What Are Shams in Bedding? Learn How to Style Them Perfectly

Have you ever noticed those perfectly arranged pillows on a beautifully made bed and wondered what makes them look so polished? The secret often lies in something called a pillow sham.

Think of a sham as a decorative pillowcase, designed purely for style. While your regular pillowcase is all about comfort for a good night's sleep, a sham is there to give your bed that finished, put-together look during the day. Its whole purpose is to be seen, often featuring elegant details and a clever hidden opening at the back to keep things looking neat.

Understanding Shams and Why They Matter

A great way to think about a sham is like a smart jacket for your pillow. Just as scatter cushions pull a sofa's look together, shams do the same for your bed, turning it from a simple sleeping space into a stylish centrepiece. It is this simple switch that helps you create that plush, boutique hotel vibe right in your own home.

The difference is really in the details. You will often spot a decorative fabric border, known as a flange, around all four sides of a sham. This little touch creates a crisp frame, making the pillow inside look fuller and far more luxurious. The closure is also different. Instead of an open end, shams typically have an overlapping slit or ‘envelope’ closure on the back, so the front remains flawless.

This infographic breaks down what makes a sham such a key player in stylish bedding.

As you can see, shams are a fundamental part of building a layered, thoughtfully designed bed.

More Than Just Decoration

While they look fantastic, shams are not just for show. They serve a practical purpose too. By covering your sleeping pillows during the day, they protect them from dust and sunlight, helping to keep your actual pillowcases fresher for longer.

They also provide comfortable support when you are sitting up in bed to read or watch a film, without you having to lean against the pillows you will be sleeping on later. It is a small but significant touch.

By adding shams to your bedding, you introduce extra texture, colour, and depth, creating a bed that looks just as good as it feels. For anyone wanting to take their bedroom to the next level, exploring luxurious bed linens is a great next step. Ultimately, shams are a simple but incredibly effective way to transform your bedroom into a more beautiful and restful retreat.

Pillow Shams vs Pillowcases: A Clear Comparison

So, what really sets a sham apart from the pillowcase you sleep on every night? The easiest way to think about it is to compare it to your wardrobe. A pillowcase is your favourite, soft cotton t-shirt, designed purely for comfort and practicality. A sham, on the other hand, is like a smart blazer you put on over the top to look polished and put-together.

At the end of the day, both are designed to cover a pillow, but their jobs are worlds apart. One is for sleeping, the other is for styling. Grasping this simple distinction is the secret to creating a bed that feels every bit as good as it looks.

Let’s get into the main differences.

Purpose and Placement

First and foremost, a pillowcase’s job is to protect your pillow from dirt and oils while you sleep. It needs to be soft, breathable, and comfortable against your skin. This is why they are almost always open at one end. It makes them incredibly easy to slip off for a quick wash. They are the workhorses of your bedding.

Shams are all about aesthetics. They are designed to be seen during the day, giving your bed that lush, layered look you see in magazines. You will usually find them sitting in front of your sleeping pillows, perfectly coordinating with your duvet cover or quilt. Just remember to pop them off the bed before you turn in for the night.

The simplest way to remember it is this: pillowcases are for sleeping on, while shams are for showing off. They work as a team to give your bed both daytime style and night-time comfort.

Design and Construction

You can often spot the difference from a mile away. Shams typically feature a decorative border or flange on all four sides, which acts like a picture frame, making the pillow inside look plumper and more inviting. Their closures are also designed to be discreet, usually an envelope or slit opening tucked away at the back.

Pillowcases, by contrast, are much simpler. They are essentially fabric slips with an open end, prioritising ease of use over fussy details. Their entire construction is focused on making sure there are no uncomfortable zips, seams, or textures that might disrupt a good night’s sleep.

Fabric and Feel

The choice of fabric also speaks volumes about their different roles. Pillowcases are almost always made from soft, durable, and breathable materials like cotton or linen that feel lovely against the skin. If you are curious about which might be best for you, our guide comparing linen vs cotton bedding is a great place to start.

Because shams are not meant for sleeping on, they can be crafted from a much wider variety of materials. You might find them in luxurious velvet, smooth silk, or even heavily textured weaves designed to make a stylistic statement and match the main bedspread.

To make things even clearer, let's break down the key differences side by side.

Sham vs Pillowcase At a Glance

This table neatly sums it up. Shams are for looks, and pillowcases are for function. By using both, you get the best of both worlds, a beautiful bed by day and a comfortable haven by night.

The Perks of Popping Shams on Your Bed

So, what are shams really doing for your bedroom, beyond just looking pretty? Think of them as the perfect accessory that turns your bed from a functional sleeping spot into the standout centrepiece of the room. The benefits are both aesthetic and practical, helping to create a genuine sanctuary.

One of the biggest wins is achieving a cohesive, high-end look. When your shams match your duvet cover or quilt, they instantly pull the whole ensemble together. This simple act of coordination gives your bed a polished, thoughtfully designed appearance, a far cry from a jumble of mismatched pieces. It is an easy trick to make your space feel both luxurious and composed.

Building Up Depth and Comfort

Another fantastic benefit is the power of layering. Shams introduce wonderful texture and depth, making your bed look far more plush and inviting. Propping them up against your headboard creates a soft, supportive backdrop that is perfect for leaning against while you read a book or enjoy a morning coffee.

This layering technique is a cornerstone of that sought-after ‘hotel bed’ feeling we all love. It is all about building up different textures to create visual interest and an undeniable sense of comfort.

By adding a layer of decorative shams, you instantly elevate the look of your bed, making it feel more complete and inviting. This small detail has a surprisingly large impact on the overall feel of your bedroom.

On a practical note, shams also serve a brilliant purpose. They neatly conceal your everyday sleeping pillows. During the day, they create a clean, uniform look, hiding the often flatter and less glamorous pillows you actually sleep on. This keeps your bed looking tidy and presentable.

Ultimately, using shams is about embracing how small, thoughtful details can create a truly relaxing environment. They help you style a beautiful bed with very little effort. If you are keen to master this, our guide on how to make a bed like a hotel has plenty more great tips.

How to Style Pillow Shams for a Polished Look

Styling your bed with shams is much easier than it seems, and you definitely do not need to be an interior designer to get that stunning, magazine-worthy look. The real secret is to think in layers. Start at the headboard and build forward. This simple technique creates depth and a plush, inviting backdrop that instantly elevates your entire bed.

Even the most basic arrangement can have a huge impact. Just prop your sham-covered pillows upright against the headboard, sitting behind the pillows you actually sleep on. That one small change transforms your bed from a purely functional object into a stylish centrepiece for your room.

Ready to create that beautiful bed every single day? We have a few straightforward formulas you can follow.

Simple Recipes for a Perfectly Styled Bed

No matter if you have a single or a super king, there is a simple formula that works every time. Think of these "recipes" as your starting point. Feel free to experiment and tweak them to match your personal style.

• The Minimalist Look: For a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, stand two standard shams upright against your headboard. Then, simply lay your two sleeping pillows flat in front of them. It is a classic, tidy look that is incredibly easy to maintain.

• The Classic Layered Look: This is the go-to style for that boutique hotel feel. Begin with two large, square Euro shams propped right against the headboard. In front of those, layer your standard or king-sized shams. Finish with your sleeping pillows and perhaps one or two smaller decorative cushions right at the front to add a final touch of personality.

Think of your bed as a canvas. The Euro shams create the background, your main shams are the mid-ground, and the smaller accent cushions are the final flourish that draws the eye.

Styling Tips for Different Bed Sizes

The size of your bed naturally influences how many shams will look best. A good rule of thumb is to have the pillows span the full width of the bed without looking either overstuffed or sparse.

• King or Super King Bed: To create a full, luxurious backdrop, start with three Euro shams. Layer two king-sized shams in front, followed by your sleeping pillows and any accent cushions.
• Double Bed: Two Euro shams are the perfect fit here. Add two standard shams in front for a beautifully balanced arrangement.
• Single Bed: All you need is one Euro sham to create a plush backrest. Place your standard sham in front of it, followed by your sleeping pillow.

Playing around with different arrangements is all part of the fun. Do not be afraid to mix and match textures and colours, it is a fantastic way to express your style. For more inspiration, have a look at some of our favourite modern bedroom colour schemes and see how the professionals play with different shades and tones.

Choosing the Perfect Shams for Your Bedroom Style

Ready to pick out your shams? Finding the right ones really boils down to balancing three key elements, size, material, and colour. When you get these right, your bed transforms into an inviting, beautifully styled centrepiece that sets the tone for your entire bedroom.

Getting the Size Right

First things first, let's talk size. This is the foundation of your entire look, and getting the proportions correct is crucial. The right size prevents your bed from looking either too cluttered or strangely sparse.

• Standard Shams: These are your go-to for single and double beds. They are made to fit standard pillows snugly, giving you that classic, tidy finish.
• King Shams: As you would expect, these are longer and designed specifically for king-sized pillows. They give you that full, edge-to-edge look on a larger bed, which really dials up the sense of luxury.
• Euro Shams: These are the large, square ones, typically 65cm x 65cm. They are wonderful for using as a backdrop against the headboard. They add height, dimension, and an extra layer of plush comfort.

Selecting Your Material and Colour

Once you have sorted the size, it is time to think about fabric. This is where you can really start to inject some personality. The material you choose instantly sets a mood. Crisp cotton, for example, lends a clean, almost hotel-like feel, while relaxed linen gives off a more rustic, laid-back vibe. If you are after a touch of glamour, you cannot go wrong with sumptuous velvet for its richness and depth.

Finally, let's consider colour and pattern. Are you aiming for a calm, unified look? Matching your shams to your duvet cover is a surefire way to create a seamless, serene style that feels incredibly relaxing.

A matching set is the simplest route to achieving that high-end, cohesive look. It takes all the guesswork out of styling and always looks polished and intentional.

On the other hand, maybe you want your bed to be a real statement piece. Choosing a contrasting colour or a bold pattern can turn it into a stunning focal point. This is a fantastic way to express your personal style without having to redecorate the whole room. It is a simple trick that can completely refresh your space.

Simple Care Tips to Keep Your Shams Looking Fresh

To keep your beautiful bedding looking its best, a little care goes a very long way. The great news is that since shams are mostly for show and not slept on directly, they do not need washing nearly as often as your regular pillowcases.

This simple routine will protect the fabric and detailing, keeping them looking smart for years.

As a rule of thumb, a good time to pop your shams in the wash is whenever you are washing your duvet cover or quilt. This is usually more than enough to keep them feeling fresh without putting unnecessary wear on the material.

Reading the Label and Washing with Care

Before you do anything else, always check the care label on your shams. This little tag is your best friend, as different materials, think cotton versus velvet, have very different needs.

For most shams, a gentle machine wash is the way to go. Following these simple steps will help maintain their shape and vibrant colour.

• Use a mild detergent to protect the fabric’s fibres and prevent fading.
• Select a cool or lukewarm water setting on a gentle cycle.
• Always wash them with similar colours to avoid any unfortunate colour bleeding.

When it comes to drying, letting them air dry is often the kindest option and the best way to prevent shrinkage. If you must use a tumble dryer, choose a low heat setting and pull the shams out while they are still just slightly damp.

Here is a brilliant little tip for shams with decorative flanges. Iron them while they are still a bit damp. Use a medium heat setting, and the steam will help you get that perfectly crisp, professionally pressed finish.

Taking these small steps ensures your shams remain a beautiful centrepiece in your bedroom. For more detailed advice on looking after larger items, you might find our snuggle comforter care guide helpful as well.

At Morgan and Reid, we believe that a beautiful bed is the heart of a restful home. Explore our collection of cosy and stylish bedding to create your perfect sanctuary. Find your new favourite set at https://www.morganandreid.com.