Bedding
Published February 15, 2022
8 minWhat is a Sham and How to Style It
Your bedroom says a lot about you. A sneak peek from an interior decorator at your bedspread, pillowcase, duvet, or sham can spill out your preferred color, your choice of fabric, and everything in be
Table of contents
Why Use a Pillow Sham?Difference Between Pillow Sham and PillowcasePillow Sham SizesHow to Style Your Bed with Pillow ShamsConclusionFrequently Asked Questions
Your bedroom says a lot about you. A sneak peek from an interior decorator at your bedspread, pillowcase, duvet , or sham can spill out your preferred color, your choice of fabric, and everything in between. By the way, what’s a sham?Sham is a decorative pillowcase that adds style and elegance to your bedroom. Or if you fancy dictionary definitions, ‘shams are ornamental covers laid over a bed pillow.’ Shams are slightly different from pillowcases. Pillowcases are meant to protect the pillow and generally have side slits from which the pillow can be slid out when it’s time to wash the covers. A sham is made of fabric that adds texture and color to your bed and is generally not meant to be slept on (it can be used for sleeping if needed).In this piece, our focus is on the sizes and the basic difference between pillow shams and pillowcases. We tell you how you can bring your bedding to life with the eye-catchy and symmetrical designs pillow shams are known for.
Why Use a Pillow Sham?
Most people buy pillow shams for decorating their bedrooms or bedding sets. You can use pillow shams to illuminate colorful designs or to hide your pillow behind a more decorative façade. It can add a pop of color, texture, or depth to an otherwise plain bedroom.Pillow shams might not be as comfortable as pillowcases and in some instances, are not ideal for sleep . However, when the shape and size are right they can also be used for back support when sitting on the bed.Pillow shams also serve as the perfect bedding staple for lovers of interior decor. You can use colorful shams to light up a room, ignite the creative spark within, and on special occasions, portray heartfelt messages to loved ones.Difference Between Pillow Sham and Pillowcase
| Pillow Sham | Pillowcase |
|---|---|
| Meant for decorative purposes | Designed for the comfort and ease of sleep |
| Opens at the middle with an overlapping fabric or zipper closure and has a false front | Opens at one edge with an envelope closure |
| Made with luxurious fabrics or silk, meant to brighten the room and provide a sense of style | Made with cotton or polyester |
| It comes with 2 to 3-inch-wide flanges on all four sides | No flanges |
| Dry-cleaning with a washing machine can damage shams | Pillowcases can be machine washed and dried |
Pillow Sham Sizes
Standard Sham
The standard pillow sham is 20 inches by 26 inches and is available in multiple variants and shapes. These pillow shams are compatible with small pillows and are generally found on twin, twin XL , or full-size beds.Queen Sham
Queen shams are 20 inches by 30 inches, about four inches longer than a standard sham. Compared to the standard size, queen shams are not easily found due to their size. They are also big and are hard to fit on smaller beds or find covers for.King Sham
A King sham is about 20 inches by 36 inches. They are 10 inches wider than the standard size. These shams serve as the perfect fit for a Cal king or king-size bed. While king size is not as scarce as the queen, you might have to invest time in finding the right king sham for your bedroom.Euro Sham
Euro pillow shams are square pillows that are 26 inches by 26 inches and are perfect for individuals who need extra support when sitting upright on a bed or couch.| Pillow Sham | Pillowcase |
|---|---|
| Meant for decorative purposes | Designed for the comfort and ease of sleep |
| Opens at the middle with an overlapping fabric or zipper closure and has a false front | Opens at one edge with an envelope closure |
| Made with luxurious fabrics or silk, meant to brighten the room and provide a sense of style | Made with cotton or polyester |
| It comes with 2 to 3-inch-wide flanges on all four sides | No flanges |
| Dry-cleaning with a washing machine can damage shams | Pillowcases can be machine washed and dried |
