If you’ve ever wondered, “What exactly is a sham in bedding?” You’ve found the ideal place if you wonder, “What does a pillow sham mean in home bedding?” A bed sham is nothing more than a fancy cover for a pillow; in some places, it is also known as a “false front,” and it is used for aesthetic purposes. These pillow covers transform standard-sized pillows into decorative accents for your bed and are frequently referred to interchangeably as shams, pillow shams, and bed shams. Although they are very similar to standard pillowcases, these cases typically have a more ornate front and an opening in the rear rather than one at the very end.
Because of its ornamental quality, a standard pillow sham is most frequently utilized solely as an adornment or to prop yourself up in bed when reading or otherwise unwinding. You are free to sleep on them, despite the fact that the decorative pillow might not be the most comfortable option.
Also read: How to Create a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom?
What Exactly Does a Bed Sham Do?
As was mentioned before, the principal purpose of sham in bedding is to serve an aesthetic purpose primarily. Pillows have a practical use when they are used to support a person’s head. Still, when they are not being used for this purpose, they can be employed as artistic embellishments. Your pillows will have a higher aesthetic value if you add a sham to each one of them with any color bed sheet. This will make them a more appropriate accessory for your bedroom or living area. In addition, they accent your pillows with patterns and materials that complement your choice in design and work to create a cohesive look throughout the room.
Bed shams, which are meant solely for decor, look best against white bed sheets. However, you may add some color and style to your white bedding by purchasing some shams in contrasting colors.
What Does a Sham Have That a Pillowcase Doesn’t?
The placement of the opening is the most noticeable distinction between a sham and a pillowcase. Pillowcases frequently (but not always) feature an open end, with fabric dangling down the sides and no closure. On the other hand, standard pillow shams have a zipper along one edge or an envelope-style opening and closing on the back.
Whereas a pillowcase is typically plain and serves to protect your pillow from body oils and grime while you sleep, a pillow sham typically features a flange or cording around the sides and a more ornamental front.
Pillows can be given a more presentable and visually appealing appearance by having a sham placed over them and then set at the head of the bed.
Also read: Keep Your Towels Soft and Fluffy
Which pillow form should be used with a sham?
Pillowcases are standardized to accommodate the most commonly used pillow sizes. Please refer to the dimensions provided to determine whether your current pillow fits into a particular pillow sham size.
Sham dimensions are typically 20″ x 26″
A sham for a queen-size bed is 20″ x 30″.
Shams for a king-size bed are 20 inches wide by 36 inches long.
Does It Matter If You Use Pillow Shams When You Go to Bed?
There are pillow shams that are not suitable for sleeping on because of their design or fabric. A pillow sham covers the pillow, keeps it neat, and enhances the aesthetic value of a bed. Some pillow shams are comfortable enough to sleep on, and when they get dirty, they can be easily removed from the pillow and washed.
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Shams: How Should They Be Cleaned?
A sham in bedding can be a pillow while you’re awake, giving your head, neck, and back the support they need. Shams are intended to be removed from a bed when it is not in use, yet they still serve an ornamental role. Since pillow shams are an expensive addition to a bed’s overall feel and presentation, it is best to wash them by hand to preserve their softness and durability. In addition, some shams are designed with texture as a primary design element, and their tiny decorative embellishments require special care. A sham can be washed in the washing machine, but it is recommended to be washed by hand and dried on a line before reusing.
Standard Materials Use to Craft Shams
Shams for the bed can be crafted from any material suitable for use in the textile industry. Some of the more popular choices include cotton, polyester, and linen, but there are others.
- Cotton is a popular material since it is affordable and comfortable to wear. And it lasts a long time and requires little maintenance. Machine washing is usually safe for cotton, but you should always read the label first.
- Bedding made from polyester, a synthetic fabric, is an everyday household staple. Polyester shams are inexpensive, but they often have a rough texture. Since this is the case, polyester is typically found in blends. Pillowcases are mostly used for decoration, therefore while softness and comfort are still vital, polyester can be an acceptable alternative.
- Luxury cloth is spun from the flax plant, sometimes known as It is well regarded for its comfort even on hot summer evenings, thanks to its supple texture and chilly air. However, as linen is a high-quality fabric with a high production cost, shams made from it tend to be more expensive.
- Flannel is made from cotton that has been shredded so that more of the individual threads can be seen. Many individuals favor it during the chilly winter months because it provides a sense of warmth, security, and coziness.
- Silk, one of the softest materials used in bedding, is made from the cocoons of silkworms. But it may be costly and finicky to care for.
Bedding, especially pillowcases, is commonly made with a blend of fabrics. Materials including cotton, polyester, and lyocell are widely available. Blends can be used in a variety of ways and are quite inexpensive.
