what is a pillow sham

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow cover designed to match or act as an accent to your duvet or bedspread. Unlike a regular pillowcase, which typically has openings on the side, a pillow sham usually has an opening in the back that buttons or zips close. It is made of thicker material and is meant to be decorative, often featuring embellishments such as trims, ruffles, or flanges. Pillow shams come in various sizes, including standard, queen, king, Euro, and boudoir, and can be found in a wide range of materials, from cotton to silk. While pillow shams can be slept on, they are primarily designed for decorative purposes and may not be as comfortable as a regular pillowcase. They are often used as support when sitting in bed and as decoration during the day, and can be easily removed from their fills to be washed or replaced.