Pillow Sham: What It Is, Standard and Euro Sizes and How It Differs from a Pillowcase

A pillow sham is a decorative cover for a bed pillow. It’s mainly for looks, while a pillowcase is the cover you sleep on. Standard shams are commonly listed at 20 by 26 inches, euro shams are square and usually 26 by 26 inches and most shams close at the back with an envelope flap, buttons or a zipper.

This article is part of our bedding guide, where you can compare related options.

Shams are what make a bed look finished. They sit at the back of the bed, hold up the display pillows and hide plain pillows behind a neat border. People mix them up with pillowcases all the time, and the size names can be confusing.

This guide explains the difference between a sham and a pillowcase, the usual sizes, the closure types and how to style a bed with them. Sizes vary a little by maker, so check the package before you buy.

A warm, inviting window sill adorned with colorful handmade pillows in natural lighting

What is a pillow sham?

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover, usually with a border such as a flange, piping or a ruffle. Sleep Foundation and Nectar both describe it as something meant to be seen. Shams stay on the bed during the day and give it a tidy look. You can take them off at night, or you can sleep on them if you like.

What is the difference between a sham and a pillowcase?

A pillowcase protects the pillow you sleep on, while a sham is mainly decorative. A pillowcase is open at one end. A sham usually closes at the back, so the flap or zipper stays out of sight. Apartment Therapy and Boll & Branch both explain this difference.

Shams also tend to have more detail along the edge. Sham sizes follow pillow sizes, with an extra inch or two built in for the decorative border.

What sizes do pillow shams come in?

Standard and euro are the two sizes most people see. Standard shams are commonly listed at 20 by 26 inches, which matches standard American pillows. Pillowcase sizes differ slightly by brand. One brand lists a standard pillowcase at 20 by 30 inches, and another says it’s typically 20 by 26 inches, so always read the label.

A euro sham is square and measures 26 by 26 inches, which matches the standard European pillow insert. Some sellers also offer 22, 27 and 28 inch squares. In the US it’s almost always called a euro sham, though some Canadian stores say European pillowcase. A euro sham isn’t just a larger pillowcase. It’s a square decorative cover for a square pillow. Wayfair and Mattress Miracle publish pillow size guides, and our standard pillow size guide covers the basics.

How do pillow shams close?

The three common closures are envelope, zipper and buttons. An envelope closure uses overlapping panels at the back with no hardware, so it’s flat and easy to slip on. Zippers hold the pillow more securely but can scratch if they’re poorly made. Buttons look classic, so check that they’re well sewn.

How do I arrange pillow shams on a bed?

A common layout starts with sleeping pillows at the back. Place euro shams behind them or in front, depending on the look you want. Put standard shams in front of the euros, and add smaller decorative pillows last. Keep the colors close to your duvet or comforter. Our decorative pillows and best duvet covers guides help with the rest of the bed.

Two euros and two standards fit a queen bed, and a king may use three euros. Those are style choices, not rules.

Do I need pillow shams?

No, but they make a bed look neat and hide older pillow covers. They also protect your pillows from dust during the day, and they let you change a room’s look without changing sheets. If you like a simple bed and don’t want to arrange extra pillows each morning, skip them.

How do I care for pillow shams?

Follow the care label, wash on a gentle cycle and dry on low. Close zippers and buttons first. Steam or iron them if you want a crisp look. Because you may not sleep on them, wash them less often than pillowcases.

What fabrics and border styles are available?

Shams come in cotton, sateen, linen, velvet and silk, and the fabric changes the mood of the bed. Cotton percale feels crisp, and sateen is smooth. Linen looks relaxed, and velvet looks rich. Silk is the most luxurious but needs gentle care, and our silk pillow cases guide covers that. Our best duvet covers guide explains percale and sateen in more detail.

The border also shapes the look. A flange is a flat fabric border around the edge, piping is a thin cord along the seam and a ruffle gives a softer, frillier edge. Plain shams with no border look clean and modern. Pick a style that matches your duvet or comforter instead of fighting it.

What mistakes do people make with shams?

The most common mistake is buying the wrong size. A euro sham won’t fit a standard pillow, and a standard sham looks lost on a large insert. Check the pillow you own, then match the sham to it and read the label dimensions, since sizes differ by maker.

Another mistake is overcrowding the bed. Too many shams and decorative pillows take time to arrange and get in the way at night. Pick a layout you’ll keep up, perhaps two euros and two standards on a queen bed, and stop there. Finally, remember closures. An envelope flap is easy, while a poorly made zipper can scratch or break.

Can pillow shams change the look of a whole room?

Yes, because the bed is usually the biggest visual item in a bedroom. A set of crisp white shams looks clean and hotel-like, and a few patterned shams add personality. You can swap them with the seasons while keeping the same sheets and duvet. Linen shams give a relaxed feel in spring, and velvet ones feel cozy in winter.

Because shams are cheaper than a new comforter, they are a low-cost way to refresh a room. Our bedding sets and decorative pillows guides show more ways to mix colors and textures.

Further reading: the Sleep Foundation mattress information hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pillow sham?

It’s a decorative cover for a bed pillow.

How is a sham different from a pillowcase?

A pillowcase is for sleeping. A sham is for display and usually closes at the back.

What size is a standard sham?

Often 20 by 26 inches. Check the label.

What size is a euro sham?

Usually 26 by 26 inches, though some sellers offer other square sizes.

Can I sleep on a sham?

Yes, but they’re mainly decorative.

Conclusion

A pillow sham is a simple way to finish a bed. Know how it differs from a pillowcase, match the size to your pillow and choose a closure and fabric you like.

Check the dimensions on every label, because sizes vary by maker. A few well-chosen shams make a bed look polished.