If you’ve been exploring options to elevate your bedroom decor, particularly within luxury bedding collections, you’ve likely encountered terms like “pillowcase” and “pillow sham.” For those new to interior design terminology, the distinction might be unclear. You may find yourself asking, What Is A Sham? Is it simply another name for a pillowcase? While some sources may mistakenly use the terms interchangeably, pillowcases and pillow shams serve different purposes and offer distinct aesthetic and functional qualities.
Decoding the Difference: Pillow Sham vs. Pillowcase
In essence, a pillowcase is designed for practical use – to protect your pillow and provide a clean sleeping surface night after night. Conversely, a pillow sham is primarily decorative, intended to enhance the visual appeal of your bedding ensemble by concealing your pillows behind an attractive facade.
But how do you differentiate between a sham and a pillowcase at a glance?
Pillowcases are typically characterized by a simple opening at one end, lacking any closures. Their design tends to be straightforward and less ornate, often crafted from the same fabric as your bedsheets for a cohesive feel. Higher-quality pillowcases might feature subtle decorative elements, usually along the open cuff, such as delicate embroidery, hemstitching, or contrasting fabric trims.
Pillow shams, however, are designed with a more elaborate approach. They generally feature a back opening, which can be secured with a hidden zipper or an overlapping fabric closure. A defining characteristic of a pillow sham is the flange – a flat border of fabric that extends beyond the pillow’s edges on three or, more commonly, all four sides. This flange can be plain or embellished with decorative details like embroidery, piping, or contrasting textures. Pillow shams are often designed to complement the more decorative aspects of your bedding, such as a quilt, duvet cover, or comforter. They can also be used to introduce a splash of color, harmonize with existing room decor, or create a striking focal point within your bedding arrangement.
Explore Pillow Sham Styles
[Quick View of Juliet Matelassé Sham]
Juliet Matelassé Sham
Regular price $37.24 – $232.00
Sale price $37.24 – $232.00 Regular price $46.55 – $290.00
Unit price / per
[Color options for Juliet Matelassé Sham: White, Pearl, Barely Blue, Linen, Slate]
[Quick View of Lucia Matelassé Sham]
Lucia Matelassé Sham
Regular price $288.00 – $320.00
Sale price $288.00 – $320.00 Regular price $360.00 – $400.00
Unit price / per
[Color options for Lucia Matelassé Sham: White, Pearl, Champagne]
Link to Montauk Matelassé Sham
[Quick View of Montauk Matelassé Sham]
Montauk Matelassé Sham
Regular price $108.00 – $232.00
Sale price $108.00 – $232.00 Regular price $135.00 – $290.00
Unit price / per
[Color options for Montauk Matelassé Sham: White, Pearl, Linen, Gray, Platinum]
Is it Okay to Sleep on a Sham?
While you can technically sleep on a pillow sham, and some people do, it’s important to recognize that they aren’t primarily designed for sleeping comfort. In fact, many shams might be less comfortable for sleeping. This can be due to several factors, including the use of textured or decorative fabrics that may not feel as soft against the skin, or the presence of flanges that can be bulky and bunch up uncomfortably during sleep.
So, what’s the best practice when it’s time to go to bed? Some people prefer to leave their shams on the bed and position them behind their sleeping pillows. This can provide an extra layer of cushioning between your head and the headboard. However, a more common approach is to simply remove the shams from the bed before sleeping. This helps to keep them cleaner and prevents them from being soiled by skin oils or hair products, preserving their decorative beauty for longer.
Styling Your Bed with Shams: Design Tips
There’s a multitude of creative ways to arrange pillows on your bed to achieve different aesthetic effects. However, a few classic and widely adopted arrangements stand out as particularly effective for showcasing shams.
The Stacked Pillow Arrangement
[Image of a stacked pillow arrangement on a bed]
This is arguably the simplest and most universally recognized pillow arrangement, found in countless homes globally. Begin by placing your regular sleeping pillows flat against the mattress head. Typically, the open cuffs of the pillowcases should face outwards towards the sides of the bed. Then, layer pillows adorned with decorative shams directly on top of these sleeping pillows. This creates an instantly neat and visually appealing arrangement. For an added touch, some people choose to lean decorative accent pillows against this stack, but a more minimalist approach can be equally stylish without them.
The Layered Pillow Arrangement
[Image of a layered pillow arrangement on a bed, first image]
[Image of a layered pillow arrangement on a bed, second image]
This layered style is a favorite for those seeking a more elaborate and visually rich bedding display. It allows for the incorporation of pillows of varying sizes, fabrics, textures, and colors, resulting in a symmetrical and eye-catching arrangement. Start by leaning your sleeping pillows against the headboard, again with the pillowcase cuffs oriented towards the edges of the bed. In front of these, arrange a row of Euro-sized pillows dressed in shams. You can create a clean, uniform line or slightly overlap them for depth. Next, position two standard or king-sized pillows, also in shams, in front of the Euro pillows. Finally, for the ultimate layered look, add smaller decorative pillows such as boudoir, bolster, or neck roll pillows in the very front. This versatile arrangement can be adjusted to accommodate as many or as few decorative pillows as you desire, offering endless design possibilities to personalize your bedroom.
The Asymmetrical Pillow Arrangement
[Image of an asymmetrical pillow arrangement on a bed, first image]
[Image of an asymmetrical pillow arrangement on a bed, second image]
For a less structured and more creatively expressive style, consider an asymmetrical arrangement. This approach is similar to the layered option but introduces a deliberate imbalance by using larger and/or smaller pillows on only one side of the bed. This technique works best when the pillows share similar colors and textures, maintaining a sense of visual harmony. The smaller decorative throw pillows in the front can be an exception and offer an opportunity to introduce a contrasting accent. Asymmetrical arrangements bring a relaxed and effortlessly stylish vibe to your bedroom.
Pillow Sham FAQs
Q: What are the primary differences between shams and pillowcases?
A: The fundamental difference lies in their purpose and design. Pillowcases are functional covers for sleeping pillows, prioritizing comfort and cleanliness with a simple open-end design. Shams are decorative covers for display pillows, featuring back closures and often adorned with details like flanges or embroidery to enhance the bed’s aesthetic.
Q: What exactly is a bed sham?
A: “Bed sham” and “pillow sham” are interchangeable terms. A bed sham is a decorative pillow covering specifically designed to enhance the visual appeal of your bed. Unlike standard pillowcases, which are primarily functional and open at one end, shams typically have a closure on the back and incorporate decorative elements such as flanges, embroidery, or unique textures. They are used to cover pillows intended for decorative purposes, contributing to a refined and coordinated bedding presentation.
Q: How should I style bed shams on my bed for the best look?
A: Bed shams offer versatile styling options to elevate your bed’s appearance. They are commonly positioned in front of sleeping pillows or layered behind them to create depth and visual interest. Experiment with symmetrical arrangements for a classic look or mix them with other decorative pillows in varying sizes and shapes for a personalized and inviting bed arrangement.
Q: Is including a bed sham in my bedding setup essential?
A: No, bed shams are not a necessity. Their function is purely decorative, and the decision to use them is based on personal style and aesthetic preferences. Bed shams can significantly enhance the overall look of your bed by introducing color, pattern, and texture. However, if you prefer a more minimalist or practical bedding style, you can certainly opt out of using shams.
Q: Do shams come in different sizes to fit various pillows?
A: Yes, bed shams are available in a range of sizes to correspond with standard pillow sizes. Common sizes include standard shams, queen shams, king shams, and Euro shams (square European size). This variety ensures you can select the appropriate sham size to fit your decorative pillows and complement your overall bed styling vision.
Q: Is it acceptable to sleep on pillows that have shams on them?
A: While sleeping on pillows with shams is possible, they are primarily designed for decorative use and may not offer optimal sleeping comfort. Shams can sometimes feature embellishments or heavier fabrics that are less comfortable against the skin for extended periods. It’s generally recommended to remove sham-covered pillows before bedtime to ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep and to preserve the shams’ decorative qualities.
