King Shams: The Key to a Well-Styled Bed

A well-made bed doesn’t just look good—it feels inviting. King shams play a big role in creating that polished, put-together look. Designed for king-size pillows, these oversized covers add both style and comfort, whether you prefer a classic, elegant setup or a more relaxed, layered feel.

What Are King Shams?

King shams are made for 20 x 36-inch king-size pillows. Unlike standard pillowcases, they have a more structured design with hidden zippers, button closures, or envelope flaps, giving them a tailored, high-end appearance.

Knowing the difference between king shams and regular pillowcases helps you choose the right bedding. Shams are all about aesthetics, while pillowcases focus on everyday function. Mixing both ensures your bed looks as good as it feels.

Why Use King Shams in Your Bedding?

Adding king shams to your bed gives you multiple benefits beyond looks. These pillow covers create a cohesive, structured look and serve a practical purpose. They can significantly transform the look and feel of the room, enhancing the overall aesthetic and decor of your bedroom.

Looks Better

With their extra width king size pillow shams give a balance to wider beds like king and California king. They add depth and dimension to the bed making it look inviting and luxurious.

More Comfort

Besides the decorative function king shams are also a support pillow. Whether you’re reading, watching TV or just lounging in bed, they’re an extra comfort.

Compliments Any Bedding Style

Available in a wide range of fabrics, textures and colors king shams can be customized to your bedding theme. Whether your bedroom is minimalist or richly layered there’s a king sham to match.

Types of King Shams

King shams come in various styles to match different bedroom decors, each adding its unique touch to your bed. Here are some popular types of king shams:

  • Ruffled King Shams: Featuring decorative ruffles along the edges, these shams add a touch of elegance and softness to your bed, making it look inviting and charming.

  • Trimmed King Shams: With decorative trims made of lace, ribbon, or other materials, these shams bring a sophisticated flair to your bedroom, perfect for a refined aesthetic.

  • Cording King Shams: These shams have a decorative cord or piping along the edges, adding a subtle yet sophisticated detail that enhances the overall look of your bed.

  • Embroidered King Shams: Intricate embroidery or stitching on these shams adds a luxurious and artistic element to your bed, making it a focal point in your bedroom decor.

No matter your bedroom style, there’s a king sham to match and elevate your space.

Luxury King Shams

For those seeking a high-end look and feel, luxury king shams are the perfect choice. Crafted from premium materials like silk, cotton, or linen, these shams offer both comfort and elegance. Here are some features that set luxury king shams apart:

  • High-Thread-Count Fabrics: Made from high-thread-count fabrics, luxury king shams provide a soft and smooth texture that feels indulgent against your skin.

  • Intricate Embroidery: Many luxury king shams feature detailed embroidery or stitching, adding a touch of elegance and artistry to your bed.

  • Decorative Trims: From lace to ribbon, the decorative trims on luxury king shams add a sophisticated touch, making your bed look polished and refined.

With their exquisite patterns and high-quality materials, luxury king shams transform your bed into a luxurious retreat.

How to Choose the Right King Shams

Choosing the Right Fabric

The fabric of king size pillow shams greatly affects the overall look and feel of the bed. Here are some of the most popular fabric options:

  • Linen – Light, breathable and effortlessly chic linen is relaxed yet refined.

  • Cotton – Crisp, fresh and easy to maintain cotton is a classic choice for bedding.

  • Velvet – Soft and luxurious velvet king shams add texture and warmth to the bed.

  • Silk – Smooth and sophisticated silk adds glamour and sheen.The right king sham color can make a big impact on a bedroom. Neutral shades like white, beige and gray creates a calm and serene environment while deeper tones like navy, emerald and burgundy makes a bold statement. If you want added detail king shams with embroidery, textured weaves or decorative trims add visual interest to the space.

How to Style King Shams on Your Bed

Placing king shams correctly makes all the difference in a well designed bedding arrangement.

For king beds place two king size pillow shams behind standard pillows for a structured look. For California king beds use three king shams to add volume. For queen beds use one king sham as a decorative centerpiece for a more dramatic look.

To layer king shams behind standard pillows and accent cushions for a luxurious look. Mixing materials like linen and velvet adds texture and visual interest. For a modern minimalist look use solid colored king shams in a monochromatic palette for a refined and understated look.

King Shams and Pillow Arrangement

Arranging king shams on your bed can create a visually appealing and stylish look. Here are some popular ways to arrange king shams:

  • Symmetrical Arrangement: Place two king shams on either side of the bed, with the openings facing outward. This balanced look is perfect for a clean and organized aesthetic.

  • Asymmetrical Arrangement: For a more eclectic look, place one king sham on one side of the bed and a smaller pillow or sham on the other side. This arrangement adds visual interest and a touch of whimsy.

  • Layered Arrangement: Create a layered look by placing a king sham on top of a smaller pillow or sham. This adds depth and dimension to your bed, making it look plush and inviting.

Experiment with different arrangements to find the look that best suits your style and enhances your bedroom decor.

King Shams and Bedroom Style

King shams are a versatile addition to any bedroom, enhancing the overall style and aesthetic. Here are some ways to use king shams to elevate your bedroom decor:

  • Match the Shams to the Bedding: Choose king shams that match the color and pattern of your bedding for a cohesive and harmonious look. This creates a unified and polished appearance in your bedroom.

  • Add a Pop of Color: Opt for king shams in bold colors or patterns to add a vibrant touch to your bedroom. This can create a striking focal point and inject personality into your space.

  • Create a Natural Look: Select king shams made from natural materials like cotton or linen and pair them with a natural-colored bedspread or comforter. This creates a serene and calming environment, perfect for a restful retreat.

By carefully choosing and arranging your king shams, you can enhance the style and ambiance of your bedroom, making it a true reflection of your personal taste.

King Shams vs Standard Shams: What’s the Difference

One of the most common questions when choosing pillow covers is the difference between king shams and standard shams. The main difference is size and purpose. King shams are designed for king size pillows so for larger beds while standard shams are for twin, full or queen beds.

Another difference is placement. King size pillow shams are the back layer of a bedding arrangement providing a supportive and decorative backdrop. Standard shams being smaller are placed in front of king shams or layered with decorative throw pillows.

How to Care for King Shams

Proper care ensures king size pillow shams stay fresh, soft and looking good over time. Care instructions depend on the fabric:

  • Cotton and Linen: Machine wash on gentle cycle with mild detergent. Tumble dry low or air dry for best results.

  • Velvet and Silk: Dry clean only to preserve texture, softness and color.

  • Embroidered or Handwoven Shams: Spot clean as needed and store in a breathable cotton bag to prevent dust buildup.Rotating king shams seasonally can also keep the bedroom looking fresh and new.

King Shams FAQ

Do King Shams Come with Pillow Inserts?

King shams are sold as pillow covers and require separate king-size pillow inserts to be filled.

How Many King Shams Should I Use on a Bed?

For a king bed use two king-size pillow shams for a balanced look. For a California king bed use three shams and for a queen bed use one king sham as a decorative accent.

Can King Shams Be Used on a Queen Bed?

Yes, a single king sham can be used in the center of a queen bed as a long, eye-catching focal point.

Are King Shams Machine Washable?

Most king-size pillow shams made from cotton or linen are machine washable, velvet and silk require dry cleaning.

How Often Should King Shams Be Replaced?

With proper care king shams last for years. Refresh them seasonally with new colors, patterns or fabrics to keep your bedding looking updated.

Add King Shams to Your Bed

Whether you’re creating a calm, neutral space or a layered, vibrant oasis king shams are the key to a beautiful bed. Their oversized design, plush textures and decorative details make for a luxurious bedding experience.

Shop our king-size pillow shams today and find the perfect addition to your home. With quality construction and timeless design these shams bring both style and comfort to any bedroom.