GUIDE
Pillow Sham vs Pillowcase: What's the Difference?
Pillow sham vs pillowcase: what a sham is, how it differs from a pillowcase in closure and edges, when to use each, and what comes in a bedding set.
PUBLISHED JUL 5, 2026
A pillowcase protects the pillow you sleep on; a pillow sham is the decorative cover that makes the bed look finished. They look similar folded on a shelf, so here’s the difference and when each belongs on your bed — plus what’s actually included when a bedding set lists “shams” or “pillowcases.”
The core difference
- Pillowcase — a plain, functional cover with an open end or envelope closure you slip the sleeping pillow into. It’s what your head touches.
- Pillow sham — a decorative cover, usually with a finished border, flange, or trim and a closure hidden on the back. It dresses a display pillow and matches the bedding.
In short: pillowcases are for sleeping, shams are for styling. Most made beds use both — shams on the display pillows at the back, pillowcases on the ones you actually sleep on.
What comes in a set
This trips people up, so it’s worth spelling out:
- Comforter sets here (like the faux-fur comforter sets) include the comforter plus two matching pillowcases — the functional kind.
- Quilt / coverlet sets (like the mandala and squares sets) include the quilt plus two matching pillow shams — the decorative kind.
That’s a genuine difference in what you receive: a comforter set finishes the pillows you sleep on, while a quilt set finishes the display pillows. Neither typically includes bed sheets.
Do you need shams?
Not for function — a bed works fine with just pillowcases. Shams are about the made-bed look: they give the pillows crisp, matching edges. If you like a tailored, hotel-style bed, use both; if you keep it simple, pillowcases alone are all you strictly need. For the full styling picture, see how to layer a bed.
Frequently asked questions
A decorative pillow cover with finished edges (often a border or flange) and a hidden closure on the back. It dresses a display pillow to match the bedding, rather than protecting a pillow you sleep on.
A pillowcase is plain and functional, with an open or envelope end for a sleeping pillow. A sham is decorative, with finished edges and a back closure, meant for styling. Pillowcases are for sleeping, shams for looks.
Quilt and coverlet sets typically come with pillow shams (decorative). Comforter sets more often include pillowcases (functional). Check the listing — this EXQ Home line follows that split.
Not for function — a bed works with just pillowcases. Shams give a tailored, finished look on display pillows. Use both for a hotel-style bed, or pillowcases alone to keep it simple.