What Is a Sham Pillow and How Does it Enhance Your Bedroom Decor?
What Is a Sham Pillow?
A sham pillow, also known as a pillow sham or bed sham, is a decorative pillow cover that is placed on a traditional-sized pillow.
It has a decorative front and an opening in the back instead of the end.
While it can be slept on, it may not be as comfortable as a regular pillowcase and can be more difficult to wash due to its decorative features.
Shams have been around for centuries and come in various designs, colors, and fabrics.
They are primarily used as accessories to enhance the style of a bedroom and can be easily removed, washed, or replaced.
Key Points:
- A sham pillow is a decorative pillow cover placed on a traditional-sized pillow.
- It has a decorative front and an opening in the back.
- It may not be as comfortable as a regular pillowcase and can be more difficult to wash.
- Shams have been around for centuries and come in various designs, colors, and fabrics.
- They are primarily used as accessories to enhance the style of a bedroom.
- Shams can be easily removed, washed, or replaced.
Did You Know?
1. In ancient Egypt, sham pillows were not only used for comfort but also held a symbolic meaning. They were believed to protect the sleeper from evil spirits and bad dreams.
2. Did you know that sham pillows were once considered a luxury item exclusive to the nobility? In medieval Europe, only the elite class could afford these decorative and lavish pillows, which were often adorned with expensive fabrics, intricate embroidery, and precious gems.
3. The term “sham pillow” actually derives from the Irish word “seam,” meaning “to deceive.” This is because sham pillows were originally designed to create the illusion of a plumper, more luxurious bed when placed on top of regular pillows.
4. Sham pillows have often made appearances in literature and film as secret hiding places for valuable objects. In Agatha Christie’s mystery novel “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” a crucial piece of evidence is discovered hidden inside a sham pillow.
5. For practical and functional reasons, sham pillows are often rectangular in shape, differing from traditional square or circular pillows. This design allows them to fit snugly against the headboard or backrest, providing support while maintaining a decorative appearance.
What Is A Sham Pillow?
A sham pillow, also known as a pillow sham or bed sham, is a decorative pillow cover that is placed on a traditional-sized pillow. It is designed with a more decorative front and an opening in the back instead of the end. The primary purpose of a sham pillow is to add style and elegance to a bedroom. However, it can also be used for propping up in bed while reading or relaxing.
Sham pillows can be made from various fabrics such as cotton, silk, or linen. They often feature intricate patterns or embroidery, adding visual interest to the bed. Standard sizes for sham pillows are 20×26 inches for traditional pillows, 20×30 inches for queen-sized pillows, and 20×36 inches for king-sized pillows. Additionally, there are Euro shams available for Euro-sized pillows, which usually measure 26×26 inches.
Difference Between Sham Pillow And Regular Pillowcase
The main difference between a sham pillow and a regular pillowcase lies in the location of the opening.
- Sham pillows have an opening at the back, often secured with a zipper or an envelope-style closure.
- Regular pillowcases, on the other hand, have an opening at one end.
Moreover, pillow shams usually have decorative elements such as flanges or cordings around the edges, adding an extra touch of elegance to the bed. In contrast, pillowcases are plain and primarily used for protecting the pillows from dirt and oils.
While both can be slept on, sham pillows may not be as comfortable as regular pillowcases due to their decorative features.
Cleaning sham pillows may require extra care as their decorative elements can make them more difficult to wash. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying to maintain the integrity of the decorative features.
- Sham pillows have an opening at the back.
- Decorative elements such as flanges or cordings add elegance.
- Pillowcases are plain and protect from dirt and oils.
- Cleaning sham pillows may require extra care to maintain the integrity of decorative features.
Choosing The Right Sham Pillow Size
When choosing a sham pillow, it is essential to consider the size of the pillows you want to cover. Sham pillows come in different sizes, and selecting the correct size will ensure a perfect fit. Standard sham sizes are suitable for standard pillows, queen sham sizes fit queen pillows, and king sham sizes are designed for king pillows.
- Consider the size of the pillows you want to cover when choosing a sham pillow
- Select the correct size to ensure a perfect fit
Coordinating the colors, patterns, and fabrics is also important when choosing a sham pillow. Matching the sham pillow with the duvet cover and other pillows in your bedroom will create a cohesive and visually appealing look for your bed.
- Coordinate the colors, patterns, and fabrics for a cohesive look
- Match the sham pillow with the duvet cover and other pillows in your bedroom
Additionally, consider the overall style of your bedroom to choose a sham pillow that complements the existing decor.
“Consider the overall style of your bedroom to choose a sham pillow that complements the existing decor.”
Styling And Enhancing Your Bedroom With Sham Pillows
Sham pillows, a timeless addition to stylish bedroom decor, have been adorning bedrooms for centuries. While not essential for a good night’s sleep, they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your bedroom.
One of the standout advantages of using sham pillows lies in their versatility. They can be effortlessly removed, washed, or replaced, providing you with the freedom to effortlessly change the look of your bed and bedroom. To enhance the luxuriousness of your sleeping space, consider pairing pillow shams with coordinating throw blankets or sheet sets.
When it comes to styling your bedroom with sham pillows, the key is to experiment with different sizes, patterns, and textures. By layering them, you can create a visually pleasing arrangement. Mixing and matching colors and designs can further enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bed. Moreover, incorporating sham pillows made of different materials, such as lavish silk or cozy velvet, can add depth and sophistication to your bed setup.
Sham Pillow Options And Pricing
When it comes to purchasing sham pillows, there are various options available in terms of design, color, and fabric. Many sham pillows are made from soft, luxurious materials to provide comfort and a touch of indulgence.
Casper, a popular bedding company, offers a range of sham pillow options including percale and sateen shams. They also offer new hyperlite shams made with TENCEL™ Lyocell for enhanced breathability. All the sham pillows made by Casper are crafted from 100% organic cotton and come in standard and king bed sizes.
In terms of pricing, standard size pillow shams from Casper are priced at $79, while all king size pillow shams are priced at $89. It’s important to note that pricing may vary depending on the brand and the quality of materials used.
Sham pillows are a stylish and decorative accessory for your bed. While they may not provide the same level of comfort as regular pillowcases, they add elegance and personality to your bedroom decor. Consider the size, design, and material of the sham pillow when making your selection, and enjoy the enhancement it brings to your sleeping space.
- Consider the size, design, and material of the sham pillow when making your selection
- Sham pillows are a stylish and decorative accessory for your bed
- They add elegance and personality to your bedroom decor
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does sham pillow mean?
A sham pillow refers to a decorative pillow with a removable cover, known as a pillow sham. This term originated from the concept of a “false front” or a trick, as pillow shams were specially designed pillowcases in the 1700s to create decorative pillows. These removable covers transformed ordinary pillows into ornamental pieces, giving the illusion of a more lavish and sophisticated bedding ensemble.
What do you use pillow shams for?
Pillow shams serve a dual purpose of adding a touch of style and elegance to your bed while also providing additional support when needed. Crafted from decorative materials, shams are primarily used for display, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. However, they can also be utilized as a comfortable backrest when sitting up in bed during the day. Despite their decorative nature, pillow shams are versatile enough to be used for a good night’s sleep if desired.
Can a pillow sham be used as a pillow case?
While a pillow sham can be used as a makeshift pillowcase, it may not provide the same level of protection or comfort. While shams are designed to enhance the aesthetics of a bed, they are typically made of thinner fabrics that prioritize appearance over functionality. Therefore, it is not advisable to use a sham as a long-term substitute for a proper pillowcase as it may not adequately protect the pillow beneath or provide the desired level of comfort.
Is a sham a decorative pillow?
No, a sham is not a decorative pillow. While pillow shams are indeed decorative, they are not pillows themselves. A sham is a removable, decorative case that is meant to cover a regular pillow. It can be replaced with a traditional pillowcase for everyday use. Hence, a sham adds a decorative touch to a pillow but is not a standalone decorative pillow.
