The Best King Pillow for Shams
Our top pick for the best king pillow for shams combines plush comfort with a perfect 20x36 fit, backed by expert reviews and verified buyer feedback.
By Kylie Fields
Updated September 10, 2026
When you invest in king-size pillow shams, the pillow inside matters just as much as the cover. The right king pillow for shams holds its shape, stays plump, and provides the support you need for a restful night.
Whether you use shams decoratively or for sleeping, choosing a well-constructed pillow ensures your bed looks polished and feels comfortable. Explore our Sleep & Bedding guide for more tips.
At BestProducts, we research and evaluate top products based on verified buyer feedback, expert consensus, and published specifications. Our recommendations help you find the best king pillow for shams without guesswork. Below are our top picks, each scored on our 0, 10 BP Score.
| Award | Product | BP Score About BP ScoreThe BP Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Premium |
PHF Cotton Waffle King Pillow Shams (2-Pack)
|
9.9/10 | $28.99 | Buy |
| Best Overall |
EIUE Hotel Collection King Pillows 2-Pack
|
9.9/10 | $22.98 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
HKYLRAN King Size Down Alternative Pillows
|
9.8/10 | $20.98 | Buy |
Utopia Bedding King Size Pillows Set of 2
|
9.8/10 | $28.49 | Buy | |
Utopia Bedding King Pillows (2-Pack)
|
9.8/10 | $27.89 | Buy | |
JOLLYVOGUE King Down Alternative Pillows, Set of 2
|
9.6/10 | $21.99 | Buy | |
| Best Value |
Beddingstar King Pillow Shams 20x36 Set of 2
|
9.5/10 | $22.99 | Buy |
VAINOC King Size Cooling Down Alternative Pillows
|
9.5/10 | $19.98 | Buy | |
JOLLYVOGUE King Pillows 2-Pack Down Alternative
|
9.5/10 | $23.99 | Buy |
PHF Cotton Waffle King Pillow Shams (2-Pack)
These king-size pillow shams in oatmeal add a three-dimensional waffle weave to the bed, made from 100% cotton with a smooth reverse side. The envelope closure keeps inserts covered and secure without zippers, and the machine-washable fabric is designed to resist shrinkage and pilling. They pair well with neutral bedding and work for sofas or guest rooms.
Pros
- 100% cotton with OEKO-TEX certification
- Waffle weave adds subtle texture
- Envelope closure avoids zipper snags
- Machine washable, resists shrinkage and pilling
- Two king-size shams in one pack
Cons
- Pillow inserts not included
- Delicate weave can snag on jewelry and claws
EIUE Hotel Collection King Pillows 2-Pack
The EIUE Hotel Collection pillows pair hollow and gel fibers for a balanced feel between plush softness and supportive firmness. They are well suited to side and back sleepers and come in a two-pack of king-size pillows. Expect to wait up to a day for them to fully expand after unpacking.
Pros
- Breathable cotton cover
- Balanced softness and support
- Machine washable and dryable
- Works for multiple sleep positions
Cons
- Needs 24 hours to fluff fully
- White color only
HKYLRAN King Size Down Alternative Pillows
These king-size pillows use a microfiber down alternative fill and a silky cover to provide a balance of softness and support for side and back sleepers. The no-shift construction helps maintain loft over time.
Pros
- Soft yet supportive fill
- Breathable and cool for sleep
- No-shift design maintains shape
- Silky cover gentle on hair and skin
Cons
- Requires 24-hour fluffing after unboxing
Utopia Bedding King Size Pillows Set of 2
This pillow set offers balanced softness and support with a gusseted design that prevents flattening. The cotton blend cover and down alternative fill make it a breathable, hotel-style option suitable for side, back, and stomach sleepers.
Pros
- Gusseted design resists flattening
- Breathable cotton blend fabric
- Balanced softness and support
- Suitable for all sleep positions
- Set includes two king pillows
Cons
- Spot clean only, not machine washable
- May require fluffing over time
Utopia Bedding King Pillows (2-Pack)
This king-size pillow set combines a soft hollow fiber fill with a breathable, smooth cover for a hotel-like feel. The no-shift design aims to keep the pillows from flattening, making them a solid pick for back, side, or stomach sleepers wanting consistent neck support.
Pros
- Soft yet supportive hollow fiber fill
- Breathable cover adds comfort
- No-shift design resists flattening
- Set of two pillows convenient for beds
- Simple spot clean maintenance
Cons
- Not machine washable, requires hand washing
- Only available in white
JOLLYVOGUE King Down Alternative Pillows, Set of 2
This two-pack of king pillows uses a blend of soft 3D fibers and supportive 7D down alternative fill to offer a plush yet supportive feel for all sleep positions. Oeko-Tex certified and machine washable, they suit sensitive skin and easy upkeep, though they need manual fluffing or airing after unboxing.
Pros
- OEKO-TEX certified for safety
- Machine washable and easy to care for
- Suitable for all sleep positions
- Plush yet supportive fill blend
- Comes as a set of two king pillows
Cons
- Requires fluffing after unpacking
- May need up to 72 hours to regain full loft
Beddingstar King Pillow Shams 20x36 Set of 2
These king-size pillow shams from beddingstar are made from 100% Egyptian cotton with a 600 thread count sateen weave for a soft, smooth feel. The set includes two white covers, each measuring 20 by 36 inches, with reinforced stitching for durability. Ideal for those seeking a simple, comfortable upgrade to their bedroom decor.
Pros
- Made from 100% Egyptian cotton
- 600 thread count for softness and sheen
- Reinforced stitching for durability
- Machine washable for easy care
- Comes in a set of two
Cons
- Pillows not included with the shams
- Color options may be limited
VAINOC King Size Cooling Down Alternative Pillows
These pillows combine a breathable microfiber cover with a 50/50 mix of hollow and gel fibers for a balance of softness and support that suits side, back, and stomach sleepers. The OEKO-TEX certification adds confidence in the materials, though the king size is notably large at 34 by 19 inches.
Pros
- Cooling breathable cover
- Versatile support for all sleep positions
- Machine washable
- OEKO-TEX certified safe materials
Cons
- Large king size may not fit standard cases
- Requires 24 hours to fully fluff after unpacking
JOLLYVOGUE King Pillows 2-Pack Down Alternative
Designed for all sleep positions, the JOLLYVOGUE king pillow pack offers a high loft and firm down-alternative fill. The Oeko-Tex certification and machine-washable shell add peace of mind, though the pillows need time to fluff up fully after unpacking.
Pros
- Includes two king-size pillows
- Oeko-Tex certified for safety
- Machine washable for easy maintenance
- High loft supports all sleep positions
- Breathable and skin-friendly shell
Cons
- Requires 24 hours to fully fluff after unpacking
Best King Pillow for Shams Buying Guide
Size and Fit
Standard king shams measure 20 inches by 36 inches. For a crisp appearance, your pillow should fill the sham completely without gaps or overstuffing. Look for pillows labeled “king” that match these dimensions.
Some pillows come in a gusseted design that maintains a uniform thickness, ideal for keeping the sham’s shape.
Fill Material
The fill determines the pillow’s feel and longevity. Down alternative microfiber offers a plush, hotel-like comfort and is often machine washable. Memory foam provides firm support but may be less breathable.
For a sham that stays lofty, consider a blended fill or a pillow with baffle-box construction. For a detailed look at memory foam options, see our best king size memory foam pillow guide.
Firmness and Support
Pillows range from soft to extra firm. For use with shams, a medium-firm pillow typically holds its shape best. Side sleepers may prefer a firmer feel, while back and stomach sleepers might opt for softer options.
Many of our top picks include multiple firmness choices. For neck alignment needs, our dedicated neck alignment pillow guide can help.
Breathability and Cooling
If you sleep with the pillow, cooling features matter. Some pillows use gel-infused memory foam or breathable cotton covers to wick heat. For decorative shams, breathability is less critical, but a pillow that doesn’t trap moisture helps maintain freshness.
Check out our favorite king size cooling pillows for breathable options.
Care and Maintenance
King pillows can accumulate dust and oils over time. Look for machine-washable covers and fills with Oeko-Tex certification, which ensures safety from harmful substances. Regular washing every six months extends the life of both the pillow and the sham.
Pairing with high-quality bed sheets completes the look.
Why You Should Trust Us
BestProducts independently evaluates every product we recommend. Each item is scored on our 0, 10 BP Score, which reflects a thorough analysis of specifications, expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published data.
We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. This transparent approach helps you shop with confidence.
As an independent review site, we may earn a commission when you make a purchase through our links, but that does not influence our ratings or recommendations.
Final Thoughts
- Best Overall King Pillow for Shams: EIUE Hotel Collection Bed Pillows With a BP Score of 9.9, this down-alternative pillow offers plush comfort and a perfect 20×36 fit that keeps shams looking crisp.
- Best Budget King Pillow: VAINOC Bed Pillows King Size Set of 2 A 9.5 BP Score and wallet-friendly price make this a solid choice for daily use.
- Best Decorative Sham: PHF Cotton Waffle Pillow Shams These 600 TC shams score 9.9 and add a cozy, textured look to your bed.
- Best for Side Sleepers: JOLLYVOGUE King Pillows 2 Pack Cooling and firm, these Oeko-Tex certified pillows provide the support side sleepers need, earning a 9.5 BP Score.
- Best Luxury Feel: Utopia Bedding Gusset Bed Pillow The gusseted design and 9.8 BP Score make this a premium option for those who want hotel-quality comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a king pillow for shams?
A standard king pillow measures 20 inches by 36 inches, matching the dimensions of typical king pillow shams. Always check the sham’s specifications to ensure a snug fit.
Can I use a queen pillow in a king sham?
No, a queen pillow (20×30 inches) is too short for a king sham (20×36). The gap will cause the sham to wrinkle and lose shape. Stick with a true king size pillow.
What fill is best for keeping a sham’s shape?
A down-alternative or gusseted memory foam pillow holds its shape well. Avoid overly soft fills that compress easily. Many hotel-quality pillows use a blend that stays fluffy.
How often should I replace king pillows?
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. If yours develops lumps, loses loft, or smells musty, it’s time for a new one. See the best pillow for every sleeper for more guidance.
Are Oeko-Tex certified pillows better?
Yes, Oeko-Tex certification ensures the pillow is free from harmful chemicals and safe for sensitive skin. It’s a reliable indicator of quality in bedding.
Can I wash king pillows in a home machine?
Many king pillows are machine washable on a gentle cycle, but check the care label. Some memory foam pillows are spot-clean only. Using a front-loading washer helps preserve the pillow’s shape.
About the author
Kylie is BestProducts's pillow and sheet writer, weighing loft, fill quality, weave, and how each fabric breathes through the night. She helps readers fix a stiff neck and sleep cooler.