Shams, often called decorative pillow covers, are versatile decorative accessories with a rich history, different types, and varied usage. They can help create a stylish and inviting bedroom.
Shams vs. Pillowcases
When it comes to bedding, shams are an essential component that can add depth and style to your space. Let’s start by understanding the purpose of a sham. Unlike regular pillowcases, shams are designed to be decorative and are often used to prop up pillows or achieve a more polished look. They typically have a unique closure on the back, such as an envelope or zipper, which adds to their aesthetic appeal.
Eastern Accents Arthur Rosenthal Dusk Right Zipper Sham – perigold.com
Now, you might be wondering how shams differ from pillowcases. The main difference lies in their utility and design. While pillowcases protect pillows and provide a sleeping surface, shams are more decorative. They come in various sizes, such as standard, queen, and king, to accommodate different pillow sizes. So, shams are ideal if you want an added touch of elegance in your bedding ensemble.
One appealing aspect of shams is their versatility in design. They can be found in a wide range of fabrics, from luxurious silk to cozy cotton, allowing you to choose the material that best suits your style and comfort preferences. Shams also feature intricate details like embroidery, piping, or ruffles, enhancing their decorative appeal.
Fairfield Embroidered Bedding Collection – frontgate.com
Mix and match different textures and patterns to create a visually dynamic look when styling your bed with shams. For example, pair a solid-colored duvet cover with patterned shams or layer multiple shams in complementary hues for a sophisticated finish. The possibilities are endless for incorporating shams into your bedroom decor.
The History and Evolution of Shams
Shams in bedding can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where textiles were used to adorn sleeping quarters. The concept of covering pillows with decorative cases gradually evolved, reflecting each era’s cultural aesthetics and changing trends.
Intricately woven fabrics adorned with embroideries or motifs were standard features of shams in ancient Egypt. These luxurious shams not only added opulence but also protected pillows from dust and dirt.
Throughout European history, shams continued to evolve in design and function. From the elaborate, embellished shams favored by the aristocracy to the more restrained styles seen in the middle class, the decorative potential of shams became a way to express personal style and taste.
Exploring the Different Varieties of Shams
Shams come in many designs and sizes today, offering a unique touch to your bedroom decor. Understanding the distinct features of each variety will help you choose the perfect sham that complements your bedding ensemble.
The Characteristics of Standard Shams
Standard shams are rectangular pillow covers typically sized to fit standard or queen-size pillows. Measuring around 20 x 26 inches, they are versatile and widely available, making them a popular choice for many bedrooms.
While standard shams may lack the grandeur of Euro shams, they make up for it in their versatility. Their rectangular shape allows for easy layering and mixing with other pillow sizes, providing endless possibilities for creating your desired bedroom aesthetic.
They offer a classic, timeless look suitable for any bedroom aesthetic. Standard shams typically have a flange around the edges, adding a subtle touch of elegance to your bed.
Classic Sham – frette.com
Understanding the Distinct Features of Euro Shams
Euro shams, also known as European shams, are square-shaped pillow covers that add a touch of elegance to your bed. Their generous size, typically 26 x 26 inches, provides a luxurious backdrop for other pillows and can be used as a decorative accent or functional support while reading or lounging in bed.
One of the distinguishing features of Euro shams is their tailored edge, often finished with flanges or ornamental trims. These details elevate the overall appearance and create a polished look. Euro shams come in various fabrics and patterns, enabling you to mix and match to create a personalized look.
Gramercy Seersucker Sham – serenaandlily.com
The Regal Appeal of King Shams
If you have a king-size bed, king shams are a perfect choice to enhance the regal appeal of your sleeping sanctuary. These rectangular pillow covers measure around 20 x 36 inches, providing ample coverage for king-size pillows.
With their larger size, king shams add a touch of grandeur to your bed, creating a focal point that exudes elegance and sophistication. King shams are often adorned with decorative trims or flanges, elevating the overall aesthetic of your bedding ensemble. King shams are ideal for making a statement in your bedroom, especially when paired with coordinating bedding sets.
High Shine Satin Quatrefoil Quilt Pillow Sham Set – hiendaccents.com
Delicate and Decorative: Boudoir Shams Unveiled
Boudoir shams are an exquisite choice for those seeking a touch of delicacy and decorative charm. These small rectangular pillow covers, measuring around 12 x 16 inches, add a refined and feminine touch to any bed.
Boudoir shams are known for their intricate details and elegant embellishments, such as lace, ruffles, or embroidery. Their petite size makes them perfect for layering with other pillows or adding a decorative touch to your reading nook.
MATOUK Charlotte Boudoir Sham – horchow.com
The Role of Shams in Bedding
Now that we have explored the different types of shams, we must debunk a common misconception – that shams are solely decorative and serve no functional purpose. On the contrary, shams offer aesthetic and practical benefits that enhance your sleep sanctuary.
Aside from adding a bit of elegance and style to your bedding ensemble, shams act as protective covers for your pillows. They provide:
- An additional layer between your pillowcase and the pillow.
- Shielding it from oils, sweat, and dirt.
- Thus extending its lifespan.
Furthermore, shams offer extra comfort and support while reading or lounging in bed. Whether you opt for Euro shams as headrests or standard shams for back support, these decorative pillow covers provide added functionality to your bed.
Finding Your Perfect Match: A Guide to Selecting Shams
Here are some essential tips to consider when selecting shams for your bedroom:
- Style of your Bedroom: Whether you prefer a modern, bohemian, or traditional look, choose shams that align with your desired aesthetic.
- Size of your Bed and Pillows: To maintain a harmonious balance, ensure that the shams you select are proportionate to your bedding and pillows.
- Color and Pattern: Select shams that complement or contrast with your bedding to create a visually appealing ensemble. Play with colors and patterns to achieve the desired effect.
- Fabric and Texture: Choose high-quality fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk to ensure comfort and durability. Consider textures such as embroidery or velvet for added visual interest.
- Accessorize with Trims: Ruffled edges, tassels, or piping can make your shams stand out and enhance the overall aesthetic of your bedding.
Elevate Your Bedroom Decor with Stylish Sham Arrangements
Once you have selected your shams, it’s time to elevate your bedroom decor with stylish arrangements. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Place Euro shams in the back, followed by standard shams, and finally, boudoir shams in the front to create a symmetrical display.
- Experiment with layering by placing a king sham in the back, followed by a standard sham and a boudoir sham in the front.
- Introduce pattern and texture by mixing shams with prints, jacquards, or embroidered details.
- Choose shams in vibrant hues that complement your bedding or create a focal point to add a pop of color.
- Play with scale by combining shams of different sizes, such as Euro shams paired with standard or king shams, for a visually striking arrangement.
Central Park Bedding Collection – frontgate.com
Exploring the Comfort and Functionality of Pillow Shams
Incorporating shams into your bedding arrangement is a game-changer for those seeking a harmonious and polished look in their bedroom decor. Mixing and matching shams with other pillowcases enables you to create a cohesive display that reflects your style and enhances the overall ambiance of your sleeping space.
Beyond their decorative potential, pillow shams offer a multitude of functional benefits. From adding a layer of comfort to protecting your pillows and extending their lifespan, these versatile accessories enhance the overall quality of your sleep environment.
Takeaway
Shams are not merely decorative elements in your bedding ensemble but intricate pieces that have stood the test of time. By understanding their history, selecting the right type for your needs, and exploring creative ways to arrange them, you can transform your bedroom into a visually captivating space that promotes rest and rejuvenation.
FAQs
What is a sham?
- A sham is a decorative pillow cover designed to enhance the aesthetic of bedding. Unlike regular pillowcases, shams often feature closures like envelopes or zippers and come in various designs and sizes.
How do shams differ from standard pillowcases?
- Shams are primarily decorative and often feature intricate designs and trims. In contrast, pillowcases are simpler, designed primarily for functionality to protect pillows and provide a surface for sleeping.
What types of shams are available?
- There are several types of shams, including standard shams, Euro shams, king shams, and boudoir shams, each varying in size and style to fit different decorative and functional needs in bedding.
Can shams be used for purposes other than decoration?
- Yes, aside from adding a decorative touch, shams also serve functional purposes such as providing extra support and comfort while reading or lounging in bed, and protecting pillows from oils, sweat, and dirt.
How should I select shams to match my bedroom decor?
- When selecting shams, consider the style and color of your existing bedding, the size of your bed, and the textures you prefer. Mixing and matching different sizes and designs can help achieve a layered, stylish look.
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