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Bed & Bath Linens

Pillow Sham

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow covering distinguished from a standard pillowcase by its ornamental features, which may include flanged borders, piping, ruffles, or coordinated fabric that matches the rest of the bedding ensemble. Shams are designed to be displayed during the day as part of the bed's decorative arrangement and are typically removed before sleeping. They transform functional sleeping pillows into decorative accents that complete the bed's visual presentation. The art of pillow sham arrangement has become a defining element of bedroom styling, with design professionals developing specific formulas for layering shams with euro shams, sleeping pillows, and decorative throw pillows. Standard shams measure approximately 20 by 26 inches for standard pillows and 20 by 36 inches for king pillows. The best shams feature a back closure that makes inserting and removing the pillow easy while keeping the front presentation smooth and tailored. Quality shams often include a hidden zipper or envelope closure rather than an open end.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Decorative borders or flanges distinguish from pillowcases
  • ✓Designed for display rather than sleeping
  • ✓Coordinates with duvet cover or comforter
  • ✓Back closure for easy pillow insertion
  • ✓Available in standard and king sizes
  • ✓Often features piping, embroidery, or trim details

Types & Variations

Flanged border sham
Tailored sham with piping
Ruffled edge sham
Quilted sham
Embroidered sham

Common Materials

Cotton sateenCotton percaleLinenVelvetSilk blendCotton matelasse

Works Well With These Styles

TraditionalTransitionalFrench CountryClassicCoastal

Placement & Usage Tips

Place pillow shams in front of euro shams and behind decorative throw pillows for proper layering depth. Karate-chop the top center to create a professional-looking dent. Remove shams at bedtime and place on a bench or chair rather than the floor.

💡 Pro Tip

Purchase shams that are the same size as your sleeping pillows so you can use the same inserts during the day. Simply swap from the sleeping pillowcase to the sham each morning. This eliminates the need for separate decorative pillow inserts and saves both space and money.

Related Terms

Euro Sham

A large, square decorative pillow cover, typically 26 by 26 inches, placed behind standard pillows against the headboard to add height and visual depth to bed styling.

Pillowcase

A removable fabric envelope that covers a sleeping pillow, protecting it from oils and dirt while providing a comfortable surface against the skin.

Duvet Cover

A protective fabric casing that encloses a duvet insert, functioning like a large pillowcase with a closure system, allowing easy removal for laundering and style changes.

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