What Is a Sham
Ever wonder what is a sham and why it keeps showing up in bedding sets? Let’s break it down with cozy clarity, so your bed setup is both stylish and smart.
Key Takeaways
- A sham is a decorative pillow cover—not for sleeping, just for style.
- Types include standard, king, and euro shams with different placements.
- They elevate your bed’s appearance without much effort.
- You can use hypoallergenic inserts for a health-friendly option.
- Shams differ from pillowcases in function and design.
Why Knowing What a Sham Is Matters
Your bedroom should feel like a cozy retreat, not a confusing mess of bedding terms. Understanding what is a sham helps you style your bed like a pro without overspending or overcrowding. If you deal with allergies or value a tidy sleep space, a proper pillow layout can improve both aesthetics and well-being. Dive deeper with our guide on bedding materials and their benefits. For health tips on allergy-proofing your bedroom, visit Sleep Foundation.
What Is a Sham, Really?
A sham is a decorative pillow cover for standard, queen, or king pillows. It’s not for sleeping—it’s for showing off. Often designed with flanges or piping, shams add polish to your bedding set and are usually sold in pairs. Think of them as bed makeup: non-essential, but a total glow-up for your sleep space.
Many bedding collections include matching shams to create a cohesive, designer-quality look. You’ll often find shams used in staged homes, hotel rooms, and catalog spreads where visual harmony matters. By layering different types of shams, you can easily create dimension and interest in your bedroom. For curated bedroom ideas and seasonal styling trends, check out Architectural Digest’s bedroom design gallery.
Curious about matching shams to your mattress dimensions? Explore the complete guide to bed sizes for layout insights and size comparisons.
Types of Shams (And Where to Place Them)
Standard and King Shams
- Size: 20″x26″ (standard) or 20″x36″ (king)
- Placement: In front of your sleeping pillows
- Purpose: Aesthetic cohesion with your bedding
Standard and king shams are the most common types and can double as support pillows while sitting up in bed. They’re a perfect way to display seasonal or themed decor without overhauling your whole bedspread.
Euro Shams
- Size: 26″x26″ square
- Placement: Against the headboard, behind other pillows
- Purpose: Adds height and symmetry
Euro shams add a plush, luxurious look. Their larger square shape helps anchor the bed visually. Interior designers often use euro shams to add balance, especially when using headboards or bold wall art.
Styling a Sham (Without Going Overboard)
Want to avoid pillow overload? Here’s a layout that keeps things stylish and simple:
For a Queen Bed:
- 2 euro shams at the back
- 2 standard shams in front
- 2 sleeping pillows tucked behind or below
- Optional throw pillow for a touch of flair
For a King Bed:
- 3 euro shams at the back
- 2 king shams next
- 2 sleeping pillows
- 1–2 accent pillows
You don’t need to go full glam. Even one set of shams can make your bed feel complete. It’s like putting on real pants for a Zoom call—unnecessary, but it feels good.
Experiment with textures and patterns. Try mixing velvet euro shams with cotton standards for a high-low look. Or coordinate shams with wall colors or area rugs for a well-rounded design. For additional ideas on affordable and effective bedroom upgrades, see WebMD’s sleep environment guide. For more on bedtime habits and emotional wellness, don’t miss our post on the psychology of bedtime.
If you’re navigating sleep challenges like insomnia or snoring, consider reading our guide to sleep disorders and their effects—because comfort starts with understanding your sleep health.
