Pillowcases are a great way to add extra decorative style, texture and layering to your bed. In addition to sprucing up your sleep style, they also serve to prolong the life of your bed pillows, and in some cases improve your skin and hair. Try to choose shams that work with your current bedding as well as your overall decor, and be sure the material and size are in line with your needs. If you’re on the lookout for pillowcases, body pillow covers or decorative shams, read below for a few tips to get you started.
What materials do pillowcases come in?
Pillowcases and shams are available in a variety of materials, including silk, satin, cotton and even fur. Different fabrics will be better for different purposes. For the bed pillows you use to sleep on every night, you will want a material that is soft, cozy, breathable and high quality enough to last through years of weekly washes. Cotton, with a high thread count of course, is always a winner in this department. Or, to add a sense of luxury to your nightly routine, go for a silk pillowcase. A silk or satin pillowcase is known to have cosmetic benefits — hypoallergenic qualities and the ability to reduce friction can result in smoother hair and softer skin — so go ahead and splurge. If you’re just in the market for a decorative pillow sham or two, material should come second to style. More often than not, these are used solely for decor purposes and will not need frequent washing, so you can go for the sparkles, ruffles or fur. Overall, think about comfort, aesthetic preference, care and your current bedding to choose the right material.
What size should pillow shams be?
You want the pillow to fit snug inside, so be sure to measure the pillow and sham before making any purchase. Most sizes will coordinate with the size of your bedding, such as standard (for twin, double and queen) or king. Standard is the most common size, but if you have king size double check that the cases are sized accordingly, otherwise it’ll be like stuffing a ten pounds into a five pound sack. For decorative pillows, euro sham covers, measuring in at 26 inches by 26 inches, are the most common size. Euro shams should also fit snuggly, and typically sport extra fabric around the border, called flange, to add dimension and texture. If you’re not quite sure what size pillow sham or case you need, your best bet may be to take your pillows with you directly to the store to test them out on the spot. You may feel silly, but you’re sure to walk away with the proper fit!
What styles of shams are available?
Since pillow shams are meant to be decorative, they come in a wide assortment of styles. Try to choose something that complements your current bedding, in both color and pattern. Or, you could add visual interest by choosing stylish shams that contrast with your bedding for a punch of unexpected design. If you have all white bedding, consider bright shams for a touch of color, or if you have colorful bedding, choose a pattern with similar shades. If it’s texture you’re after, shams are a perfect way to achieve a layered look with your bedding; since you won’t be sleeping on them nightly, feel free to try something with a raised pattern, buttons, embroidery or other embellishments. By sticking to one color and mixing up the textures, you will create a look with depth and dimension that’s easy on the eye.
Get inspired with our curated ideas for Pillowcases & Shams and find the perfect item for every room in your home. With such a wide selection of Pillowcases & Shams for sale, from brands like CB STATION, The HomeCentric, and The-store, you’re sure to find something that you’ll love. Shop from Pillowcases & Shams, like the the Set of 2 650TC Solid Cotton Blend Pillowcases or the Hybrid Bamboo Cotton 2PC Pillowcases Set, while discovering new home products and designs. Whether you’re looking to buy Pillowcases & Shams online or get inspiration for your home, you’ll find just what you’re looking for on Houzz.
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