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.