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Last Updated June 8, 2026
If you've ever shopped for bedding, you've probably come across the term "sham" and wondered how it's different from a regular pillowcase. Shams are a common part of many bedding sets, but their purpose isn't always obvious. While they resemble pillowcases, they're designed to give a bed a more decorative appearance. This guide explains what a sham is, how it's used, and whether it's a feature worth having in your bedding setup.
Key Takeaways:
A sham is a decorative cover designed for a pillow. It resembles a pillowcase but includes ornamental details such as flanges, borders, embroidery, quilting, ruffles, or decorative fabrics that coordinate with the rest of the bedding.
A bed sham fits over a pillow insert and is positioned upright against the headboard or layered behind sleeping pillows. Unlike standard pillowcases, which are primarily intended for sleeping, shams are used to enhance the appearance of the bed and create a more finished look.
The word "sham" originally referred to something that imitates another item. In bedding, the term developed because shams were designed to transform ordinary pillows into decorative accents.
Today, shams are a standard component of many bedding collections and are often included as matching accessories for comforters, quilts, and duvet covers.
While both pillow shams and pillowcases are designed to cover pillows, they serve different functions.
| SHAM | PILLOWCASE |
|---|---|
| Primarily decorative | Primarily functional |
| Features decorative trim | Simple and practical |
| Displayed on top of the bed | Used for sleeping |
| Coordinates with bedding design | Coordinates with sheets |
| Frequently removed before sleep | Remains on the pillow while sleeping |
| Uses heavier fabrics | Made from softer, sleep-friendly fabrics |
Pillow shams are designed to be seen rather than hidden under blankets. For that reason, many include design details that are uncommon on standard pillowcases.
Many shams feature flanges or decorative borders that create a framed appearance around the pillow and help it stand out on the bed.
Embroidery, quilting, pleating, ruffles, and woven textures are used to add visual interest + texture.
Most shams use envelope backs/buttons/concealed zippers to keep the pillow insert out of sight and maintain a tidy appearance.
Pillow shams come in several sizes and styles, allowing them to serve different decorative purposes on the bed.
The most common pillow shams are designed to fit standard, queen, and king-sized pillows. These shams are often included in bedding sets. Because they correspond to common pillow sizes, they are used as the foundation of a bed's decorative arrangement.
Suggested Read: What Are the Common Bed Pillow Sizes in the US?
Euro shams are large square pillow covers that measure 26 × 26 inches. They are usually placed upright against the headboard, forming the back layer of a pillow arrangement. Their larger shape helps add height and structure.
Boudoir shams are made for small rectangular accent pillows. They are positioned in front of larger pillows, used to introduce subtle contrast through color/pattern/texture.
Accent shams are decorative pillow covers designed to create visual interest. They may feature unique fabrics, trims, embroidery, or other design details that help break up a matching bedding set.
To achieve the best fit, the pillow insert should match the size of the sham. Pillow sham sizes are standardized and are designed to correspond with common pillow dimensions.
Here are the most common size pairings:
For a fuller appearance, some people prefer using inserts that are slightly larger than the sham size. This can help the sham look plumper and prevent it from appearing flat on the bed.
Pillow shams are made from a variety of materials, each offering something unique.
If versatility matters, cotton is hard to beat. It feels soft against the skin, holds up well over time, and doesn't require much special care. Because it comes in such a wide range of colors, patterns, weaves, etc., cotton works with almost any bedroom style.
Polyester is a common choice because it is affordable and resists wrinkles better than many natural fabrics. It holds its shape well and can tolerate frequent washing, making it a low-maintenance option. Many polyester shams are designed to resemble more expensive fabrics while remaining budget-friendly.
Linen brings a relaxed, effortless character to a bed. Its natural texture fits particularly well in coastal, farmhouse, rustic, and minimalist spaces. While wrinkles develop naturally with use, many people appreciate them as part of linen's casual charm.
A velvet sham can instantly make a bed feel more luxurious. The fabric's plush texture catches light differently from smoother materials, creating depth. Because of its rich appearance, velvet is frequently used in upscale bedroom designs.
Silk has a smooth finish and a subtle sheen that can give a bed a more elegant look. While it is less common than cotton/polyester, it is still used in decorative bedding collections. Because silk requires more careful handling, it is selected primarily for its appearance.
Many manufacturers combine fibers to balance comfort with ease of care. Cotton-polyester blends remain particularly popular because they offer the softness of cotton while reducing wrinkles and improving durability. Other blends may incorporate rayon, lyocell, or bamboo-derived fibers.
When selecting a pillow sham, consider the overall style you want to create, as well as the level of care the fabric requires. Since shams are mainly decorative, appearance is the most important factor. But durability (which partly depends on maintenance) should also influence which material works best for your bedding setup.
On most regular beds, matching shams are positioned against the headboard, with sleeping pillows placed in front of them. This arrangement adds a decorative touch without requiring multiple layers of pillows.
On more styled beds, Euro shams are placed at the back, followed by standard or king shams, with smaller accent pillows positioned at the front. This layered arrangement is common on queen and king beds because it helps fill the space.
Like other bedding items, pillow shams benefit from regular cleaning and proper storage to help maintain their appearance.
Pillow shams won't make your bed more comfortable, but they can change how it looks. They help create a fuller, more styled appearance and are often used to tie together the colors and patterns in a bedding set.
If you've ever wondered why beds in hotels or home magazines look so polished, pillow shams are part of the reason.
That said, plenty of people never use them and don't feel they're missing anything. They're a decorative extra, not a bedding essential. Whether they belong on your bed depends on the look you're trying to achieve.
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5. Top 3 Reasons Why Organic Bedding Is Better
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
