5 Key Differences Between Pillow Shams and Pillowcases You Need to Know

Although there is a thin line between pillow shams and pillowcases, knowing that difference makes a whole world of difference particularly when doing home decor, particularly in the bedroom. Both of them are used to serve a particular function, however, these are made for different purposes and the outlook they give is different too. If you have ever asked yourself the question, “What is the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?” or “Is a sham bedding or only an accessory?” you're not alone. Here, we provide 5 crucial attributes of pillow shams and pillowcases to help you when designing your bedroom.

Purpose and Functionality: Pillow Sham vs Pillowcase

The difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase is simply that of use and purpose.

• Pillowcase: A pillowcase is in the first instance functional. He functions as a protective shield of the cushion that handles lots of dirt, grime, oils, and even sweat from the body. Contemporary pillowcases that are most relevant to pillows you sleep on are traditionally made from soft and airy materials such as cotton, linen, and even satin.
• Pillow Sham: A pillow sham is less of a functional item than it is a stylistic accessory. Besides that it also helps protect your pillows its primary function is to give your bed a welcomed finish. Pillow shams are one of the couple of bedding assortments, which means that they are meant to fit the aesthetic of the room and give a feeling of richness or opulence to your interior. Shams are usually in beautiful fabrics such as velvet, silk, or embossed cotton with elaborate work motifs or block prints.
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Moreover, the primary use of a pillowcase is to provide comfort and safety for the pillow and the head of a user, on the other hand, a pillow sham is primarily about the ornate appearance of the pillow and its surroundings.

Design and Appearance: Sham vs Pillowcase

In terms of design, pillowcases and pillow shams are two completely different things.

• Pillowcase: It can be seen that the pillowcase itself has a minimalist appearance and that the bag almost always has a straightforward slit design; this can be on the side or at the back of the pillowcase. It is usually simple or embedded in patterns that are almost invisible on the chair or blend with the color of your bedding or matching sheets. Pillowcases are produced from materials that should be comfortable and kind to the skin and hair during night rest.
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• Pillow Sham: The cut of the accessory, for example, the casing of a pillow sham is much more of an ornament. Examples of these extra qualities include ruffled kinds, flanges that surround the fabric borders, embroidered, and others. Most shams also have a pretty flap closure or an actual zipper that comes in quite nicely on the surface. Pillow shams come in numerous designs to match various themes of the room – plain to match classic sets of quilts and throws or block prints for a boho or farmhouse touch.
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For those who want to add some flair to their bed, pillow shams are the perfect solution, but if you prefer function over form, pillowcases are what you’re looking for.

Use and Placement: Pillow Sham vs Pillowcase

The following are the differences in the usage and placements of pillow shams and pillowcases and it will assist you to style your bed better.

• Pillowcase: Pillowcases are normally used on the bed's pillows, the ones that you lay your head on while sleeping. These are the pillows you put your head on each night, and so they have to be functional and comfortable. You could have two or more pillowcases on the bed, one for each of the pillows which you utilize while sleeping and they are placed ideally on sleeping pillows.
• Pillow Sham: Pillow shams, however, are used on decorative pillows by being placed on them. These are not sleeping pillows; they are used to give your bed a lovely outlook. Top shams sit at the head of the bed while many choose to layer them over the cases or situate them at the head of the bed on optional decorative pillows. Most people utilize pillow shams alongside other articles such as quilts, throws, and or blankets to add on the aesthetic value.

Briefly, pillowcases are used on the pillows on which one sleeps, and pillow shams are for display only and are placed on the head of the bed or in front of other shams. 

Fabric and Texture: Sham vs Pillowcase

 Pillow shams differ from pillowcases in how the material is selected to serve both purposes.

• Pillowcase Fabric: Pillowcases are used on the face and thus comfort is very important especially when you are asleep. Cotton, linen, and satin are recommended kinds of fabrics for pillowcases given their friendly on-the-skin feel and breathability. Especially, the cotton pillowcases are especially widespread since they absorb moisture, do not cause an allergic reaction, and contribute to the regulation of temperature.
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• Pillow Sham Fabric: However, pillow shams are traditionally manufactured from a wider choice of fancy fabrics, and commonly delicate materials such as silk, velvet, and satin. These fabrics are not only beautiful, but they also give greater appearance value to your bedding than any other fabric type. If you own a quilt or a throw that has block print-like patterns then it can give a unifying appearance if you use a pillow sham in the same figure. Or the humble pillow sham could be designed with chenille, or faux fur or could boast of patterns in terms of weaving, and the patterns on the fabric are sometimes embroidered or made using raised work techniques.
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If you have other accessories such as rugs, curtains, placemats, quilts, or throws, you should match these with the pillow shams to give your bed a dapper demeanor.

Size and Shape: Pillow Sham vs Pillowcase

Last but not least, the size and the style of the pillow shams are different from the size and style of the pillowcases.

• Pillowcase Size: Pillowcases are normally ordered in standard sizes, which are named after the size of the pillow that they are meant to contain. There are types which are standard queen or king-sized and they cover the pillow comprehensively. The sizing is fairly standard across most pillowcases, although some may be slightly larger or smaller than others, it isn’t difficult to find pillowcases to fit your pillows.
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• Pillow Sham Size: Like normal pillow shams, they are also available in various sizes but since they should accommodate additional details, they are generally bigger than the pillowcase. Some pillow shams are made for use on several pillows concurrently or even for one large pillow. It can also differ in size by the type of bedding, and shams, for example, could be designed to accommodate specific bedspreads, quilts, or throws.
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Furthermore, pillow shams can also be of square or European – larger rectangular shape, especially if you place them on top of a bed with pillows or over your quilt for display.

Conclusion: Washable Clothing vs Shower Cap – Which One is Suitable for You?

You must know that when deciding between a pillowcase and a pillow sham, you must consider both the function and the design of your bedroom. Although they are vital accessories that provide comfort as well as the ability to protect pillows, pillowcases are decorative, and their main function is to give your bedding as well as your bedroom a boosted look. With this in mind, it is easy to blend into the bedroom depending on the design, fabric, and function and still be stylish.

For those looking to transform their space, combining luxurious pillow shams, pillow covers, quilts, throws, and blankets can create a layered, inviting, and sophisticated aesthetic. Whether you're creating a cozy vibe with textured rugs and placemats or adding a touch of elegance with curtains, choosing the right combination of pillow shams and pillowcases is a small yet powerful way to make your bedroom a serene retreat.

That is why those hunters who found the luxurious pillow shams, pillow covers, quilts, throws, and blankets, can create a layered inviting, and sophisticated look. Whether it's the texture of rugs and placemats against seedy floorings or the decorative elegance of curtains, a careful selection of pillow shams and pillowcases helps make a bedroom a peaceful haven.

FAQ’s

1. Is a pillow sham the same as a pillowcase?

Not really, a pillow sham is not the same as a pillowcase; it is just different. A pillowcase serves a purpose of convenience, being a case of a pillow individuals use in bed, and is most frequently created from smooth clothes-like materials that allow air circulation. A pillow sham on the other hand is a more formalized cover generally used to display the form and fashion of a bed with richer embroidered patterns and fabric feel. A sham is often placed on a pillow that one may never lay his or her head on.

2. What is the point of a pillow sham?

The use of a pillow sham is to give aesthetic beauty to your bed. It is mainly applied for fashioning, improving the looks of your bedding accessories by using fashions in fabric, patterns, and textures. Pillow shams are usually placed on pillows that are not of the sleeping kind, and are usually used over another case to give the gadgets put in the pillows an even finish.

3. Is it okay to sleep on pillow shams?

Even though it is allowed to sleep on pillow shams, it is best not to do so often. The pillow shams are just decorative in fashion and do not serve as fashionable pillows. They are usually produced from more massive, or less vented materials, making them less ideal for use as a bed. One should sleep with pillowcases while pillow shams should be used just to complement the aesthetics of the bed.

4. Do people still use pillow shams?

Indeed, it is true that people continue to incorporate pillow shams into their home furnishing. They are especially loved for putting over beds and giving them a beautified neatened appearance improving the look of any given bedroom. Pillow shams are not necessary for normal usage of pillows for sleeping, though they are popular in modern house décor as an accented item that can perfectly match quilts, throws, and other accessories.