Often referred to interchangeably as a sham, pillow sham, or bed sham, these pillow covers turn traditional-sized pillows into decorations for your bed. While similar to a normal pillowcase, they often have a more decorative front and an opening in the back rather than the end.
The term "pillow sham" means a pillow with a "false front", stemming from the notion of "a trick". In the 1700's, specially made pillowcases were made to create decorative pillows with removable covers. These "false front" pillow covers became known as pillow shams!
A bed sham is a decorative pillowcase that is used to add some aesthetic variety to the bedroom. Typically, bed shams are used on decorative pillows that are removed from the bed at night. Bed shams may also be called pillow shams.
The most common sizes of pillow shams are Standard sham (20” x 26”) King sham (20” x 36”), Euro sham (26” x 26”) and boudoir sham (12” x 16”).
Often referred to interchangeably as a sham, pillow sham, or bed sham, these pillow covers turn traditional-sized pillows into decorations for your bed. While similar to a normal pillowcase, they often have a more decorative front and an opening in the back rather than the end.
Pillow shams and pillowcases are placed on top of your pillows to add style to your room and protect pillows from becoming stained. The main difference between shams and cases is that shams can be used for decorative purposes only, whereas cases offer protection for the pillows underneath.
Because of their decorative role, pillow shams are usually more expensive than pillowcases. They can also take up more space on your bed because they're typically made with thicker material and have fabric borders.
Classic: Start by placing your bed pillow against the headboard, and add a sham pillow directly in front. Modern: Stack your regular and sham pillows at the head of your bed, with the sham pillow flat on top.
Generally speaking, a sham is a decorative bedding accent typically used during the day while your bed is made. While you can use the same pillows in your shams as you do in your regular pillowcases, you might opt for something a little flatter or puffier, depending on the look you're going for.
Simply put, a pillow case is used to keep your pillow clean as you sleep while a pillow sham is used to hide your pillows behind a more decorative façade.
You don't have to have a sham, however. If you're wanting to make your bed look more luxurious, the more pillows the better. You can shop for shams by color, pattern, and material to add some extra warmth and texture.
The term bed “sham” describes pillowcases with a false front, so they make your pillows look like a decorative piece. With interesting designs and patterns on the front, shams add a pop of color, texture, and depth to your bedroom. Shams are available in different styles and patterns to suit your bedroom decor.
something false, fake, or fictitious that purports to be genuine.
SIZE MATTERS
Which means that whatever size your pillow cover is, you need your insert to be larger than it! As a general rule, the smaller the size of your pillow cover, the less you have to size up on your insert.
sham (n.) 1670s, "a trick put upon one, a hoax, a fraud, something that deludes or disappoints expectation," a word of uncertain origin. Along with the verb ("to cheat, trick") and the adjective ("false, pretended"), the word burst into use about 1677 according to OED.
For a full size bed, Wolf recommends two standard pillows, two standard or Euro shams and one to two accent pillows. Queen beds can easily hold two queen pillows and two queen shams, plus two to three accent pillows or a single bolster.
According to sleep experts, you should sleep with only one pillow under your head, however, preference and sleeping position often take the lead when it comes to considerations for the ideal number of pillows. Read on to learn why we recommend sleeping with a high-quality single pillow.
Hotel pillows are softer, fluffier and more luxurious. Their fill material is usually 100% genuine goose down or feathers. Hotel pillows offer long-lasting support for the head and upper body. The cloud-like feel of hotel pillows is amazing for keeping your head, neck and spine healthily aligned.
An overstuffed feather pillow is the best type of pillow filler to use because they are inexpensive. They also fill out the whole sham perfectly and that includes the corners.
What size insert should I get for my pillow covers? For a full and plump look, choose an insert 2" larger than the size of the pillow cover. For example: if you purchase a pillow cover that's 20x20, purchase a pillow insert measuring 22x22.
A pillow case protects the pillow you use to mainly sleep on which is hidden underneath a pillow sham. A pillow sham covers another set of pillows that sit or lay over the pillow cases.
As opposed to highly decorative pillows (think ones with beads), shams can be slept on just like normal pillowcases. However, most people use them to complete a made-bed look and hide their sleeping pillows behind the shams.
Pro Tips for Plump and Luxurious Looking Throw Pillows
We recommend filling your throw pillow cover with an insert that is 1 to 4 inches larger than the pillow cover size (see chart below). Otherwise, if the insert is too small, the pillow will look saggy and flat.