A sham is a decorative pillow cover used to dress a bed, distinct from a functional pillowcase you sleep on. Shams typically have a finished edge, often a flange or trim, and an envelope or buttoned closure on the back. They add a layered, polished look to the bed and usually coordinate with the duvet cover or coverlet.
What sets a sham apart
While a pillowcase is plain and made for sleeping, a sham is meant to be seen. It is more decorative, frequently finished with a flange, the flat fabric border that frames the pillow, or with piping, embroidery, or other detailing. The back usually has an overlapping envelope opening or buttons, so the pillow slips in and stays neatly concealed. Shams are propped against the headboard during the day and often set aside at night.
Standard, king, and Euro shams
Shams come in sizes that match standard pillow dimensions. A standard sham fits a standard pillow, a king sham fits a king pillow, and a Euro sham is the large square one, typically around 26 by 26 inches, designed for a European or continental pillow. Euro shams are usually placed at the very back against the headboard, forming a tall, supportive layer that the smaller shams and sleeping pillows rest in front of.
How shams style a bed
Shams are central to that full, layered, hotel-style bed. A common arrangement places two Euro shams at the back, standard or king shams in front of them, and decorative or sleeping pillows at the very front. Because shams typically coordinate with the duvet cover or coverlet, they tie the whole composition together and let you build dimension and color with ease.
Caring for shams
Launder shams with a gentle, phosphate-free cleanser and avoid chlorine bleach, especially when they feature trim, embroidery, or flanges. Pressing the flange and edges after washing keeps them crisp. Since shams are decorative and handled less than sleeping linens, they need washing far less frequently.
You may also like reading about flat versus fitted sheets and choosing a duvet insert.
This guide was prepared by Fig Linens and Home, a specialist in luxury bedding, bath, and table linens.
