Sham vs pillowcase: How to Choose the Right One for Your Bed

When designing a cozy, stylish bed, both pillowcases and shams play important roles. While they may seem similar at first glance, pillowcases and shams serve distinct purposes, and understanding their differences can make a big difference in your bedding design and comfort.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about sham vs pillowcases, including their distinct functions, how to choose between them, and how to care for each properly.

What Is a Pillowcase?

A pillowcase is a fabric covering that is primarily designed to protect your pillow from dirt, oils, and wear. Pillowcases are functional first and foremost, ensuring that your pillow remains clean and extends its lifespan. Most pillowcases are simple in design, with an open end to slide the pillow in or a flap to keep it secure. Here’s an in-depth look at the qualities of pillowcases:

1. Functionality
   The main purpose of a pillowcase is to protect your pillow while providing a soft and comfortable surface for sleeping. Pillowcases are made from breathable, easy-to-clean materials like cotton, linen, or microfiber to offer a pleasant experience for the skin.
2. Design and Structure
   Pillowcases are usually straightforward in design. They typically come in two basic styles:
   • Open-End: These pillowcases have an open end where you insert the pillow. While simple, they may allow part of the pillow to show if not designed with a closure.
   • Envelope Closure: Many pillowcases feature an envelope closure, with an inner flap that secures the pillow in place, covering the pillow entirely for a polished look.
3. Common Materials
   Pillowcases are commonly made from soft, breathable materials like:
   • Cotton: Soft, breathable, and ideal for sensitive skin.
   • Linen: Naturally cooling and durable, though it has a more textured feel.
   • Silk or Satin: Smooth and luxurious, silk or satin pillowcases are known for their skin- and hair-friendly benefits, helping to reduce friction and retain moisture.
   • Microfiber: A budget-friendly, soft material that is also easy to care for.
4. Standard Sizing
   Pillowcases come in standard pillow sizes to fit the bed pillows used for sleeping:
   • Standard (20 x 26 inches)
   • Queen (20 x 30 inches)
   • King (20 x 36 inches)
5. Practical Use
   Pillowcases are designed for everyday use. They are soft against the face, easy to remove, and machine washable, making them convenient for maintaining cleanliness. Changing and washing pillowcases regularly is important for hygiene, especially for people prone to acne or allergies.

What Is a Sham?

A pillow sham is a decorative covering for pillows, often used as part of a bed’s overall design. Unlike pillowcases, which are designed for practicality, shams focus on adding a decorative element to your bedding. Pillow shams usually come in sets and are placed at the head of the bed as finishing touches. Here’s a closer look at the qualities of pillow shams:

1. Functionality and Purpose
   Pillow shams are not typically used for sleeping. They are intended to add style, color, and texture to the bed setup, creating a polished and coordinated look. Shams are often removed before sleeping and placed back on the bed during the day to maintain their appearance.
2. Design and Structure
   Shams are often more elaborate in design than pillowcases. They feature borders or flanges around the edges, adding visual interest and framing the pillow. Most shams use an envelope or hidden zipper closure to keep the pillow inside hidden and secure. The front side of the sham is often quilted, embroidered, or textured for decorative appeal, while the back side is usually simpler.
3. Common Materials
   Shams are crafted from decorative fabrics such as:
   • Cotton Blends: For a blend of comfort and durability.
   • Jacquard or Brocade: Adds luxury and sophistication with textured or intricate patterns.
   • Velvet: For a plush, luxurious look.
   • Linen or Silk: Natural fibers that can provide an elevated, elegant look to your bedding ensemble.
   • Quilted Fabric: Shams often come quilted to add texture, dimension, and durability.
4. Sizing and Placement
   Shams are generally available in standard pillow sizes (Standard, Queen, and King) as well as Euro sizes (typically 26 x 26 inches) which provide larger, square shams that serve as decorative accents at the back of the bed.
5. Decorative Use
   Shams are used to enhance the visual appeal of your bed. Often paired with a comforter, duvet, or bedspread, shams add depth and color to your bed setup. They are commonly layered in front of Euro pillows or standard pillows to create a complete, multi-layered look.

Key Differences Between Shams and Pillowcases

1. Purpose and Use
   • Pillowcases are designed for functionality and comfort during sleep.
   • Shams are decorative items primarily used to add style to your bed arrangement.
2. Design Elements
   • Pillowcases are straightforward, designed to be simple and comfortable.
   • Shams often feature decorative details, like borders, flanges, and textured or embroidered fabric.
3. Material Selection
   • Pillowcases are made from softer, breathable materials for comfort.
   • Shams may be crafted from more decorative, textured fabrics that prioritize visual appeal over softness.
4. Care and Maintenance
   • Pillowcases are machine washable and meant for frequent laundering.
   • Shams, while often machine washable, may require more careful washing or dry cleaning due to their decorative fabrics.
5. Sleeping Suitability
   • Pillowcases are specifically designed to be comfortable against the skin for sleeping.
   • Shams are not intended for sleeping; they are placed on the bed during the day and removed at night.

When to Use a pillowcase vs a sham

Choosing between a pillowcase and a sham depends on your needs and design preferences. Here are some situations where you may prefer one over the other:

• For Everyday Sleeping: A pillowcase is the way to go. Its simplicity, comfort, and ease of cleaning make it ideal for frequent use.
• For Style and Decoration: Use shams to add a stylish element to your bed. They create a coordinated look and can easily match or contrast with your duvet, comforter, or bedspread for a polished design.
• For Guest Rooms: Combining pillowcases for the primary sleeping pillows and shams for decorative pillows can elevate the look of a guest room. It provides both style and comfort, giving guests a luxurious experience.
• For a Minimalist Look: If you prefer a minimalist bed design, you may choose pillowcases exclusively, avoiding shams to keep your setup clean and straightforward.

How to Style a bed with shams and pillowcases

Decorating with shams and pillowcases gives you multiple ways to create a custom look:

1. Layering
   Start with your sleeping pillows in pillowcases at the back, then layer decorative pillows in shams in front. This layered look is versatile and adaptable for both classic and modern styles.
2. Mixing Colors and Patterns
   Use shams in colors or patterns that complement your bedding to add personality. For example, if your comforter is solid, add patterned shams for a pop of design.
3. Adding Euro Shams
   Place Euro shams at the back of the bed, with standard or king shams in front, followed by sleeping pillows. This setup provides height and depth to the bed arrangement.
4. Using Accent Pillows
   Combine shams with smaller accent pillows for an even more customized look. Accent pillows add a final touch of color and texture, bringing the entire bed design together.

Caring for Pillowcases and Shams

While both pillowcases and shams need regular maintenance, there are some key differences in their care requirements:

1. Pillowcases
   • Washing: Pillowcases are designed for regular washing, ideally every one to two weeks. Follow fabric care instructions for the best results.
   • Drying: Most pillowcases are safe for machine drying, but delicate materials like silk may require air drying.
   • Ironing: Cotton and linen pillowcases may need light ironing, while polyester blends typically don’t wrinkle.
2. Shams
   • Washing: Depending on the fabric, some shams may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Always follow the care label instructions, as decorative fabrics can be more sensitive.
   • Drying: Many shams should be air-dried to preserve their fabric and shape.
   • Storing: Store shams flat when not in use to avoid wrinkles or creases.