What is a pillow sham?
A pillow sham is similar to a pillowcase in that it’s a fabric cover that envelopes a bed pillow. However, pillow shams are decorative rather than purely protective like a pillowcase. The easiest way to differentiate between a pillow sham and a pillowcase is the opening for the pillow. Pillowcases are typically open at one end. In contrast, shams have a more polished appearance because the opening for inserting the pillow is on the back. Most times the opening consists of an overlapping length of fabric so the pillow can be completely enclosed by the sham. Pillow shams often have a decorative edge as well. This decorative edge is called the flange and its purpose is to dress up the pillow. Flanges often feature embroidery, or decorative edging (think: scallops or tassels). Generally, you will remove a pillow sham from a pillow before you sleep on it, revealing a pillow encasedd in a pillowcase. For this reason, just like pillowcases, pillow shams come in three standard sizes: standard, king, and Euro squares.
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Lead photo by Zach DeSart / Design by Sarah Gilbane Interiors
