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 some reasons you may want to purchase a pillow sham for your bedding:

  1. Looks: Pillow shams provide your bed with an upscale, put-together look. With countless colors, fabrics, and styles, they allow you to bring a touch of harmony and richness to your bed.
  2. Improved Bedroom Aesthetics: They're a simple way to enhance your room's overall look. From a traditional, contemporary, or bohemian look, pillow shams are a great way to combine the room's theme.
  3. Extra Pillow Protection: While pillowcases offer minimal protection for pillows at night, pillow shams add a second layer when they aren't used, keeping them from dust, dirt, or wear.
  4. Soft Layer: Pillow shams constructed of luxurious soft fabrics such as cotton or silk provide an additional layer of softness to pillows when used for general lounging or merely as a decorative accessory.
  5. Versatility: Pillow shams are simple to replace and adapt to seasonal or mood changes. If you're redecorating for the holidays or transitioning to a lighter color for summer, shams are an inexpensive and easy means to revamp your area.
  6. Guest Room Ready: To wow visitors, pillow shams bestow a touch of hotel ambiance on your bed. They contribute an air of sophistication that makes your guest room well-arranged and inviting.

Difference Between a Pillow Sham and a Pillow Case

The principal distinctions between a pillow sham and a pillowcase are their purpose, design, and function:

Purpose

  • Pillow Sham: This is primarily a decoration. It's intended to improve the look of your bed and provide a sleek, fashionable appearance to your bedroom. Shams stay on the pillows when you make the bed, even if you do not have them for sleeping.
  • Pillow Case: Practical. Its primary function is to shield the pillow from dirt, sweat, and oils from your skin and keep it clean while sleeping.

Design

  • Pillow Sham: These are more decorative and often more elaborate. Shams tend to have details such as embroidery, lace, piping, or a flange around the edges, making them appear more upscale and structured.
  • Pillowcase: Basic and functional, pillowcases usually have a simple design, usually with an opening on one side for easy removal and cleaning.

Size

  • Pillow Sham: Usually bigger than a pillowcase to provide a more fitted, tailored appearance. They are usually designed to fit particular pillow sizes (standard, king, etc.) and can have a more substantial, structured form.
  • Pillow Case: This is generally made to fit the pillow it encases, usually a bit smaller to provide a close fit for comfort.

Functionality

  • Pillow Sham: Primarily for show or when making up the bed. They're designed to remain on the pillows for a finished, classy appearance.
  • Pillow Case: For daily comfort and convenience, mostly to cover your pillows and offer a soft surface for sleeping.

How to Pick the Right Sham for Your Pillow?

Selecting the most appropriate pillow sham requires considering many factors that ensure style and usability. Below is a guide on how to choose the best:

1. Choose the Right Size

Match the Pillow Size: Pillow shams are available in different sizes (standard, king, euro). Make sure the sham is of the same size as your pillow. For instance, a standard pillow needs a standard sham, and a king pillow needs a king-sized sham. Shams are usually slightly larger than the pillow for a fitted appearance.

Think about Pillow Fluff: If your pillow is fluffy or thick, you may prefer slightly larger shams to accommodate the increased volume.

2. Choose the Style and Design

For a Timeless Appearance: Select plain, solid-color shams with minimal embellishments such as piping or a small border.

For Luxury: Go for shams with elaborate designs, embroidery, lace, or ruffles to give your bedroom an air of elegance and sophistication.

For a Cozy Atmosphere: Look at shams made from soft, relaxing materials such as cotton or linen. These contribute a warm, relaxed atmosphere to your bedroom.

Patterned or Textured: If you desire to be bold, opt for shams with patterns, prints, or textured materials like velvet or jacquard.

3. Material Matters

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

Silk or Satin: For luxury and a touch of shine, silk or satin shams bring a touch of sophistication and are kind to your skin and hair.

Linen: For a more laid-back, country feel, linen shams are breathable and ideal for hot weather.

Velvet or Chenille: These give a luxurious, plush feel, ideal for fall or winter to evoke a snug setting.

4. Coordinate with Your Bedroom Decoration

Coordinated Look: Choose a pillow sham that matches the color palette and motif of your bedding. If you already have a printed duvet or comforter, go for plain-colored shams or those featuring mild patterns to provide balance.

Seasonal Changes: Consider switching pillow shams seasonally. Light pastel-colored shams are perfect for spring and summer, while deep jewel tones or heavy textures are suitable for fall and winter.

5. Functionality

Ease of Use: Make sure the sham is simple to put on and take off, mainly if it's designed to cover your pillow. Check for envelopes or zip shams that make this easy.

Durability: If your shams are only for display and not everyday use, fabric durability will be less critical. Still, if you need them to be used constantly, choose high-quality, long-lasting fabrics.

6. Think About Your Bed's Configuration

Layering: Pillow shams can be utilized in layers with other pillows and bedding. Consider how they will function alongside your other pillows and overall bedding layout. Sometimes, having two shams for one pillow provides symmetry, but a single sham can give a bed a more relaxed appearance.

Final Thought

Pillow shams are more than a decorative touch—they are crucial in creating a stylish, welcoming, and functional bedroom. Having originated with European and Middle Eastern luxury cultures, they have become widely used bedding essentials that bring beauty and functionality to any space. Whether you’re looking to enhance the overall design of your bed, protect your pillows, or simply add a touch of sophistication, the right pillow sham can make all the difference.

Selecting the ideal pillow sham is all about choosing the right size, style, material, and functionality most suitable to your liking and your bedroom's decor. Since there are so many possibilities, there's something for everyone, whether it's a simple, understated look or an outrageous statement. Placing a pillow sham on your bed is a simple step to giving the room a more refined, lavish, and bespoke look and feel.