What Is a Bed Sham? Complete 2025 Guide to Pillow Shams

Bed sham on cozy layered bed in soft morning light

Pillow shams—commonly referred to as bed shams—are decorative covers designed to enhance your bedding aesthetic. While they may resemble pillowcases, they serve a different function and offer a unique layer of style to any bedroom setup.

According to Wikipedia, as of 2024, bed shams continue to be a staple in luxury and designer bedrooms, providing both visual interest and versatility.

If you’re unsure what a pillow sham is, when to use it, or how it differs from a standard pillowcase, this guide from Cozy Bed Quarters covers everything you need to know.

Bed Sham vs Pillowcase: What’s the Difference?

FeatureBed ShamPillowcase
PurposeDecorativeFunctional (sleeping)
Closure TypeHidden flap, envelope, or zipperOpen-end or side envelope
MaterialEmbellished, embroidered fabricsBreathable, sleep-friendly cotton
PlacementFront layer of pillowsUsually tucked beneath sham
Washing FrequencyLess frequentWashed weekly

Unlike pillowcases, bed shams are not necessarily designed for daily use. They are more of a decorative overlay that can coordinate with your comforter, quilt, or duvet cover.

For a detailed breakdown of bedding components, visit our Bedding Glossary.

Types of Bed Shams (And When to Use Them)

Shams come in several sizes and styles depending on your bedding setup. The most common include:

Standard Sham (20″ x 26″)

Perfect for twin or full-size beds.

King Sham (20″ x 36″)

Ideal for king and California king beds.

Euro Sham (26″ x 26″)

Square-shaped and often used as the back layer for pillows on large beds or couches.

Special-Design Shams

These may include ruffled edges, embroidered borders, or designer prints that match luxury bedding sets.

If you’re looking for the best bed sham for modern interiors, go for neutral tones in linen or cotton blends. Check out our post on trending bed design styles in 2025 for more inspiration.

How to Style Bed Shams Like a Pro

Bed shams offer an easy way to enhance your bedding’s depth and dimension. Try the following layouts:

  • Layered Look: Place Euro shams at the back, followed by standard shams, and finish with decorative throw pillows.

  • Monochrome Scheme: Match your sham color with duvet covers or throws for a minimalist vibe.

  • Pattern Mixing: Combine subtle patterns with plain pillowcases to create visual interest.

You can even swap shams seasonally—light cotton or linen in summer, velvet or jacquard in winter.

Care & Maintenance: Keeping Bed Shams Fresh

Since bed shams aren’t slept on regularly, they require less frequent washing than pillowcases. However, maintenance is still key:

  • Wash every 2–3 weeks

  • Use gentle cycles to preserve embroidery

  • Iron only on low settings (or steam for delicate fabric)

Storing shams in a dry, cool closet can extend their lifespan and maintain crisp edges.

Choosing the Right Bed Sham in 2025

If you’re buying new pillow shams this year, here are key factors to consider:

Material

  • Cotton/Linen: Breathable and easy to clean

  • Silk/Velvet: Great for luxury aesthetics

  • Blends: Often more affordable and wrinkle-resistant

Size & Fit

Always match the sham to the pillow insert—oversized or tight-fitting covers will disrupt the bed’s look.

Closure Type

Hidden zippers and envelope backs are most common for modern decorative covers. Button closures are often seen in rustic or vintage designs.

2024 Insight: According to The Spruce, cotton-linen blend shams are leading in popularity due to their durability and neutral style options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Shams

What’s the point of a bed sham?

It provides a polished, designer look to your bed and acts as a decorative layer over functional pillows.

Can you sleep on a sham?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Most bed shams are made from decorative or textured fabrics that aren’t ideal for sleep comfort.

Are bed shams outdated?

Not at all. In 2024, interior designers still use shams to bring cohesion and structure to bed layering.

Do I need shams if I use throw pillows?

You can use both! Shams provide a structured, elegant look, while throws offer casual accents. For ultimate visual impact, layer them together.

Final Thoughts

The humble bed sham is a key component of a well-designed bedroom. Whether you’re decorating a small guest room or upgrading your master suite, understanding how to use and style shams can instantly elevate your bedding game.

At Cozy Bed Quarters, we don’t sell beds or bedding—but we do help you make the smartest bedding decisions. Whether you’re trying to choose between a bed sham vs a pillowcase, or looking for the best way to layer decorative pillows, our guides have you covered.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips for Harmony and Better Sleep

Key Feng Shui Principles: "Balanced Bedroom"

Your bedroom should feel like a warm hug at the end of the day—a place where your mind and body can finally unwind. With a few thoughtful Feng Shui touches, you can transform your space into a cozy retreat that supports deep, peaceful sleep. From bed placement to color palettes, here’s how to invite better energy (and better rest) into your bedroom.

Quick Highlights:

  • Use Feng Shui bedroom tips to design a more restful and relaxing space.
  • Place your bed in a “commanding position” to feel safe and supported.
  • A solid wall behind the headboard gives your body a sense of stability.
  • Keep clutter, mirrors, and electronics out of sight to calm your mind.
  • Choose bedroom colors, furniture, and decor that feel soothing and balanced.

The Commanding Position: A Feng Shui Must

Picture this: You’re lying in bed, soft lighting around you, and you can see the door—but you’re not directly in its path. That’s the commanding position in Feng Shui. It’s all about placing your bed so that you feel secure and aware without being in the line of fast-moving energy.

Ideally, your bed should be diagonal from the door with a solid wall behind your headboard. If that setup isn’t doable, a small mirror angled to reflect the door while you’re in bed can help mimic the effect.

Try to avoid placing your bed directly across from doors, or sharing a wall with a bathroom. These layouts can leave you feeling exposed or unsettled, disrupting your sleep.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips - bedroom design

Solid Support: What’s Behind Your Headboard Matters

In Feng Shui, what’s behind you matters. A solid wall behind your bed symbolizes stability in your life. Avoid placing your bed against a window or a shared bathroom wall if you can—those setups can feel restless or energetically unstable.

Also think about what’s on either side of your bed. For adults, it’s best to have space on both sides. This allows energy to flow freely and creates balance between partners. For kids, a bed up against the wall can offer a sense of coziness and protection.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips for Support
✔ A solid wall behind your headboard provides grounding energy.
✔ Avoid beds on bathroom or window walls to prevent energy leaks.
✔ Open space on each side promotes balance, especially in relationships.
✔ For children, wall-side beds may feel more secure and calming.

Keep It Clear: Ditch the Distractions

Your bedroom isn’t just another room—it’s your recharge zone. That means clutter, electronics, and anything that reminds you of work or chaos need to go.

No TVs in Bed, Please

We get it—sometimes a movie in bed sounds great. But TVs are major energy disruptors in Feng Shui. They stimulate the mind and disturb the calm vibe your room needs. If you must have one, tuck it away in a cabinet or use a screen cover.

Clear the Clutter

Nothing kills bedroom tranquility like piles of stuff. Under-the-bed storage might seem practical, but it can block energy flow. Stick to baskets or closed shelves, and keep the area under your bed clear.

Mirror, Mirror—Maybe Not Right There

Mirrors facing the bed can bounce energy around, keeping your mind active when you’re trying to sleep. Either reposition them or cover them with a curtain or screen at night.

Skip the Water Features

That tabletop fountain might seem relaxing, but moving water creates too much active energy for a bedroom. Save it for the living room or office.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips - TV Placement

DistractionWhy It’s a ProblemFix It
TVsToo stimulating for restful sleepCover or hide in a cabinet
ClutterBlocks calm, makes space feel heavyOrganize with closed storage
MirrorsReflects energy and disrupts sleepReposition or cover at night
Water FeaturesCreates too much movementKeep them out of the bedroom

Let Energy Flow: Small Tweaks with Big Impact

Energy—or chi—likes to move smoothly. Here’s how to keep things flowing freely around your bedroom.

Raise Your Bed

Use wooden or bamboo bed risers to help air and energy circulate underneath. This makes your bed feel lighter and your space feel more breathable.

Mind the Windows

Try not to place your bed directly under a window. If you have to, use heavy drapes to ground the energy. Aim to place your bed at an angle so energy doesn’t rush over you while you sleep.

Avoid Mirrors at Your Head

Mirrors above or across from your head can keep your thoughts racing. Either move them or cover them at night with soft fabric.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips - energy flow

Colors, Shapes, and Decor: Make it Intentional

Color and texture affect how you feel the moment you step into your bedroom. Here’s how to make design choices that invite calm and connection:

  • Color Palette: Stick to earthy tones, soft pastels, and soothing blues or greens for walls and bedding.
  • Accent Colors: Add touches of red for love or yellow for warmth and optimism—but in moderation.
  • Bed Shape: Choose simple wooden frames for grounding and support. Avoid overly ornate or metal frames.
  • Furniture Layout: Round edges, balanced placement, and intentional design help the room feel peaceful and centered.
  • Artwork: Pick pieces that evoke calm or joy—nothing chaotic or dark.

Feng Shui Bedroom Tips - bedroom colors

Wrap-Up: Your Restful Retreat Awaits

Your bedroom is more than a place to crash—it’s where your mind resets and your body heals. By following these Feng Shui Bedroom Tips, you’re not just decorating; you’re creating an intentional space that supports your best sleep and well-being.

Need more ideas? Check out our full guide on Cozy Bed Quarters or explore expert resources like Decorilla, The Spruce, and WikiHow.