Pillow shams are ornamentation pieces and the cornerstone of designing a fashionable and cozy bedroom. With homeowners spending more than 70% of their budget on bedding to improve the look of their bedroom, pillow shams have emerged as a central feature in bedroom design. Whether you want to add a splash of color, give your bed a luxurious look, or just keep your pillows safe, the right sham can make the whole look of your bed better. In this article, we'll cover everything about pillow shams, from selecting the best style to functionality.

What is a Pillow Sham?

A pillow sham is an ornamental cover for a pillow, generally designed to make your bed look aesthetic. Unlike ordinary pillowcases, pillow shams usually have embellishing details such as piping, embroidery, or a flange along the edges. They typically come with a bedding set to coordinate or harmonize with the rest of the bedroom furnishings. Although mainly cosmetic, pillow shams protect pillows against dust and wear.

History of Pillow Shams

If you wonder, “What is a sham?” its origin dates back centuries ago with roots in European and Middle Eastern societies. Pillows had been mainly meant for comfort and support while sleeping. Still, through the 17th and 18th centuries, pillow bedding started being ornamental to respond to social classes and personal design tastes. Luxury European households would dress pillows with elaborative materials and intricate stitching to upscale the bedrooms to a level of luxury.

During the Victorian period, pillow shams became popular as part of the increasing fashion for lavish home furnishings. Intricate patterns, lace, and embroidery were the usual decorations on pillow shams during this period, transforming them into objects used for support and symbols of luxury and sophistication.

By the 20th century, pillow shams were more widely available, and pre-made bedding sets gained popularity. Pillow shams today come in a wide array of styles, materials, and designs, and their original function still is to add aesthetic value to the bedroom. Although their application has changed, pillow shams still play a decorative and functional role in contemporary home decor.

What’s the Confusion?

The common confusion regarding pillow shams usually arises from their resemblance to standard pillowcases and the confusion regarding their primary purpose. Most people think that pillow shams are intended to cover pillows at night for sleep, but they are meant mainly for decoration. Unlike pillowcases, which are designed for sleeping comfort and protection, shams are generally more decorative and intended to add a general aesthetic value to the bed. A further source of confusion is size variation; pillow shams tend to be larger than regular pillowcases and frequently more formal in their design. This can make it difficult for individuals to understand when and how to apply them properly in their bedding setup.

Is a Pillow Sham Necessary?

A pillow sham is not a requirement, but it can add to the appearance and usability of your bedroom. Although it's not needed for sleep or comfort, a pillow sham is a decorative item that adds style, texture, and a touch of sophistication to your bed.

It can also serve to keep your pillows clean and wear-resistant when not being used. For individuals who enjoy a coordinated, put-together bedding ensemble, pillow shams are a simple solution to creating a more beautiful overall look.

Yet, if you prefer something more minimalist or functional, you can opt out of them and use standard pillowcases as an alternative. Whether you need a pillow sham is up to your taste and how you like to accessorize your bed.

6 Reasons You Should Buy a Pillow Sham

Here are several reasons you may want to invest in a pillow sham for your bedding:

  1. Appearance: Pillow shams add a higher-end appearance to the overall look of your entire bedding ensemble. Available in a plethora of colors, fabrics, and styles, pillow shams allow you to add subtle understated elegance to your bed.
  2. Aesthetic Appeal to Your Bedroom: They are an easy way to enhance the look of your bedroom. Whether your room's theme is traditional, modern, or boho, pillow shams are a wonderful way to pull your room's theme together.
  3. More Protection for Your Pillow: Pillowcases provide a minimal barrier to protect your pillows when you are using them at night; With pillow shams, there is another layer protecting your pillows when they are not in use and protecting your pillows from dust, dirt, and wear.
  4. Soft Layer: Pillow shams that are made out of nice soft fabrics like cotton or silk add an additional soft layer to your pillow whether you use them for lounging or sitting on reading or again just for decoration purposes.
  5. Versatility: Pillow shams are easy to swap out and are able to adapt for the season or for a mood change. Whether you're decorating for the holidays, or switching to lighter colors for summer, shams are an affordable and easy way to refresh your space.
  6. More Guest Room Friendly: Pillow shams give your bed the impression of hotel chic for your guests. They add a level of sophistication that gives a put together, hospitable vibe to your guest room.

Difference Between a Pillow Sham versus a Pillow Case

The main differences between a pillow sham and a pillowcase are its purpose, design, and use:

Purpose

  • Pillow Sham: Primarily for decoration. It is to make your bed look more appealing and add a contemporary, trendy feel to your bedroom. Shams remain on the pillows when you make your bed even if you don't use them for sleeping.
  • Pillow Case: Functional. You use the pillowcase to protect the pillow from dirt, sweat, and oils from your skin and keep it clean while you're sleeping.

Design

  • Pillow Sham: These are typically more ornamental with more detail. Shams usually have details like embroidery, lace, piping, or a flange along the edges, which makes them look more formal and tailored.
  • Pillowcase: Basic, functional, pillow cases are typically more basic and utilitarian, usually with one opening on one side for easy removal and washing.

Size

  • Pillow Sham: Typically larger than a pillowcase to provide a more polished, tailored look. They are generally designed for specific pillow sizes (standard, king, etc.) and tend to have a thicker, structured form.
  • Pillow Case: This is generally designed to fit the pillow it encases, often slightly smaller for a close fit for comfort

Functionality

  • Pillow Sham: Primarily for decorative or show purposes or when making up the bed. They are meant to stay on the pillows and give the bed that finished, aesthetically pleasing look.
  • Pillow Case: For day to day comfort and convenience mostly to cover your pillows and provide a soft surface to sleep on.

How to Pick the Right Sham for Your Pillow?

Picking out the right pillow sham means you might need to consider several factors that can go from style to usability. Below are details on how to pick out the right one:

1. Pick the Right Size

Match the Pillow Size: Pillow shams come in sizes (standard, king, euro) to make sure the sham is the same size as the pillow. For example, the standard pillow needs a standard sham, the king pillow needs a king-size sham. Pillow shams are usually slightly larger than the pillow for a fitted overall look.

Fluffiness of the Pillow: If your pillow is fluffy or thick, you may prefer slightly larger shams to allow for the bulkier pillow.

2. Choose Your Style and Design

For Timelessness: Choose a plain, solid-color sham with little to no trim like piping or a small border.

For Luxury: Select a sham with a decorative design or thick embroidery the same pattern as the fabric, lace, or ruffles which leaves your bedroom feeling refined and dignified.

For Cozy: Or if you want a light and cozy look, consider shams with softer, more relaxed fabrics like linen or cotton because they create a soft warm and relaxed atmosphere in your bedroom.

For Daring Statements: If you are feeling daring, select a sham with patterned or printed fabric or textured fabric like velvet or jacquard.

3. Material Matters

Cotton: Cotton shams are soft, breathable, and easy to care for, making them a great option for daily use.

Silk or Satin: For luxury and shine, silk or satin shams emit sophistication while also being delicate on your skin and hair.

Linen: For more of a comfy, country feel, linen shams are breathable and a perfect option for summer.

Velvet or Chenille: These fabrics contribute a luxurious, cushy feel perfect for the Fall/Winter season and a cozy atmosphere.

4. Match Your Bedroom Aesthetic

Matching Look: Select a pillow sham that follows your bedding's color palette or print. If you have a printed duvet or comforter already, go with solid-colored shams or those with subtle patterns.

Seasonal Rotation: Think about changing pillow shams by season. Light pastel-colored shams work great in spring and summer; heavier textures or deep jewel tones are best in fall or winter.

5. Functionality

Ease of Putting On and Taking Off: If the sham is made to cover your pillow, ensure that it is easy to put on and take off. Look for envelopes or zip shams to help with this.

Durability: Although it might not be as important if your shams are strictly decorative, when the shams are used consistently, the durability of the fabric becomes a factor so investing in high-quality, durable fabrics would be wise.

6. Consider Your Bed's Arrangement

Layering: You can layer pillow shams with other pillows and bedding. Give some thought to how shams will work with the other pillows you have, and with your overall bedding scheme. Sometimes two shams for one pillow frames a pattern or symmetry, whereas a single sham can give a more relaxed look to the bed.

Final Thoughts

Beyond being an aesthetic element, pillow shams are key in making your bedroom functional, stylish, and inviting. They originated in cultures of luxury in Europe and the Middle East, and they are now commonplace. Pillow shams enhance beauty and functionality in any décor.

So whether you are looking to take the overall design of your bed to the next level, to protect your pillows, or an easy way to make your bed look more polished, investing in a nice pair of pillow shams is helpful.