Bedding Sham Accessory

A bedding sham accessory is more than a decorative detail—it’s a stylish and functional way to enhance the look and comfort of your bed.

Key Takeaways

A bedding sham accessory is a decorative pillow cover used for style, not sleep.
Common types include standard, Euro, bolster, and decorative shams.
Sham fabric options range from breathable cotton to luxurious velvet.

What Is a Bedding Sham Accessory?

A bedding sham accessory is a type of pillow cover that’s primarily used to enhance the decorative appeal of a bed. Unlike regular pillowcases designed for sleeping, shams often feature flanged edges, intricate patterns, or textured fabrics that transform an ordinary pillow into a stylish statement piece. These accessories are typically part of a coordinated bedding set and play a key role in elevating the overall aesthetic of a room.

Whether you’re aiming for a cozy cottage vibe, modern minimalism, or a lavish, hotel-style look, bedding shams make it easy to layer and stylize your bed. They also help hide unsightly sleeping pillows during the day, acting as a neat facade that keeps your room guest-ready. You can find shams in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles—making them a flexible and essential component of modern bedroom decor.

If you’re just getting started with layering bedding, incorporating a bedding sham accessory is a great first step to create a polished look.

In short, bedding shams bring function and fashion together, serving both a practical and visual role in your bedroom design.

Types of Bedding Shams

Not all bedding shams are created equal. Different types serve unique purposes and suit different aesthetic goals. Knowing the difference can help you build a better bedding ensemble that not only looks great but also feels just right for your style and space.

Standard Sham

Typically measuring 20″ x 26″, standard shams fit most regular bed pillows and offer a balanced, symmetrical look when paired. They’re easy to incorporate into existing bedding sets and are a go-to choice for practical style seekers.

Euro Sham

Measuring 26″ x 26″, Euro shams are perfect for propping against the headboard and adding a sense of grandeur. These square-shaped pillows also create depth and visual height, making your bed look more inviting and complete.

Bolster Sham

Bolster shams are cylindrical and often used for extra lumbar or neck support. In addition to comfort, they add a unique, spa-like feel to your bed—ideal for those aiming for boutique hotel vibes.

Decorative Sham

Also known as throw pillow shams, these come in various sizes and quirky shapes. From embroidered squares to round velvet buttons, these shams allow you to express your personality through your bedding setup.

Whether you’re designing a minimal space or a lush sanctuary, the right type of bedding sham accessory brings dimension and character to your bed.

Choosing the Right Fabric

The fabric you choose for your bedding sham accessory doesn’t just affect its appearance—it impacts how your bedding feels, how easy it is to maintain, and how well it aligns with your bedroom’s ambiance. Let’s explore some of the most common options:

Cotton: A breathable and hypoallergenic choice. Perfect for everyday use and machine washable.
Linen: Known for its casual, crinkled texture and airy feel. Ideal for warm climates or relaxed aesthetics.
Silk: Soft, luxurious, and naturally temperature-regulating. Great for upscale looks but requires gentle care.
Velvet: Dense and plush, velvet adds depth and richness. Often used in cooler months or luxe spaces.

Still not sure? If your style leans modern minimalist, consider linen or cotton. For glam or boho, go velvet or silk. And if your space needs to be low-maintenance, cotton’s your best bet.

Choosing the right fabric elevates both the form and function of your bedding sham accessory—so pick something that complements your lifestyle and design vision.

Styling Tips for Bedding Shams

How you style your bedding shams can make or break your bed’s look. Think of them as the final brushstrokes on a canvas—they pull everything together. Here’s how to create a bed setup that looks like it was styled by a pro:

Symmetry: Use pairs for a clean, balanced appearance—especially with standard and Euro shams.
Layering: Start with Euros at the back, followed by standard shams, then decorative throws up front.
Mixing Textures: Combine linen with velvet, or cotton with silk, for visual intrigue.
Color Play: Match your shams with accent colors in your room, or go bold for contrast.
Plumpness: Use oversized inserts for a fuller, designer look.

For inspiration, visit our styling guide that breaks down layering like a pro.

With a few thoughtful touches, your bedding sham accessory setup can make your entire room feel more cohesive and inviting.

DIY Fitting Tips

Sometimes your shams just don’t fit quite right—and that’s okay. A quick trick from interior designer Nate Berkus can help you create a snugger, more tailored look: gather the middle of an oversized pillowcase, tuck the extra fabric inwards, and flatten. Voilà! A makeshift fitted sham.

But remember: while this trick works in a pinch, it’s best to purchase shams that match your pillow size. Poor fits not only disrupt the aesthetic but can lead to wrinkling and wear.

Want more DIY tips? Check out our pillow guide for advice on pairing pillows and shams.

Using a fitted bedding sham accessory ensures your bed looks crisp, polished, and thoughtfully styled.

Nate Berkus’s Pillowcase Trick

Where to Buy Bedding Sham Accessories

Looking to buy? You’ve got options! Brick-and-mortar home stores like HomeGoods, Target, or Bed Bath & Beyond let you touch and feel the texture in person. For endless variety, online marketplaces such as Amazon and Wayfair are your go-to.

Want boutique vibes? Specialty shops and handmade marketplaces like Etsy offer unique, artisanal shams that elevate your space. Pro tip: always read reviews and check return policies when buying online.

With the right research, you’ll find the perfect bedding sham accessory that fits both your aesthetic and your budget.

FAQ

What is a bedding sham accessory?: A decorative pillow cover designed to enhance the style of a bed, not meant for sleeping.
How do I style shams?: Layer by size, mix textures and colors, and use inserts for a fuller look.
Where can I buy high-quality shams?: Check out Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty bedding stores for variety and reviews.
What fabric is best for shams?: Cotton and linen for comfort, silk and velvet for luxury and texture.

Bed sham on cozy layered bed in soft morning light

What Is a Sham in Bedding: 5 Stylish Reasons You Need One Now

Wondering what that fancy pillow cover with frilly edges is called? It’s a sham—and it’s the secret to a cozy, stylish bed.

Key Takeaways

A sham is a decorative pillow cover designed for visual appeal, not sleep.
Shams come in various sizes—standard, king, Euro, and boudoir.
They add layers, color, and texture to elevate your bedding aesthetic.

What Is a Sham in Bedding?

A sham is a decorative cover for a pillow, available in standard, king, Euro, or specialty sizes. The key difference between a sham and a regular pillowcase is that a sham is not meant for sleeping. It’s opened in the back—often with an envelope-style closure or hidden zipper—so that the front can show off decorative fabrics, trim, embroidery, or embellishments.

Whereas pillowcases are utilitarian and typically part of your everyday sleep setup, shams are for show. They help you create a designer-inspired look, turning your ordinary bed into a luxurious focal point of the room. Want to switch up your decor without repainting or redoing everything? Swap in new shams for a quick, budget-friendly refresh.

This decorative role makes shams ideal for staging and real estate listings, where a styled bed often makes a dramatic first impression. Plus, since they cover your everyday pillows, they help keep them clean and extend their life.

In summary, a sham is like a stylish jacket for your pillow—meant to be seen, not slept on.

Why It Matters

Shams do more than just make your bed pretty. They help create a sense of completeness in your bedroom decor. When combined with a quilt, duvet, or comforter, matching shams can tie the entire color palette together—giving your bed that layered, thoughtful look often seen in interior design magazines.

They also serve a protective function. By shielding your everyday pillows from dust, sun, and oil from your hands, shams help preserve their cleanliness and structural integrity. Think of it like protective fashion—pretty, but with purpose.

And let’s talk ambiance. Walking into a bedroom with a perfectly made bed—flanked by beautifully arranged shams—instantly promotes calm. It’s like your personal invitation to relax. Want to take it up a notch? Pair them with textured throws or a well-placed piece of wall art to complete your oasis.

In short, shams are the unsung heroes of a styled and serene sleep space.

Types of Shams

Standard Sham

Standard shams fit pillows that are 20″ x 26″—the same size as your everyday sleeping pillow. These are usually displayed in pairs and are ideal for full and queen beds. Place them in front of your sleeping pillows or layer behind decorative cushions for added depth.

King Sham

Designed for pillows that are 20″ x 36″, king shams offer full coverage across wider bed frames. They work best on king or California king beds, and they give a clean, expansive feel to the bed’s headspace.

Euro Sham

Euro shams are square-shaped at 26″ x 26″ and are often the backdrop in pillow arrangements. Their size makes them ideal for providing height and structure. You’ll commonly see them resting against the headboard, offering a luxe, layered look. Learn how to integrate Euro shams in our bed pillow styling guide.

Boudoir Sham

Boudoir shams are smaller at around 12″ x 16″. They’re strictly decorative and often the final touch in a layered arrangement. Picture a petite accent pillow with rich embroidery or tassels, sitting front and center like the bow on a wrapped present.

Together, these options let you mix and match to suit your bed size and design taste.

How to Use Shams

Integrating shams into your bedding routine is both an art and a science. Here’s how to do it with flair:

Layering: Begin with Euro shams at the very back (against the headboard), followed by king or standard shams, then your sleeping pillows. For added elegance, place boudoir shams or lumbar pillows in front.
Color Coordination: Choose a palette that complements your duvet or quilt. Neutral bedding with brightly colored shams adds a playful pop. Or try tonal layering—light and dark versions of the same hue—for a subtle gradient effect.
Texture Play: Use a mix of materials like velvet, linen, and embroidered cotton to add dimension. A matte linen sham next to a shiny silk cushion creates a tactile contrast that feels curated.
Seasonal Switch: Rotate shams with the seasons. Cool, breathable linen or cotton for summer; heavier fabrics like velvet or flannel for the colder months.

Need more inspiration? Don’t miss our full guide on how to layer your bed like a designer.

By layering thoughtfully, you can achieve that lush, luxurious bed setup worthy of any high-end hotel.

Myth Buster: Are Shams Just for Show?

While shams are primarily decorative, they do offer functional benefits beyond aesthetics. Need extra back support while binge-watching or reading in bed? Prop up a couple of Euro shams. Hosting guests? Shams make a spare bed feel inviting and complete.

However, most shams aren’t built for sleep. Decorative details like beading, embroidery, or buttons can make them uncomfortable against your skin. Use them during the day, and move them aside at night—just like you would decorative throws or quilts.

So, no—they’re not *just* for show. But they do their best work when not used as your primary sleeping pillows.

Where to Find the Best Shams

Shopping for shams can be fun and easy when you know where to look. For timeless, elegant choices, explore the Pottery Barn sham collection. Their curated sets offer coordinated color schemes and luxe materials perfect for upgrading your bedroom look.

On a budget? Target’s sham selection includes trendy designs at wallet-friendly prices, making it easy to switch up your style by season or mood.

For eco-conscious shoppers, look for brands that offer organic cotton or recycled fabrics. And for custom touches, consider browsing Etsy shops that offer handmade or monogrammed options.

Wherever you shop, choose quality over quantity—two to three well-made shams can have more impact than a dozen mismatched pillows.

Internal Pro Tips

Want to dive deeper into styling strategies? Our guide on how to layer your bed like a designer breaks down everything from pillow counts to texture pairings. You’ll learn how to turn your bed into the showpiece of your room.

If you struggle with nighttime overheating, check out our curated list of the best bedding for hot sleepers. Pairing breathable sheets with decorative but functional shams can give you the best of both worlds—cool comfort and style.

These resources are a great way to elevate your bedroom setup, whether you’re starting fresh or refining an already beautiful space.

Adding shams to your bedding is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to level up your bedroom’s look. With a little creativity and coordination, these decorative covers can create a polished, comfortable space that feels both relaxing and put-together. Whether you go bold, neutral, or textural, shams let your personality shine through every layer.

FAQ

What is the purpose of a sham in bedding?: Shams serve a decorative purpose, enhancing your bed’s visual appeal and offering light protection for sleeping pillows. They’re designed to be seen and styled as part of your bed’s overall look.
Can you sleep on a sham?: Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Most shams are not designed for comfort due to decorative features like embroidery or buttons that may irritate your skin.
How do you clean pillow shams?: Follow care instructions on the label. Many shams are machine washable, but some—especially those with intricate embellishments—may need hand washing or dry cleaning.