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What Is a Pillow Sham, and Do You Actually Need One?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
Views: 198,535
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When decorating your bedroom or living space, small details often make the biggest impact. One such detail is the pillow sham, a functional and stylish addition that elevates the overall look of your bedding ensemble. 

But what is a pillow sham, and do you need one? 

This guide explores everything you need to know about pillow shams and how they can enhance your space.

An Overview of Pillow Shams

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover designed to enclose a pillow, often used to add style and personality to bedding or couch arrangements. 

When it comes to a pillow sham vs. case, it’s important to note that, unlike standard pillowcases, shams are not typically used for sleeping.

  • Primary Purpose: Enhance the visual appeal of your space.

  • Key Characteristics:

    • Decorative features: Often include flanged borders, ruffles, embroidery, or piping.

    • Closure: Usually located on the back, secured with zippers, ties, or buttons.

    • Material: Made from luxurious or textured fabrics that differ from everyday pillowcases.

Decorative shams effortlessly add an extra layer of charm and polish to any room.

History of Pillow Shams

The term "sham" originates from the 18th century, when it was used to mean a "trick" or "false front." Pillow shams were initially designed to create the illusion of a more decorative pillow arrangement, even if the pillows underneath were plain or utilitarian. 

The first recorded use of the term "pillow sham" appeared in 1869 in Riverside Magazine. Over time, shams evolved from mere illusions to functional and stylish elements in home decor, adding charm and sophistication to bedrooms and living spaces. 

Their timeless appeal continues to make them a staple in modern design.

Pillow Shams vs. Pillowcase

While they may seem similar, pillowcases and pillow shams serve different purposes and have distinct features:

  • Design Differences:

    • Pillowcases: Open at one end for easy insertion.

    • Pillow Shams: Feature a back closure (zipper, ties, or buttons) for a polished finish.

  • Purpose Differences:

    • Pillowcases: Protect pillows and provide comfort during sleep.

    • Pillow Shams: Decorative, used to style beds and couches.

  • Usage Differences:

    • Pillowcases: Slept on directly.

    • Pillow Shams: Often removed or placed behind sleeping pillows at night.

Understanding these differences can help you decide how to use each type effectively in your decor.

Functions of Pillow Shams

Pillow shams go beyond simple decoration. They serve multiple purposes, including:

  • Enhancing Decor: Add layers of color, texture, and style to a room.

  • Creating a Layered Look: Provide depth and dimension to bedding arrangements.

  • Protecting Pillows: Shield pillows from dust and dirt when not in use.

  • Versatility: Easily swapped out for a quick refresh or seasonal update.

Their adaptability makes them a favorite among interior designers and home decorators.

Types and Sizes of Pillow Shams

Pillow shams are available in a range of sizes and styles, offering versatility to complement any decor. 

Pillow Sham Sizes

Selecting the correct size and style ensures that your shams enhance the overall aesthetic while meeting your functional needs.

  • Standard Sham (20 x 26 inches): Perfect for twin and full beds or as smaller accent pillows on larger beds.

  • Queen Sham (20 x 30 inches): Slightly larger than a standard sham, ideal for queen-sized beds to maintain proportionality.

  • King Sham (20 x 36 inches): Designed for king-sized beds, offering a wide and luxurious look.

  • Euro Sham (26 x 26 inches): Square-shaped shams that add height and dimension to any bedding arrangement, often used as a backdrop for smaller pillows.

Popular Styles

Each style serves a distinct purpose, from adding texture to elevating the room's overall look. 

  • Flanged Shams: Feature a fabric border around the edges, adding a touch of classic elegance to the pillow.

  • Quilted Shams: Provide texture and warmth, often complementing quilted or layered bedding sets.

  • Embellished Shams: Include decorative details like embroidery, beading, or ruffles, creating an eye-catching and sophisticated effect.

Choosing a style that aligns with your decor enhances your bedroom's aesthetic appeal.

With the right size and style, pillow shams become a versatile addition, offering a combination of visual interest and practicality. Experiment with different decorative elements to create a bedding arrangement that truly reflects your personal taste.

How to Style with Pillow Shams

Styling pillow shams is an art that can transform your bedroom or living area.

  • Layering: Place shams behind standard sleeping pillows for a polished, layered effect.

  • Backdrop: Use Euro shams as a backdrop to frame other pillows, especially on beds without a headboard.

  • Mix and Match: Combine patterns, textures, and colors for visual interest.

  • Seasonal Swaps: Rotate fabrics and designs to match the season or refresh the room.

A well-styled arrangement showcases your personal taste and ties the room together beautifully.

How to Choose the Right Pillow Sham

Selecting the perfect pillow sham involves considering your existing decor and preferences.

  • Match Your Bedding: Coordinate with existing bedding for a cohesive look.

  • Material Choices: Opt for cotton, linen, or silk based on texture and durability.

  • Contrast or Match: Decide if you want shams to blend seamlessly or stand out.

  • Budget-Friendly Options: Affordable shams provide plenty of style without breaking the bank, while luxury options offer added refinement.

Your choice of decorative cover should reflect your style and the mood you want to create in your space.

Buying Pillow Shams: What to Know

Pillow shams are often sold separately from other bedding items, offering several advantages:

  • Customization: Mix and match designs to suit your style.

  • Ease of Updates: Swap out shams without replacing the entire bedding set.

  • Variety: Available in a wide range of sizes and styles.

  • Maintenance: Simplifies cleaning and care, as you can wash shams independently of other bedding.

This flexibility makes them a smart investment for anyone looking to refresh their decor.

Pillow Sham Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of your pillow shams. With regular cleaning and attention, your shams can remain a stylish addition to your bedding for years to come.

General Care Guidelines

  • Check the Care Label: Always start by reading the care label for specific washing and maintenance instructions tailored to the fabric type.

  • Washing Instructions:

    • Machine wash on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water.

    • Opt for mild detergent to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.

    • Avoid bleach, as it can weaken the material and cause discoloration.

    • Air dry your shams to prevent shrinkage or use a low-heat tumble-dry setting.

    • If needed, iron the shams according to the fabric's care guidelines to restore their crisp appearance.

Regular cleaning helps keep pillow shams fresh and free of dust, dirt, and allergens, ensuring they maintain their decorative appeal.

Frequency of Washing

  • Recommended Schedule: Wash pillow shams 2-3 times per year, depending on how often they are used or exposed to dirt and oils.

  • Heavier Usage: If your shams are in high-traffic areas or frequently handled, consider cleaning them more often to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Taking the time to properly care for your pillow shams ensures they continue to add charm and sophistication to your decor while remaining in excellent condition.

Upgrade Your Bedroom Decor with Pillow Shams

Pillow shams are a versatile and stylish addition to any home. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space while offering practical benefits like pillow protection and easy updates. 

Experiment with various styles, textures, and colors to find the perfect combination that reflects your unique taste and personality. With pillow shams, transforming your decor has never been easier.

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PillowGuide is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a PillowGuide contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
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Discussion Comments
By anon333354 — On May 04, 2013

I don't get it. More junk to make the bed when you don't have time to do it anyway.

Same thing with dust ruffles. You have to pick up the whole mattress to change the sheets?

What was wrong with old time bedspreads that came to the floor? You pulled them up, tucked them under the pillows and voila - made bed.

You can still find them in a few places but they are very expensive.

It's amazing that there is less time to do everything and someone comes up with a way to take longer to make a bed.

By giddion — On Dec 21, 2012

@wavy58 – It's always nice to have homemade things. My kids have pillow shams made by their aunt, and since they were monogrammed with their names, they are special to them.

My kids like to sleep with their heads propped up on two pillows, so they put the pillow shams under their regular pillows for extra support. I normally don't sleep like this, but if I am having problems with allergies or sinus drainage, I've found that it helps, so I do keep some pillow shams in my closet for times like these.

By seag47 — On Dec 20, 2012

I have some beautiful imitation silk pillow shams that I only recently discovered were removable. They came in a set with a big gold comforter with golden braids around the edges, and they were like miniature versions of it.

A friend gave the set to me, and she had already stuffed the shams with pillows, so I didn't think to check the back. I just thought they were decorative pillows!

I was amazed to find the slit in the back when I finally turned them over one day. I washed them on the delicate cycle, because they had been on the pillows for two years!

By JackWhack — On Dec 19, 2012

Some regular pillowcases are made like shams. I have some dark blue and light blue striped pillowcases that look identical to cotton pillow shams, but they are intended for regular use.

They are washable, and I don't even have to use the gentle cycle. They make my pillows look more fancy, but the material is soft and comfortable.

I didn't know that they were designed like shams when I bought the sheet set. I wonder if it's possible to buy cotton shams like this separately?

By wavy58 — On Dec 19, 2012

My grandmother made me a quilt with pillow shams to match. These were the only quilted pillow shams I have ever seen, so they are very special.

I am just amazed that she took the time to make shams! Most people would have stopped at the quilt, so this is above and beyond!

By sunshined — On Nov 28, 2012

I bought a 'bed in a bag' set which included a sheet set with a matching comforter, dust ruffle and king pillow shams. I would not have gone out and bought the pillow shams separately, and have never used them. I didn't have the extra money to buy two extra king size pillows, so the pillow shams currently sit on a shelf in my linen closet.

By golf07 — On Nov 27, 2012

@anon169859 -- You might try spraying the ruffle with some starch and ironing it to make the ruffle on the pillow sham stand up.

I have some pretty floral pillow shams on my bed which match the comforter I have, but they don't have ruffles around them. I like using pillow shams because they are pretty inexpensive and you can just throw them in the washing machine.

If you buy a nice decorative pillow, the only way you can clean it is by spot cleaning it. I don't feel like this ever gets anything as clean as I would like it to be.

By Mykol — On Nov 27, 2012

@myharley -- I keep lots of pillows and pillow shams on my guest bed. When my elderly uncle came to stay with me recently, he didn't know what to do with all the pillows on the bed. I think he felt kind of bad about just throwing them on the floor. When he asked me what he should do with them, I told him just to put them on the floor!

By myharley — On Nov 26, 2012

@anon143439 -- I usually end up putting the pillow shams on the floor. While I love the look of a made bed with lots of pillows on it, it does become somewhat of a chore keeping it that way everyday.

I find myself getting lazy, and many days don't even put the pillow shams on the bed. I figure at the end of the day, they are just going to be back on the floor anyway.

It does kind of seem like a waste if they are just going to be on the floor most of the time, but they still look nice when you go to the effort to keep there where they belong.

By anon169856 — On Apr 23, 2011

I can't get ruffle on a pillow sham to stand up. Anybody with any suggestions?

By anon157319 — On Mar 02, 2011

when i look at bedding ads the ruffle on the pillow sham is always standing up. mine won't. how do i get the ruffle to stand up?

By anon143439 — On Jan 16, 2011

Then where do you put them when it is time to go to bed?

By anon135750 — On Dec 20, 2010

Shams allow pillows to set atop the bedspread or comforter without being exposed to dust, pollen or other airborne particles during the course of the day.

By anon123380 — On Nov 01, 2010

Excellent post (if a bit wordy). Still unanswered: why? It all just seems silly to me. Maybe it's a male/female thing? But I do appreciate the advice to put the fancy pillow behind the real one when sleeping. Still seems like a waste. Oh, well.

By LivHappyr — On Jun 02, 2010

Pillow shams are typically designed for the size bedset you purchased. If you bought a California king set, your shams should be for King Pillows. Best advice is to read the size description on the back. Best of luck!

By anon14147 — On Jun 10, 2008

what do you stuff the pillow sham with as they are larger than, say a king size pillow?

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a PillowGuide contributor, Tricia...
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