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Pillowcases and shams are the small things that silently transform a bedroom. Think of them as the outfit for your pillows — they set the tone, protect the fill, and can make a simple bed look magazine-ready. Beyond aesthetics, the right material can improve comfort, protect hair and skin, and even extend the life of your duvet and pillows. If you’ve ever slept on a shabby pillowcase and woken up with creased skin or frizzy hair, you know there's more at stake than looks.
Shopping for pillowcases in the UK gives you loads of choice — from Scandinavian minimalism to durable, sustainable options. Two names that stand out from recent collections are Nordic Nest and Buy Me Once, both offering distinctive takes on materials and design. Alongside them, big UK retailers also stock wide ranges: John Lewis for a reliable mid-range selection, The White Company for refined neutrals, Dunelm for budget-friendly variety, Marks & Spencer for classic cotton percale, Next for seasonal trends, H&M Home for fashion-forward pieces, Wayfair for choice and convenience, and independent sellers on Etsy UK for one-off or handmade designs.
Nordic Nest leans into Nordic design — quiet, crisp, and textured. Their range includes velvet and linen cushion covers and pillowcases that read luxurious without shouting. Examples include the Ceannis Velvet Collection pillow cover (about 19.7 x 19.7 inches) in gray for plush texture; Scandi Living calm linen cases available in both 15.7 x 23.6 inches and 19.7 x 19.7 inches for a relaxed, breathable feel; and the Oyoy Sofuto cushion cover (about 18.9 x 18.9 inches) for a muted, modern accent. These pieces work great as accent shams or everyday pillow protection when you want that Scandinavian neatness.
Buy Me Once focuses on durability and repairability — the idea is to buy once and enjoy for many years. Their pillowcase sets include long-lasting percale and linen pieces like The Original Pillow Cases — a set of two in Sage or Dove Grey weave percale — designed to wear well. They also stock linen pillowcase pairs in sizes labelled Super King (about 20 x 36 inches) and Standard (about 20 x 26 inches), with colors like Burnt Orange, Sage Green, and Oatmeal. If you prefer investing in fewer, better-made items that endure, this is the place to start your search.
Understanding materials is the fastest way to shop smarter. Cotton percale gives a crisp, breathable finish — perfect for those who sleep warm. Sateen cotton offers a silky sheen but can feel warmer. Linen breathes like a dream and softens beautifully with each wash, while velvet gives a luxe, tactile finish mainly for decorative shams rather than nightly sleep. For sensitive skin, look for organic cotton or fabrics certified by OEKO-TEX, and if you want cooling benefits, linen and high-thread-count percale are your best bets.
Size matters, both for fit and for the visual balance of your bed. Standard pillowcases usually measure about 20 x 26 inches and are the everyday choice. If you have longer pillows, go for King size at approximately 20 x 30 inches. Super King pillowcases are around 20 x 36 inches — perfect for extra-length pillows or a hotel-style feel. Square cushion covers and shams are commonly 19.7 x 19.7 inches and 18.9 x 18.9 inches, which pair beautifully as accent layers on top of sleeping pillows.
If you’re browsing international brands, you’ll see sizes in centimeters. Here’s a quick conversion to keep in your back pocket: 50 x 50 cm is roughly 19.7 x 19.7 inches; 40 x 60 cm is about 15.7 x 23.6 inches; 48 x 48 cm converts to 18.9 x 18.9 inches; and 50 x 90 cm is roughly 19.7 x 35.4 inches. Knowing these conversions helps you pick the right size every time, avoiding awkward fits or unnecessary returns.
Want your bed to look thoughtfully arranged without trying too hard? Start with your sleeping pillows in neutral pillowcases, then layer on shams and decorative cushions in complementary textures. A good rule: use odd numbers — three cushions often looks better than two. Pair a large square sham (about 19.7 x 19.7 inches) at the back, a rectangular case in front for contrast, and one statement cushion for color or texture. Velvet shams add depth, linen adds relaxed charm, and patterned percale can bring a pop without overwhelming the entire bed.
Taking care of pillowcases and shams will keep them soft and vibrant. Wash cotton percale and linen on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent, aiming for cool-to-warm water — around 104°F to 140°F works well depending on fabric. Avoid high heat when tumble drying; instead choose a low setting or line dry to prevent shrinkage and preserve color. For velvet and heavily textured shams, spot clean where possible and consider professional cleaning for stubborn stains. Lastly, storing pillowcases in a cool, dry place prevents mustiness — a simple cotton storage bag does wonders.
Budget dictates a lot but doesn’t have to mean compromise. Entry-level pillowcase sets from high-street stores can start under £10 apiece — perfect for quick updates and seasonal changes. Mid-range options from John Lewis or Marks & Spencer typically fall in the £20–£50 range and offer better fabrics and finishes. Premium brands like The White Company or boutique offerings from Nordic Nest and Buy Me Once often cost more but justify the price with quality materials like linen and high-thread-count percale, or long-lasting construction. Think of it this way: spending a little more per pillowcase often pays back in durability and comfort.
If sustainability matters to you, look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, which indicate lower chemical use and ethical production. Linen, made from flax, is naturally eco-friendly and long-lasting; meanwhile, organic cotton offers softness without the heavy environmental toll of conventional cotton. Buy Me Once ethos prioritizes longevity, reducing waste by encouraging fewer, better purchases. Choosing well-made shams and pillowcases is a small act that can reduce your wardrobe’s carbon footprint over time.
Sales seasons are your friend: look out for end-of-season clearances, Black Friday deals, and bank holiday sales. If you prefer to test before you buy, department stores and showrooms let you feel fabric and check stitching. For unique finds and small-batch designs, Etsy UK and independent boutiques carry handmade and artisanal options. Comparison websites can help you find the best current price across multiple retailers, while outlets and factory stores sometimes carry overstocked premium pillowcases at a discount.
It’s tempting to save the “nice” pillowcases for visitors, but daily use of quality materials pays off. Choose durable percale or linen for everyday sleeping pillowcases to enjoy breathability and longevity, while reserving velvet or heavily embroidered shams for dressing the bed and occasional use. This approach lets you enjoy both comfort and aesthetics without wearing down your nicest pieces in daily laundering.
If you’re short on time, here are quick picks based on what’s been popular and reliable: choose linen pillowcases for breathability and a lived-in elegance, percale cotton for a crisp hotel feel, and velvet shams for decorative impact. From Nordic Nest, consider the Ceannis velvet and Scandi Living linen for texture play. From Buy Me Once, their Original Pillow Cases and linen pairs are smart investments. For a budget refresh, Dunelm and H&M Home deliver style without a big outlay, while The White Company and John Lewis are safe bets for elevated classics.
Start with two sleeping pillows in well-fitting cases, add two larger shams or Euro pillows for height, and finish with a smaller decorative cushion. Keep a consistent color palette — three tones at most — and vary textures to add depth. Rotate your decorative cushions seasonally to keep the look fresh: light linens for summer, richer velvets and darker tones for winter. This layering approach keeps your bed inviting and Instagram-ready without constant overhaul.
Whether you’re hunting for a soft, airy linen pair to sleep on or a plush velvet sham to anchor your bedspread, the right pillowcases and shams make an outsized difference. With careful choices in material, fit, and care, you can create a bedroom that’s cozy, stylish, and tailored to how you actually live.
Conclusion: The best pillowcase is one that meets your needs — comfort for sleep, durability for everyday use, and personality for style. Explore trusted UK stores for the right mix, convert sizes where needed, and invest in pieces that will make your bed a place you love to come home to.
