You don't have to be a design maven to know that your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. One of the most common styling staples in designing a beautiful bed space is pillow shams. We'll take a closer look at what pillow shams are to help you understand how they can help you accentuate the décor of your bedroom.
What Is a Pillow Sham?
A pillow sham, often simply called a sham pillow or bed sham, is a decorative pillow cover designed primarily for aesthetic purposes. While both pillow covers, pillowcases, and shams serve as coverings for a pillow cushion, they are pretty different from one another.
Pillow Sham vs. Pillowcase
Pillowcases are one of the simplest and most versatile bed linen staples. Pillow covers have many purposes, but their most important function is to provide a soft surface on which to rest your head at night. They also help keep your bed pillows cleaner, prolong their life, and protect them from wear and spills. In addition, a pillowcase enables you to maintain the feel and softness of your pillow while making it easier to clean than without one.
On the other hand, a pillow sham is a decorative pillowcase or covering for your pillows that is typically not slept on directly. It has the same protective function as a pillowcase, except that it's more ornate. Pillow shams are designed to add texture, color, pattern, and a truly finished appearance to your bed ensemble.
The Undeniable Benefits of Pillow Shams
- Aesthetic Enhancement: They add a pop of color and visual depth to accentuate your bedroom décor.
- Protection: They shield your sleeping bed pillows from dust and daily wear, thus prolonging their life.
- Versatility: They offer an easy way to change your bedroom décor seasonally or with your mood, as they can be swapped out effortlessly without changing your entire bedding set.
- Comfort (Optional): When layered, sham pillows can provide extra back support, making your cozy bed even more inviting for reading or lounging.
Types and Styles of Pillow Shams
Pillowcases and decorative shams come in various pillow sizes, colors, and designs to help you create the beautiful bedroom of your dreams.
Standard Sizes
Standard Pillow Sham Size: Fits a standard bed pillow (typically 20 in x 26 in).
King Pillow Sham Size: Designed for king size sleeping pillows (approx. 20 in x 36 in).
Euro Sham Pillow Size: A large square sham pillow (approx. 26 in x 26 in), often used with euro pillows at the back of a pillow arrangement for added height and luxury.
Boudoir Pillow Sham Size: A small, rectangular accent sham pillow (approx. 12 in x 16 in), used for decorative flair.
Decorative Styles & Features: You'll find pillow shams with classic flanges, delicate ruffles, intricate embroidery, and textured quilted designs, such as a quilted pillow sham. Many feature a neat envelope closure at the back to hide the pillow.
Material Considerations: From crisp organic cotton to elegant linen shams and opulent silk bedding, the material choice impacts both the look and feel. These fine linens contribute to overall luxury bedding.
How to Style Pillow Shams
Styling your bedroom is a matter of personal preference. You want your bedroom aesthetic to reflect your style and personality. Decorative pillow covers or shams have been used in various arrangements to alter the aesthetic of spaces.
To achieve a clean, crisp, and minimalist appearance, stack your sham pillows on top of your regular bed pillows. A cozier and more elaborate arrangement can also be created by leaning smaller decorative accent pillows against the stack.
Layering pillows offers a highly flattering aesthetic, allowing you to beautifully showcase various textures and colors on your bed. Begin by arranging your regular bed pillows in pillow cases and Euro pillows, then add accent pillows like square pillows or decorative throw pillows for depth. This artful presentation, featuring diverse pillow sizes, perfectly complements your duvet covers and matching comforters, creating a cohesive and stunning decorative bedding statement.
Caring for Your Pillow Shams: Keeping Them Pristine
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your luxury pillow shams and fine linens:
- Check the Care Label: Always the first step for specific washing instructions, especially for delicate materials or embellishments.
- General Tips: Wash separately or with similar colors and fabrics. Use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
- Drying: Air dry whenever possible, or tumble dry on low heat to preserve delicate details and prevent shrinking.
- Storing: Fold neatly to prevent wrinkles and store them in breathable linen or organic cotton bags to allow airflow and prevent mildew.
Final Words
Pillow shams add a charming touch to your pillows, create a cozy feel, and transform them into the decorative focal point for your bed. By understanding their role in decorative bedding and how to style them, you can effortlessly create a layered, inviting look that reflects your unique taste. Explore our pillow collection today to find the perfect decorative pillow covers and enhance your sleep sanctuary.
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