Complete Guide to Pillow Shams: What They Are and How to Use Them

Have you come across the term “sham” or a “sham set” thrown around in relation to bedding and are wondering what they are? We know that the word “sham” refers to a false representation of something. But what are shams in bedding? Well, they are simply pillowcases that are more decorative. 

So, what is a pillow sham? It is a fancy pillow case with a “false front.” It is essentially just like your regular pillowcase but used for decorative purposes. It is also known by another name — a bed sham. So, if you were confused between what is a bed sham and a pillow sham, they are one and the same thing. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at pillow shams, how they differ from pillowcases, and how you can use pillow shams to spruce up your bedroom. 

Now that you know what are pillow shams, let’s dig a bit deeper into their functionality. 

Shams are not new inventions; you can trace their roots as far back as the 1700s. Back then, they were “special pillowcases” that were used for decorative pillows. 

They are strictly for decoration or for propping up for support when watching TV or reading. While you can certainly try sleeping on them, it will not be a very comfortable experience.

Why?

For one, as they are decorative, pillow shams often have embellishments that aren’t exactly comfortable for sleeping on. Plus, the pillows used with shams are of cheaper quality compared to sleeping pillows. — 

Pillow shams or bed shams are thus simply decorative accessories for your bedroom. And if you are wondering what is a sham bedding, it is another name for sham pillow.

We’ve already established that pillow shams are just fancy pillowcases, but do they differ in any other ways? Let’s explore the pillow shams vs pillowcases debate a little more.

Simply put, a pillowcase is to keep your pillows clean. They are functional and meant to be slept on. Shams, on the other hand, are for decorative purposes only. They cover your pillows with a decorative front. 

A major visual difference between a sham vs pillowcase is the fabric and design. Pillowcases are made from soft, comfortable fabric like linen or cotton, whereas shams can be made from a more attractive fabric, such as silk or cashmere. Unlike pillowcases, shams also have designs and embellishments and are only decorated in the front with a plain back. These ornamental embellishments also make them unsuitable for machine-washing, whereas you can safely wash pillowcases in the machine.

Finally, pillowcases typically have a zip closure and open at one end, while shams open at the middle of the back and have overlapping fabric for zips, buttons, or ties. 

Now that we know what’s a pillow sham, let’s have a look at the major types of shams.

Standard shams are the simplest type of bed shams. Also called knife-edge pillow shams, they fit the standard-sized pillows perfectly and may be an inch or two larger for ease of use. They are often rectangular and are available in a variety of fabrics, colors, and designs.

They are just like your standard shams but with extra fabric going around the perimeter. This can be a few inches long, ranging from 3 to 5 inches, and can even go as high as 7 inches for large-sized pillows. Flanged shams add a more decorative touch to the otherwise plain standard shams. 

As the name suggests, these shams have a quilted front but the back may be plain or quilted as well. When the quilting is on both sides, the sham is reversible and can be used from both sides. As these shams are quilted, they have a fine batting layer and are thus thicker. They may be hand-quilted or machine-made and come in many patterns and designs. 

Standard size pillow shams are for the standard-sized pillow that you usually sleep on. So, if you have a few extra regular pillows lying around, you can put them to decorative use by applying a sham cover. Standard shams can be used to style beds of any size.

Meant for the queen-sized pillow of the same dimension, a queen sham is about four inches longer than the standard sham and six inches shorter than king size sham. These shams are not very common and thus not very easy to find. So, it’s best to get them custom-made to your preferred dimensions. 

King shams are huge and make a statement. You can also use them against the headrest to provide a backdrop for arranging smaller shams. Use it only for a king bed, because they may look strange on smaller beds. It’s also recommended to pair it with queen-size shams or standard shams as they do not look very appealing by themselves.

The dimensions must have already made you realize that Euro shams are for square pillows. Also called European shams or continental shams, they are the most unique of the lot and offer versatility in terms of styling. You can place them vertically like a rhombus peeking from behind pillows or arrange them in a row across the headboard for a more traditional look.

A boudoir sham is for a small rectangular pillow and is mostly placed in front of sleeping pillows in the bedroom. They look adorable and add an artistic flair to your pillow ensemble. 

Now that we know what is a pillow sham and its different types, let’s have a look at how you can use them to spruce up your home. 

Shams are primarily used for making your bed look fancier and fuller. It makes the bed look inviting and stylish. 

Since they come in a wide array of designs, patterns, and colors, simply placing a pillow sham in the middle of your bed can elevate the overall aesthetics of the room. You can also style them in many different ways to give your bedroom a new look every time, give it more personality and make it look more lively! 

Apart from this, you may even use shams are a protective layer for your regular pillowcases. Simply place pillow shams on top or in front of your pillows to protect them from dust and dirt. 

Learning what is a pillow sham can open up a whole new world of bedding decor! If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of our suggestions that we hope you will love.

One of the simplest arrangements for shams is stacking them over or under your sleeping pillows, although decorative shams are typically placed on the top. You can also lean small shams against the stack but that is optional.

Another very common styling method, which is also a popular favorite, is layering. For this, you will use different sizes of pillows and shams to create a layered look. You can even mismatch fabric and patterns. For a simple layered look, start by placing large pillows against the headrest, followed by smaller pillows, and finally, add a single boudoir sham in the middle. 

One other way of styling pillows is in an asymmetrical pattern. Simply put, just style it to your liking. Place the pillows in an asymmetrical way however you like.

Yes, you can. But it can be uncomfortable as shams have embellishments on them. Most pillows for shams are also typically made of inferior quality, which can result in you having a stiff neck. 

A pillow sham is just a pillowcase, only more decorative. So, like any other pillowcase, you put a pillow in a pillow sham. 

You should use a queen or king sham on a queen or king bed. But if you do not have them, you can also use multiple standard shams.

The best filling material for decorative pillows is a mixture of feathers and downs. You can use them in a 50-50 or 70-30 combination for best fluff.