Key takeaways
- Envelope: simple, no hardware, but the pillow can peek through.
- Zipper: secure, but can be felt and may scratch the headboard.
- Button: decorative but slower to open.
- Hidden: neat finish for formal beds.
Pillow shams are decorative pillow covers designed to be seen, not slept on, and the best ones fit your pillows well, match your bedding, and feel good enough to touch. Choose sham size by pillow size, pick a fabric and finish that complements the rest of the bed, and check closure style. They are an inexpensive way to change the look of a room.
Shams, pillowcases, and Euro shams
A pillowcase is a close-fitting cover for sleeping. A sham is looser and decorative, often with a flange or border, and typically closes with an envelope back. Shams usually sit upright against the headboard, while pillowcases are for the pillows you actually use. Euro shams are large squares that sit behind standard pillows.
| Type | Size relative to pillow | Use | Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard sham | Fits a standard pillow | Decorative front row | Flange or flat |
| King sham | Fits a king pillow | King and cal king beds | Flange or flat |
| Euro sham | Square, large | Back row | Often tailored |
| Quilted sham | Standard or king | Matches quilts and coverlets | Stitched texture |
Sizing
A sham should fit the pillow with slight room, so it looks plump without bunching. For Euro shams, measure your pillows. If you plan to stuff shams with insert pillows, choose inserts slightly larger than the sham for a fuller look. Sizes can vary by brand, so look at listed dimensions.
Fabric and finish
Cotton
Easy to wash, crisp or smooth, and usable year-round.
Linen
Casual and textured; looks relaxed on the bed.
Velvet or chenille
Adds texture and a winter feel, but needs gentler care.
Quilted or matelasse
Great for matching quilts and coverlets; adds depth.
Closure style
- Envelope: simple, no hardware, but the pillow can peek through.
- Zipper: secure, but can be felt and may scratch the headboard.
- Button: decorative but slower to open.
- Hidden: neat finish for formal beds.
Styling a bed with shams
For a balanced look, place Euro shams at the back, standard shams in front, and decorative pillows on top. Keep colors coordinated, and vary textures to add interest. If you use a duvet cover, shams that match the cover create a polished look. Don’t overdo it: too many pillows make the bed tiresome to make and unmake each day.
Care
Wash according to the label. Most cotton shams are machine-washable; velvet may need gentle cycles. Close zippers or buttons first. Iron on low or steam to restore a crisp look. Rotate pillows to avoid permanent dents, and remove shams before sleeping to keep them clean.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using decorative shams as sleeping pillowcases.
- Choosing the wrong size for your pillows.
- Buying fabrics that clash with the existing bedding.
- Over-stacking the bed.
- Skipping inserts in Euro shams, which results in a limp look.
Where to browse
Try Euro pillow shams, quilted pillow shams, or linen pillow shams.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sham and a pillowcase?
A sham is decorative and usually looser, while a pillowcase fits tightly and is meant for sleeping.
Do shams come with comforter sets?
Often yes. Check the number of shams and the size included.
How many shams do I need?
Two standard shams are typical for a queen bed, and two Euro shams add layers if you like a fuller look.
Can I sleep on shams?
You can, but they are not designed for comfort. Use pillowcases for daily sleeping.
