What Are Shams? Sizes, Uses & Bedding Guide

By Chelsea King  |  Published September 29, 2023  |  Last Updated August 6, 2026

If you've ever browsed a bedding collection, you've likely seen the term “sham” — but what exactly is a sham? A sham is a decorative pillow cover that dresses your bed, and this guide explains what shams are, the standard, queen, king, and euro sham sizes, how a sham differs from a pillowcase, and how to layer pillow shams and euro shams for an effortlessly elegant bed.

Whether you're refreshing a guest room or finishing a primary suite, the right shams tie the whole bed together — adding depth, texture, and a made, hotel-style look.

What Is a Sham in Bedding?

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover with a finished flange border and a back envelope opening, used to style your bed rather than for sleeping. The word “sham” literally means “false front” — exactly what it gives your pillow.

Unlike a pillowcase, which opens at one end for a sleeping pillow, a sham opens at the back — often with overlapping fabric or a hidden zipper — so the insert stays hidden and the front stays crisp. Shams are finished on all four sides and usually made to coordinate with your comforter, duvet cover, or quilt. If you're comparing the two, our sheets and pillowcases sit right alongside shams in the bed linens collection.

What Are the Standard Pillow Sham Sizes?

Pillow shams come in four common sizes: standard (20″×26″), queen (20″×30″), king (20″×36″), and square euro (26″×26″). A smaller boudoir sham (12″×16″) works as a front accent.

Finished sizes often run about half an inch larger — for example, 20.5″×26.5″ for a standard sham or roughly 20.5″×36.5″ for a king — because of the flange border.

What Are Pillow Shams Used For?

Pillow shams are used mainly for decoration: they add color, texture, and a layered, finished look to a made bed, while giving the pillows underneath a little extra protection.

Enhanced Aesthetics

The primary job of a sham is to enhance the look of your bed. Shams act as a finishing touch, adding texture, color, and pattern to your bedding ensemble.

Layered Look

Shams create a layered, luxurious look. They add depth and dimension, making a bed feel well-coordinated and inviting.

Protection

While shams aren't made for sleeping, they add a layer of protection for the pillows underneath — useful for keeping pillows clean and extending their lifespan.

How Do You Use and Arrange Pillow Shams?

To use shams, layer them largest at the back to smallest at the front — euro shams against the headboard, then standard or king shams, then your sleeping pillows and any accent pillows.

Placement

Shams are typically placed at the head of the bed, propped against the headboard or wall. They sit in front of your sleeping pillows to create an attractive backdrop.

Arrangement

Layer from largest to smallest: euro shams at the back, then standard or king, then sleeping pillows. On a king bed, three 26-inch euro shams span the 76-inch-wide mattress cleanly, while a queen bed typically takes two.

Mix & Match

Get creative with patterns, colors, and textures. Mix and match your shams to complement your duvet cover or coverlet, adding visual interest to your bedding.

Styling

Experiment with arranging shams upright, angled, or slightly overlapping to get the look you want. Fluff and adjust them regularly, and finish the front layer with decorative bed pillows for a polished result.

Elevate Your Bedroom Décor with Shams

Shams elevate a bedroom by tying your pillows to your duvet cover, quilt, or coverlet for a coordinated, hotel-style bed. They add the layers, textures, and colors that pull a bedding ensemble together.

While they aren't meant for sleeping, shams protect the pillows beneath and contribute to an effortlessly chic look. So the next time you wonder what a sham is, you'll be ready to layer with confidence. Ready to dress your bed? Browse our pillow sham and euro sham selection and the full bed linens collection at Mathis Home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?

A pillowcase is a functional cover that opens at one end and is made for sleeping, while a pillow sham is a decorative cover that opens at the back and is made for display. Shams usually have a flange border and coordinate with your duvet or quilt. Pillowcases are often placed on the pillows tucked behind the shams.

What size is a standard pillow sham?

A standard pillow sham measures 20 inches by 26 inches. Queen shams are 20″×30″, king shams are 20″×36″, and square euro shams are 26″×26″. Finished dimensions can run about half an inch larger because of the flange border.

Do you sleep on pillow shams?

Shams are not intended for sleeping; they are decorative and usually removed at night. Many shams use textured or embellished fabrics that are less comfortable than a pillowcase. You can sleep on a plain sham if you like, but most people set them aside and sleep on the pillowcases behind them.

How many euro shams do you need for a king bed?

A king bed typically uses three euro shams. Because a king mattress is 76 inches wide, three 26-inch square shams span it cleanly, while a queen bed usually takes two. Euro shams stand against the headboard as the back layer.

Keep reading: above-bed decor ideas and how to make hospital corners for a crisp bed.