Someone gave you a bedding set and now there are two extra covers that do not match your pillowcases. Or you are shopping for sheets and the listing mentions "shams" as though everyone knows what that means. The confusion is common. Pillow shams and pillowcases look similar but serve different purposes, and understanding the difference changes how you put a bed together.
Quick Answer
A pillowcase is for sleeping. It is a simple fabric envelope, open on one end, made from soft, breathable material. A pillow sham is decorative. It is finished on all four sides with an opening at the back, often featuring a flanged edge or textured fabric. Shams sit in front of your sleeping pillows during the day and get removed at bedtime. You sleep on pillowcases. You display shams. Both have a place on a well-made bed, but they are not interchangeable.
The Actual Difference, Explained Simply
A pillowcase has three sewn sides and one open end. You slide your pillow in, tuck the extra fabric under, and sleep on it. The material is chosen for comfort against your skin: cotton, bamboo, linen, or silk. Pillowcases get washed weekly with your sheets. They are functional, not decorative.
A pillow sham is sewn on all four sides with a closure at the back, usually an overlapping fabric flap or a zipper. Shams often have a "flange," which is a flat border of fabric extending 3-5 centimetres beyond the pillow edge, giving a finished, framed appearance. The fabric may be textured, embroidered, or made from heavier material than typical pillowcases. You do not sleep on shams. They go on the bed in the morning and come off at night.
The naming confusion exists because both cover pillows. But one is bedroom clothing. The other is bedroom furniture staging.
Comfort Tip
Never sleep on a pillow sham. The heavier fabrics, decorative stitching, zippers, and structured flanges are not designed for face contact. They can irritate skin and will not breathe the way a proper sleeping pillowcase does. If you want the visual appeal of shams with none of the hassle, use them on two decorative pillows that live permanently against the headboard and keep your actual sleeping pillows behind them in their own cases.
How to Style a Bed with Shams and Pillowcases
This is the part that feels intimidating but is actually straightforward once you see the logic. The bed has layers, back to front:
Against the headboard: Euro shams (26" x 26" square) or king shams. These are the backdrop. They lean against the headboard and establish the colour or pattern theme.
In front of those: Standard or queen shams that match or coordinate with your duvet cover or comforter set. These are the main decorative layer.
In front of everything: Your sleeping pillows in their regular pillowcases, which you pull forward at bedtime. Or, if you prefer a cleaner daytime look, tuck the sleeping pillows behind the shams and bring them out at night.
That is it. Three rows. Back to front. Some people add a small decorative accent pillow at the very front, but this is optional and a matter of taste.
Choosing Materials for Each
For pillowcases, prioritize comfort and breathability. Cotton percale for a cool, crisp feel. Bamboo or sateen cotton for a smooth, silky surface. Linen for natural temperature regulation. The material should work with your sleep temperature and match your sheets. Talia at our Brantford showroom often recommends buying extra pillowcases when you buy a sheet set, because pillowcases wear out faster than flat sheets.
For shams, prioritize appearance and durability. Cotton, linen, and velvet are popular sham materials. The fabric should complement your duvet or comforter. Since shams are not washed weekly, they can be made from less resilient materials than sleeping cases. It is difficult to say whether matching or contrasting shams look better, because that depends entirely on your bedroom style and what you already have.
For Brantford Residents
If you are putting together a bedroom refresh, start with the foundation: mattress, then sheets, then work outward. Many customers at our 441 1/2 West Street showroom discover that upgrading their mattress, like moving to a Restonic ComfortCare Queen with 1,222 coils at $1,125, changes how they think about the whole bed. A good night's sleep makes you want the rest of the bed to match.
That is when shams, duvet covers, and coordinated bedding start making sense. Dorothy can walk you through our bedding collection and help you find pieces that work together.
Common Questions People Get Wrong
"Shams are just decorative pillowcases." Not quite. The construction is different. Shams have structured edges, back closures, and heavier fabric. A pillowcase is literally an envelope. A sham is more like a slipcover.
"You need shams for a proper bed." You do not. Many well-designed beds use only pillowcases and a clean duvet. Shams add polish but they are not required. If making the bed every morning already feels like a chore, adding shams to the routine will not help.
"Shams come in one size." They come in standard (20" x 26"), queen (20" x 30"), king (20" x 36"), and Euro (26" x 26"). Make sure you buy shams that match the pillow size you plan to put inside them. An undersized pillow in an oversized sham looks deflated, not decorative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep on a pillow sham?
You can, but you should not. Shams are made from heavier, textured fabrics with decorative stitching that can irritate skin during sleep. The back closure (zipper or overlap) may be uncomfortable against your face or neck. Use a proper pillowcase made from cotton, bamboo, or linen for sleeping, and reserve shams for daytime bed styling.
How many pillow shams do I need for my bed?
A twin bed needs one standard sham. A double or queen bed looks best with two standard or queen shams. A king bed typically uses two king shams or three standard shams. Add two Euro shams behind the standard shams for a layered, hotel-style look. Most comforter sets sold in Canada include the matching shams for your bed size.
How often should pillow shams be washed?
Since shams are not in direct contact with your skin during sleep, they do not need weekly washing like pillowcases. Washing shams every 2-4 weeks is sufficient, or whenever they visibly need refreshing. Follow the care label, as some sham fabrics (silk, velvet, embroidered) may require dry cleaning or hand washing to maintain their appearance.
Do sham pillowcases need to match the sheets?
Shams typically coordinate with your comforter or duvet set, not your sheets. Since sheets and shams serve different purposes, they can be different colours and materials. A common approach: white sheets with coloured or patterned shams that match the duvet. This creates visual interest without requiring everything to be identical.
Where can I find coordinated bedding sets with shams in Brantford?
Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street carries comforter ensembles that include matching shams, along with individual pillowcases, duvet covers, and sheet sets. We can help you coordinate materials and colours for a complete bedroom look. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
Visit Mattress Miracle Brantford
Building a bedroom that looks as good as it sleeps starts with the right pieces. Visit our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario to explore comforter sets with shams, sheet sets, and the mattresses that tie everything together. White glove delivery to Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto, Kitchener, and across Southern Ontario. Call 519-770-0001 or drop by during hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4.
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