What Is a Pillow Sham? Uses and Benefits Explained
By Luxury American-Made Bedding & Towels - Red Land Cotton | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Product Reviews
Discover what a pillow sham is, how it differs from a pillowcase, and why adding decorative shams can elevate your bedding style and comfort.
Quick Answer
A pillow sham is a decorative cover for a pillow, typically featuring an envelope closure or flange, used to style a bed or sofa. Unlike a pillowcase, a sham is meant to be seen and often removed before sleeping.
Pillow Sham vs Pillowcase: Key Differences
A pillowcase is a simple, functional cover designed for sleeping—usually open on one end and made from soft, breathable fabric. A pillow sham, on the other hand, has a decorative flange (a bordered edge) and a closure like an envelope or zipper, making it more suited for display. Shams are often used in pairs to frame a bed or as accent pillows on a sofa.
The main trade-off: shams look polished but take more effort to remove and replace, so they are not ideal for nightly use. Pillowcases are easier to change and wash frequently.
Common Uses for Pillow Shams
Pillow shams serve both decorative and practical roles. They can instantly refresh a bedroom's look, add texture or color, and protect your sleeping pillows from dust and wear when not in use. Many people use shams to create a layered, hotel-style bed ensemble.
Beyond the bedroom, shams work well on living room sofas, armchairs, or guest beds where you want a finished appearance without daily removal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pillow Shams
- What size pillow fits inside a standard sham?
- A standard sham typically fits a standard-size pillow (20" x 26"). Always check the sham's dimensions, as some may be slightly larger to accommodate the flange.
- Can you sleep on a pillow sham?
- Yes, but it's not ideal for nightly use because the decorative flange and envelope closure can be less comfortable and harder to remove. Most people use shams for display and switch to a pillowcase for sleeping.
- How do you wash a pillow sham?
- Most cotton shams can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dried on low. Always check the care label, especially for shams with embellishments or unique closures. For best results, wash shams separately to avoid snagging and remove them promptly from the dryer to reduce wrinkling.
- What is the difference between a sham and a pillowcase?
- A sham has a decorative flange and a closure (envelope or zipper), while a pillowcase is a simple open-ended cover. Shams are meant for display; pillowcases are for sleeping.
- How many shams should I use on a bed?
- A common arrangement is two standard shams for a full/queen bed, or two king shams for a king bed. You can also layer a euro sham behind them for a fuller look.
Featured Pillow Shams from Red Land Cotton
- Cotton & Quail Pillow Sham: This exclusive collaboration with Helmsie uses 100% cotton grown on our family farm in Alabama and woven in South Carolina, featuring a signature yarn size and weave construction for a crisp, cool percale feel. The percale weave gives a smooth, breathable surface that stays cool, making it a great choice for a decorative sham that still feels comfortable against the skin.
Cotton & Quail Pillow Sham - Seconds Bankhead Basics Standard Shams: These seconds-quality shams have a stately 3" flange and the same heirloom weave as our signature sheets, but are sold individually at a discounted price with final sale terms. If you want the look of a premium sham at a lower cost and are okay with minor imperfections, this option delivers the same classic style and breathable fabric.
Seconds Bankhead Basics Standard Shams
