A guide to bed shams

The words pillowcase and bed shams (or bed pillow shams) are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. So, what are bed shams, and how do they differ from regular pillowcases? A bed sham or pillow sham is mostly decorative and fits snugly over your pillow. This bedding doubles as decor, and it secures to the pillow via the back or the side. However, pillow shams technically aren’t designed to be slept on like regular pillowcases. Instead, these accents add color, visual interest, and aesthetic appeal to your sleeping space. Read on for a guide to bed shams to help you decide whether they’re the right choice for you.

Types of Bed Shams

So, what is bed shams meaning, and what are bed shams? The term “sham” refers to a front-facing covering that goes over pillows to add a decorative touch. There are several different types of bed shams available depending on the size, shape, and other factors, so let’s take a closer look at each of these sham styles.

Standard Shams

In general, standard shams measure 20 inches wide by 26 inches long (20 x 26) and fit most standard pillows but you can also add queen pillows to this size if you prefer. You can add one standard sham to a twin or twin XL bed or add two to a full or queen bed to give it a decorative layer and a fresh pop of color. Use a sham in a contrasting hue to create an extra layer that adds visual interest to your bedroom.

Euro Shams

Euro shams, or European shams, have a square shape that measures 26 by 26 inches. You’ll need to add euro pillows to a euro sham due to its unusual, square shape. Add a single euro sham to twin beds or a twin xl-sized bed, add two to a full or queen bed, and layer three (or more) on king beds or California king-size beds.

King Shams

King shams typically measure 20 inches wide by 26 inches long and are designed to fit king sized pillows. Due to their large size, these shams should be used with a king-size bedding ensemble. You can easily add two to a king or California king bed for some nice decorative elements that complement your bedding set.

Decorative Shams

Decorative shams feature unique shapes, patterns, and designs and many feature intricate patterns that enhance the look of your bedroom decor. These shams add style, flair, texture, and color to the bedroom and come in a wide range of styles to suit your personal preference and desired style. Some decorative shams include beading or embroidery, while others may feature unique fabric materials or embellishments that give your sleeping space a bold, dramatic touch. They also add an interesting focal point that can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the bedroom.

Matching Bed Shams with Bedding

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Once you determine the size and style of your new bed shams, here are some tips to help you match them with your bedding:

• Look for shams that coordinate with your duvet cover or comforter to create a cohesive, seamless look. You can also choose shams in the same fabric or a similar pattern so that everything matches nicely and adds a beautiful yet simple arrangement to your bed.
• Select a set of shams that complement the overall style and look of your bedroom décor so that they don’t clash with the rest of the items in the room.
• Feel free to mix and match shams in different intricate patterns, decorative stitching, and various fabric materials to add visual interest to the space that helps you showcase your personal style. Layer different pillow sizes for an even more dramatic effect.

How to Arrange Bed Shams

Now that you know more about shams for bed decor, how do you style a bed with shams? Here are some tips about how to arrange them in your bedroom.

• You might wonder, should pillow shams go in front or behind? Since you’re going to sleep with your regular pillow and pillow case, place them on the bed first, then layer the shams in front of them.
• If you want to create a simple arrangement for standard and king boudoir shams, start by adding two regular pillows against the headboard. Next, layer one or two standard sham pillows in front of them. If you have a king-size bed, do the same thing but with king pillows and sham covers instead. This simple method works well with standard or king shams.
• Since euro shams have a square shape, it’s easy to get creative with this arrangement. Layer each euro pillow covered with euro shams in a different color or style directly in front of your standard pillowcases for a fun touch.
• While you can easily add decorative pillows and throw pillows to the couch in your living room, they also look great in the bedroom, too. This arrangement works best with a king bed, and you should start by adding the largest euro pillows, lining three of them next to each other. Then, add smaller decorative pillows directly in front of the euro shams for a bold, layered look that brings unique color and texture to the space.