Do you have or want an oversized pillow (or several) to add some decorative flair to your bedroom? Then you’re going to want a cover for that throw pillow. Pillow covers or shams help protect decorative pillows from stains, tears, and other accidents. And because they’re removable and tend to be machine-washable, they can make bedroom hygiene a breeze.
Once you’ve picked out your favorite oversized pillow insert, check out this roundup of best oversized pillow covers. (If you already have an oversized throw pillow, just keep reading for new cover options.) These shams will help you achieve any look you want. To find the best option for you, think about your preferences when it comes to colors, feel, materials, and aesthetics. Also consider if you just need one oversized pillow cover or a multi-pack. Happy hunting!
Editor’s Choice – PHF Cotton Matelasse Weave Sham
Pros:
- The shams are made from 100% cotton in a Jacquard design and a matelasse weave pattern. This results in soft, plush, and durable oversized pillow shams.
- The shams come in a pack of two.
- The shams are made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factories, meaning they meet certain safety and environmental standards.
- The shams are machine-washable.
Cons:
- The shams are made with an envelope closure (instead of a zipper), which can make it harder to achieve a smooth look. Depending on sizing, the pillow insert might show through the flap a bit.
- There aren’t a ton of color options to choose from.
PHF Cotton Matelasse Weave Sham
The soft and durable PHF Cotton Matelasse Weave Sham comes in a pack of two and is made from 100% cotton. The shams are made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factories, so they meet safety and environmental standards.
Contender – CaliTime Comfy Throw Pillow Covers
Pros:
- The oversized pillow covers come in a pack of two. They’re made with soft, textured corduroy.
- The covers are available in lots of colors, so you can tailor the look to match your existing decor.
- The hidden zipper closure ensures the zipper doesn’t detract from the pillow’s aesthetic.
- The cover is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
Cons:
The covers seem to run a bit small, so keep this in mind when matching them to pillow inserts.
CaliTime Comfy Throw Pillow Covers
The machine-washable CaliTime Comfy Throw Pillow covers are made from soft, textured corduroy. The covers feature a hidden zipper closure and come in a variety of colors.
Also Consider – Kevin Textile Decorative Linen Throw Pillow Covers
Pros:
- The linen covers are made with a two-tone weave that gives the covers a dynamic look. The covers are available in a large variety of colors.
- The covers come in a pack of two.
- The invisible zipper closure creates a smooth look.
- The covers are machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
Cons
- These aren’t the softest covers around.
Kevin Textile Decorative Linen Throw Pillow Covers
The Kevin Textile Decorative Linen Throw Pillow Covers are made with a two-tone weave and come in a variety of colors. The machine-washable covers come in a pack of two.
Honorable Mention – Home Brilliant Plush Corduroy Large Throw Cover
Pros:
- The oversized pillow cover comes in tons of colors, so you can customize the look to your bedroom decor.
- The corduroy fabric has a classic look and plush, textured feel.
- The invisible zipper closure helps hold the pillow insert in place without detracting from the overall look.
- The cover is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
Cons:
- The red color might transfer onto bedding.
- Some of the colors might not exactly match their pictures.
Home Brilliant Plush Corduroy Large Throw Cover
The machine-washable Home Brilliant Plush Corduroy Large Throw Cover has a plush, textured feel. The covers feature a zipper closure and come in a variety of colors.
One More Option – MIULEE Decorative Throw Pillow Covers
Pros:
- The shams are made from a blend of cotton and polyester, which creates a soft feel. They feature raised dots to create texture.
- The oversized pillow covers come in a set of two and in a variety of colors.
- The hidden zippers hold inserts in place without detracting from the covers’ look.
- The shams are machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
Cons:
- Some of the colors might not exactly match their pictures.
- The zippers seem like they might not be super durable over the long-term.
MIULEE Decorative Throw Pillow Covers
The soft MIULEE Decorative Throw Pillow Covers have a textured feel and come in a variety of colors. The machine-washable shams come in a pack of two.
How We Picked
Wondering how we picked this roundup of best oversized pillow shams? Here are some of the core criteria that we used during our search.
Sizing
First things first: We made sure to deliver on the “oversized” front by only considering options that come in size 26X26 inches or larger. (The 26X26 size is sometimes referred to as a Euro sham.) Some of the pillow shams here also come in 28X28 inches and other sizes, but we considered 26X26 inches the minimum for meeting the “oversized” criterion.
Feel
Feel might be more or less important to you depending on your needs for a given pillow cover. For instance, if you’re only using oversized pillows for decoration and don’t plan to sit or lie with them, then the feel probably matters less than their aesthetic. But if you’re planning to cuddle up with oversized pillows in bed or on the couch, you probably want pillow covers that are soft to the touch. We mainly prioritized options with a comfortable feel.
Aesthetics
The oversized pillow covers in this roundup come in a wide range of colors and designs, from Jacquard to bumpy corduroy, two-toned linen, and more. No matter your color and other aesthetic preferences, odds are good that you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
Sleepopolis Buying Tips
Still trying to decide on the best oversized pillow shams? Consider the following:
- Design. Do you have strong feelings when it comes to the color and overall look of a pillow sham? For instance, if you hate corduroy and love Jacquard designs (or vice versa), that will quickly narrow your search.
- Materials. Do you like your pillow shams to be made with cotton, polyester, linen, something else? If you have preferences when it comes to materials, this is another quick way to eliminate options.
- Quantity. If you’re trying to cover multiple pillow inserts, then you can save some money (and guarantee a cohesive look) by choosing options that are sold in multi-packs.
Adding some oversized throw pillows to your sleep space can upgrade the look of your bedroom and add extra comfort when you’re lounging in bed. Keep those pillows clean — and further enhance the look of your room — by choosing a great oversized pillow cover to suit your design aesthetic.
FAQs
What is an oversized pillow?
There’s no strict definition. The term “oversized pillow” could refer to a large pillow for sleeping, such as a California King pillow. Or it could refer to an extra-large decorative or throw pillow, which is usually 26X26 inches or larger.
What sizes do pillow inserts come in?
Pillow inserts can range widely in size. Typically, smaller pillow inserts are around 14X14 inches. Mid-range inserts are approximately 20X20 inches, and oversized inserts start around 26X26 inches.
What is a pillow sham?
A pillow sham is a removable pillow cover that’s intended to cover decorative throw pillows. It often secures a throw pillow via an envelope or zippered closure. Most pillow shams are machine-washable, which makes it easy to keep the sham (and the pillow insert it covers) clean.
