide selection of pillow shams at bedding stores, department stores, online retailers, and home decor shops.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shams are decorative pillow covers that add style and flair to your bed. While not necessary, they offer several benefits, including enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bedroom, ease of use, comfort, and the ability to change your decor with the seasons. Consider the size, style, and coordination with other bedding elements when choosing a sham. At Casper, we offer a range of high-quality shams to suit your preferences. So why not try shams and transform your bed into a cozy and stylish haven?