What Is A Pillow Sham? Evolution Of Pillow Shams

What is a pillow sham? Pillow shams are generally regarded as attractive and functional bed accessories. You may have considered this question while browsing bedding or home decor magazines. They give your bedroom a refined look. They’re handy and elegant, turning simple pillows into ornaments. Besides their appearance, pillow shams have a long history and different styles, designs, and benefits. Explore pillow shams’ history, purpose, and home décor appeal. This article dive deeper into what is a pillow sham.

What Is A Pillow Sham?

Pillow shams make your bed appear attractive, while covers keep pillows clean and free of oils and grime. Cushion cushions are decorative pillow covers that improve the look of a bed. Bedroom decor relies on them because they have many designs, textures, and embellishments. Pillow shams are easy to remove and reinstall, so you may update your bedroom without buying new pillows. They usually come with duvet covers, blankets, and bedspreads for a complete look. This shot answer you have given you a basic understanding on what is a pillow sham.

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Evolution Of Pillow Shams

Evolution Of Pillow Shams

After what is a pillow sham, let’s know more about its history. Pillow shams are centuries old. Wealthy and influential people first used them to show off their wealth and status. Sham derives from shame, meaning something aimed to deceive. Furniture with pillow shams looks pricey and stylish. Europe loved pillow shams in the 1800s. Lace, embroidery, and other embellishments adorned them. They indicated you were polite and paid attention to house details. Pillow shams become a sign of class and style in households worldwide.

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Things To Know About Pillow Shams

Diverse styles and materials are used to manufacture pillow shams for diverse tastes and house decor. Standard, European, and royal shams are the most popular. Standard pillows are 20 by 26 and suit standard shams. European shams are square. People sit up in bed with their backs supported by this 26-by-26-inch item. Sized for king pillows, shams are 20 x 36. They prefer more extensive beds. Cotton, linen, silk, and satin are pillow sham fabrics. Each has a unique look and feel. The material you choose can change the bedroom’s appearance and feel, letting you be creative and express yourself.

Design Elements And Styles

The way pillow shams are designed makes them lovely and valuable. Pillow shams range from primary, clean lines to intricate patterns. Designs often include embroidery, quilting, piping, ruffles, and ornate buttons. Embroidered shams seem fancier and can consist of little flower patterns or large geometric shapes. Quilted shams complement blankets and comforters and add warmth and texture. Piping, a thin rope on the edges, makes them stand out and completes them. Ruffles and ornate buttons add whimsy to shabby chic or cottage-style bedrooms. There are pillow shams for every style and taste due to the many design selections.

Practical Benefits Of Pillow Shams

Practical Benefits Of Pillow Shams

Pillow shams are functional and attractive. They keep dust and debris off colorful pillows, extending their lifespan and scent, which is helpful for decorative pillows. Pillow shams can also update a bed without a complete makeover. By changing the shams, you may instantly modify the bedroom’s style and color. Additionally, pillow shams bolster and warm the bed, making it cozier and friendlier. Pillow shams make your bed more comfortable reading, watching TV, or relaxing.

Coordinating With Bedding And Décor

If harmonized with furniture and decor, pillow shams may transform a bedroom. Consider your bedding and room decor’s colors, styles, and textures when choosing pillow shams. Choose shams that match the duvet cover, quilt, or blanket for a coordinated effect. Combining patterns and textures creates a unique effect. They should look fantastic together. Stacking regular, European, and lumbar pillows adds depth and visual interest to the bed. A well-balanced bedroom requires attention to details like matching curtain fabrics, wall colors, and furniture finishes.

Care And Maintenance Of Pillow Shams

Now, knowing about what is a pillow sham, you also need to know a bit about it’s maintenance. Pillow shams must be maintained to look good and endure long. How to care for shams depends on their material and construction. Follow the care label to avoid shrinking and fading when washing and drying most cotton and linen shams in the machine. Silk and velvet shams may need dry cleaning to maintain their elegance. Frequent fluffing and airing prevents pillows and shams from becoming musty. Store pillow shams in an excellent, dry location when not in use. This protects them from dust and harm. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, pillow shams are more than simply lovely covers; they are a vital aspect of the home design that integrates style, function, and history. Pillow shams are timeless, from their early use as symbols of wealth and status to their contemporary application in many decor designs. Knowing what a pillow cushion is and how to use and care for one may improve any bedroom. Pillow shams let you decorate creatively. Choose simple, elegant, or bold, eclectic patterns. This was a brief article on what is a pillow sham.

FAQ

What Is A Pillow Sham?

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover that upgrades a bed. Pillow shams are easy to remove and put back on and are generally used for decoration.

What Is The Purpose Of A Pillow Cover?

Putting pillow shams over pillows and arranging them on the bed makes it look clean. They can be used with other cushions and bedding to improve the bedroom.

Can Pillow Shams Be Washed In The Machine?

Pillow sham upkeep depends on their material. Cotton and linen shams can be machine-washed, but silk and satin may need dry cleaning. Always follow care label instructions for optimum results.

Which Pillow Sham Sizes Exist?

Pillow shams are standard (20 x 26), European (26 x 26), and king sizes. Pillow shams should match pillow sizes.

What Is The Need Pillow Shams?

Pillow shams add decor to a bed even if they’re not essential. They also keep colored cushions dust-free.

Sources:

https://casper.com/blog/what-is-a-sham/#:~:text=If%20you’ve%20ever%20asked,not%20be%20the%20most%20comfortable.

https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/sleep/pillows/what-is-pillow-sham#:~:text=By%20Katherine%20Harloe,that%20buttons%20or%20zips%20close.