Bedroom
What Is a Sham? Styling Tips for your Space
Styling your bedding is an exciting part of defining your space. Duvet covers, quilts, coverlets, throw pillows—there are so many elements! Whether you love a sleek and minimal look or love to layer up your bedding, one style you’ll definitely encounter is a sham.
A pillow sham is a type of pillowcase that has a “false front.” It can be used just as you would a normal pillowcase, but has a different look and closure. The front of the sham typically has a fabric border and can showcase more patterns and threading designs. Along with the added style, pillow shams differ from pillowcases in that they have a hidden envelope opening on the back, as opposed to a regular pillowcase opening that can be seen on the side. This provides your bedding with a clean and elegant look.
This style is perfect if you’re looking to add an additional dimension to your bedding. A pair of pillow shams can complement the rest of your bedding and help make your space even cozier. We love layering them with a pair of standard pillowcases and a few throw pillows—more on styling later.
How to Pick a Sham
Picking the perfect sham for your bedroom will depend on your style and taste. Typically, duvet covers come with coordinating shams for a cohesive bedding look. Most importantly, you want to pick shams that will fit your decor and come in a fabric that you love.
Shams can come in various fabrics: organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell and flax linen, to name a few. We recommend picking out shams that are the same material as your duvet cover or quilt for a cohesive look and feel.
In addition to various fabrics to choose from, shams are typically more decorative than traditional pillowcases. They can showcase the pattern of your duvet or quilt, and some even have unique stitching for added dimension.
There are a few different sham sizes: The two basic sizes are Standard (20"l x 26"w) and king (20"l x 36"w). Depending on the size of your bed, you likely have different pillow sizes. Twin, Full and Queen beds are ideal for Standard pillows and shams, while King shams will accommodate your longer pillows on a King or California King bed.
What Is a Euro Sham?
As you’re shopping for shams, you’ll come across a Euro sham. This is a square pillow sham, typically measuring 26" x 26", and is the perfect decorative accent for a plush bed. We love putting a Euro sham at the head of a Twin bed or pairing two Euro shams behind classic pillowcases and shams on a King bed for the ultimate layered look.
What’s the Difference Between a Sham and a Pillowcase?
The main difference between a sham and a pillowcase is the appearance. Shams have envelope backings for a cleaner look on the front and snug fit, and they typically have bordered edges for a bit of flair. You’ll find more intricate patterns and threading on shams. Pillowcases, on the other hand, will likely match your bed sheets and be more neutral. You can find pillowcases in patterned fabric and with a bit of flair on the seams, but they’re more about function.
When picking what’s best for you, there’s no winner when it comes to a sham vs. pillowcase. It all depends on what you prefer. For a cleaner, more stylish bit of flair, a set of shams is the way to go. Classic pillowcases are perfect if you prefer a no-fuss approach to your bedding. However, we love the look of shams paired with pillowcases for an elegant yet cozy look—it’s the best of both worlds.
Tips for Styling Shams
When styling your shams, we have a few go-to tips we like to keep in mind:
- Don’t be afraid of color. While you can definitely get shams in the same color as your bed sheets, duvet or quilt, there’s plenty of room to have a little bit of fun. Opt for a complementary shade that adds a pop of color to your bedding. Since your shams will likely be sitting behind your Standard pillows, they won’t detract from the main theme of your space.
- Experiment with size. For the ideal cozy bed, layering different pillow sizes is the way to go, and you can do just that with shams. Layer a Euro sham, a Standard sham and a Standard pillowcase at the head of the bed, then top the look off with a throw pillow or two.
- Choose cohesive fabrics. We love the uniform look of an all linen or all cotton bed. Pick out shams that are made from the same material as your quilt or duvet for a seamless look. This will also give you plenty of room to have fun with color.
Your bedroom is your oasis and should speak to your style. From shams and pillowcases to your duvet cover, your bedding essentials can set the tone for a relaxing night in or that perfect night of sleep. We hope this helps you better understand how to shop for your bedding!
