What is a pillow sham used for?

Question

I got a gift with a comforter, a skirty thing, 2 sheets, 2 pillow cases and 2 pillow shams. For the life of me I can not figure out what the pillow shams are for... they open in the middle and are too small for regular pillows so they obviously don't go over the pillow cased pillows.

Do I have to buy a second set of pillows.... I'm OK with more pillows, but they are an odd size, smaller than a regular pillow. Where would I get those and what size or style should I ask for.

3 graduate degrees and I am stumped by bed linens.

Answer 1

Well a regular pillow should fit and really they are just for decoration. I think your supposed to take the pillow out of the sham to sleep on it, at least thats what my mom told me when I was growing up. If your into a nice looking bed like maybe Martha Stewart then use them...mine however stay in a drawer.

Answer 2

Sham Pillows

Answer 3

Pillow shams are just a type of pillow case that are used for decoration. The pillow sham should fit a normal sized pillow (not king or queen-size pillows). If it is odd or too small you can try using feather pillows in them. Since they are just for decoration you could also just not use them at all and save yourself time and money.

Answer 4

The pillow shams are for bed pillows. Yes, they do fit a standard pillow without a pillowcase, it is just a bit tricky to put them on for the first time. These (shams) are the pillows that go on top of the comforter. The other two stay under the comforter, and it helps to keep the latter ones clean.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

They usually fit standard size pillows. They are for show, like a decorative pillow. Normally you buy a cheap standard pillow to put the sham on. If it's too small for that, you could fill it with anything convenient, like folded towels, foam padding, it doesn't matter. It's mainly for looks, maybe to prop you up while reading or something.

Answer 6

This will probably sound silly but the way I use them is as pillow covers. I take my pillows I sleep on and lay them on top of the comforter then just lay the shams across the pillows. That way I don t have to unwrap them all the time.

Answer 7

They are just there for a decorative touch. Just go to your local dollar store and buy cheap small pillows for them. They aren't meant to be slept on so I wouldn't buy good pillow for them. Then they go Under your regular pillows on an angle to add a decorative touch to your bed once it's made. Personally I don't use them cause the only people who see my bed is my husband and I. And it's one more thing I have to do.

Answer 8

why go to the trouble and expense to buy pillows to put in the shams get a piece of foam 3 or 4 inches thick and cut it to size put in the sham you don't have to change it leave it in

Answer 9

Thank you for asking this question! I come from a long line of "bedspreads are enough". Pillow shams had me stumped. The advice to just put them in a drawer is good enough for me (although the comforter ought to be long enough to make up for them).

Answer 10

i just got a kick out of this question, so first of all, thanks for the laugh :) secondly, a pillow shaw does go over a pillow, but it more for display and decoartion, not for sleeping on. you can buy some smaller inexpensive pillows from kmart or target. just be careful when youre putting them inside the case since the opening in the back is smaller and may rip at the seams if you arent careful...good luck!!