Crisp bed linens and a cool pillow are quiet luxuries that make going to bed such a treat. Thanks to linen’s loose weave and incredible moisture-wicking ability, a linen pillowcase offers the cool side of the pillow all night long.
A linen pillowcase, whether it features romantic ruffles or offers comfort in the form of a quilted sham, is one of the best purchases you can make for your bed, even if you can’t upgrade your entire bedding set right away. Linen pillowcases come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit any bed set.
Why Should I Use a Linen Pillowcase?
Linen is an ancient textile that is a mainstay of soft furnishings even today. Linen is especially suited to bedding because its cellulose fibers lend exceptional durability and allow it to get even softer over time.
Linen has a number of health and wellness benefits, including being antimicrobial and antifungal and helping to reduce allergens. These qualities make linen perfect for use across the home, especially in high-touch, frequently washed items like pillowcases.
We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s crucial to surround ourselves with quality bedding that supports our health and rest. Look for Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics, like Linenforce offers, to ensure the bedding you choose is of the highest environmental and health standards.
What is the Difference Between a Pillowcase and a Sham?
Pillowcases and pillow shams are both removable coverings for bed pillows. The main difference between the two is that pillow shams are often used for decorative purposes on a secondary bed pillow, while pillowcases tend to be simpler and cover the primary sleeping pillow.
Pillow Sham Features:
- A pillow sham’s primary job is decorative; these pillows are often moved before sleeping.
- Pillow shams usually coordinate with the quilt, coverlet, or duvet cover.
- Pillow shams sometimes have a more elaborate closure, like a zipper, button, or tie.
- Pillow shams are often a heavier weight than a standard pillowcase, like in our quilted shams.
Pillowcase Have Different Features:
- A pillowcase’s primary job is to protect the pillow from sweat and body oils.
- Pillowcases usually coordinate with the sheet set.
- Pillowcases often have either no side closure or a simple tuck-in European-style closure. Our tie pillowcase is a fun exception.
- Pillowcases are usually lightweight and made of a single layer of fabric.
What Style Options are Available for Linen Pillowcases?
From a whimsical bow tie pillowcase to a ruffle pillowcase for a cottage-core vibe, the versatility of linen pillowcases is unmatched. Top it all off with quilted shams, and you’ll have a magazine-worthy bed that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. Our linen pillowcases are available in eight styles to help you choose the perfect pillowcase for your dream bed. Some details to consider as you deliberate are:
- Color—Do you prefer white bedding or a fun pop of color?
- Closure type—Do you need a simple tuck-in style, or do you have patience for a tie closure?
- Purpose—Will your pillowcases serve as functional or decorative pieces? Or both?
- Style—Do you want your bed set to coordinate top to bottom? Or do you prefer mixing and matching styles?
Basic Envelope Pillowcases
Our Basic Envelope Pillowcases are anything but basic. Premium flax linen in a classic design makes this pillowcase the perfect understated choice for any bed. You can find this simple style in the most variety of sizes, including a body pillow size for your plushest sleep ever.
Bow Tie Pillowcases
Featuring a chic bow closure, bow tie pillowcases are as much a design choice as a functional one. Each tie pillowcase in our collection closes on the side with linen ribbons.
Mix and match a bow tie pillowcase with any linen bedding style, or coordinate with a matching duvet cover and bow ties bolster pillow. If you want to simplify the look, pair tie pillowcases with a basic linen duvet cover instead.
Ruffle Hem Pillowcases
For a cozy, feminine touch, look no further than ruffle pillowcases. Pillowcases with ruffle hems feature a frilly border around the full perimeter of the pillowcase. These ruffle pillowcases can double as shams and have a tuck-in European closure for a tidy fit.
Pair a ruffle pillowcase with a matching set. We recommend a duvet cover with ruffled edges, a ruffle hem sheets, romantic bedskirt, and decorative pillows for the ultimate in flirty flounces.
Side Ruffle Pillowcases
For a more subdued approach to the full ruffle hem, look into side ruffle pillowcases. While still soft and romantic, this ruffle pillowcase features an eight-inch ruffle down only one side of the pillowcase and offers a choice for turned-seam finishing or a modern frayed edge.
These minimally ruffled styles are versatile. Mix and match the side ruffle pillowcase with other ruffled bedding pieces, or opt for cleaner lines with a basic bed set.
Oxford Hem Pillowcases
A style for refined taste, the Oxford Hem Pillowcase features a two-inch straight border on the entire perimeter of the pillowcase. This style is perfect for someone who wants a polished bed set that isn’t too feminine.
Pair the simple lines of this pillowcase style with a two-tone duvet cover for a contemporary color block design. This combination allows your color palette to sing without being overpowered by flounces and extra detailing.
Edge Embroidery Pillowcases
Pillowcases with edge embroidery sneak a hint of color into classic white linens. Design experts agree white is the best choice for guest room sheets. Nothing says clean and luxurious like crisp white bed linens.
You don’t have to sacrifice your design personality to have white linens, however. Colorful embroidery detailing along the edge of these pillowcases adds fun and whimsy, creating a bed set that is anything but boring.
To keep this simple bedding cohesive, pair it with our complete edge embroidery line, which includes a duvet cover, flat sheet, and even throw cushions. Top your bed set with quilted shams for an inviting guest room ensemble.
Two Tones Pillowcases
Our most contemporary style, the Two Tones Pillowcase, lets you change your mind and your look with a quick flip of the pillow. The clean lines and a simple European tuck-in closure of this pillowcase craft a soothing minimalist sanctuary when paired with a matching duvet cover.
The Quilted Sham
A decorator’s dream, quilted shams enhance the natural texture of linen by quilting it with cotton padding for a truly plush feel. Quilted shams are a heavier weight than the other linen pillowcases in our collection and help ground the bed set.
Quilted shams are the perfect complement to a quilted bedspread. Tuck a bow tie pillowcase beneath the quilted sham for a playful touch!
Mix and Match Linen Pillowcases with Existing Bedding Sets
Linen bedding can be spendy, and it may not be feasible to replace your entire bedding set at once. Until you can fully dress your bed with luxurious linen bedding, you can take the first step toward better rest. It’s easy to upgrade your bed set over time by purchasing the components separately, and one of the best places to start is with pillowcases.
Ruffle pillowcases, tie pillowcases, and quilted shams are among the many linen pillowcase styles that could easily integrate into an existing bedding set. One quick swap can help you rest easier starting today.
