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Velvet Digest

What is the difference between standard and Oxford pillowcases?

Author

Emma Martin

Updated on May 27, 2026

There's only one small difference between the styles - Housewife pillowcases have a sewn edge, which fits neatly around the pillow, whilst Oxford pillowcases have a fabric border around the edge.

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Accordingly, what is standard Oxford pillowcase?

The 'Oxford' pillowcases have a wide stitched flat hem around the edge to create a border (or flap as we also call it). The size of this hem can vary in width, but it is likely to be between 5 and 10cm. It measures inside 50x75cm and outside depending on the hem size 60x85cm. This fits any pillow size 50x75cm.

what is the difference between standard and king pillowcases? A standard pillow case measures 20-21” in length and 30-32” in width. A king has the same length, however is larger with a 36-41” width. Varying the case size can also change up the pillow itself.

Also question is, why is it called an Oxford pillowcase?

The Oxford pillowcase The name derives from the type of cloth from which it used to be made, Oxford cloth. This was a hard wearing cloth that was typically used to make shirts. The Oxford pillowcase was created as a more elegant and prettier alternative to the simple Housewife pillowcase.

What is a standard pillowcase?

Sizes of Pillowcases A standard pillowcase is 21 inches wide by 32 inches long. A case for a queen size pillow is 21 inches wide by 36 inches long. A king size pillowcase is 21 inches wide by 42 inches long.

Related Question Answers

What is a bag style pillowcase?

Bag Style. Rather than incorporating the poppers, buttons or interior flap of a normal housewife pillowcase, the entrance to a bag style cover is completely open, with folding ends that can be tucked in to provide that all important neatness and finesse.

What are pillowcase sizes?

A standard pillowcase is a kind that is most commonly purchased and used by consumers. This type of pillowcase is 20” wide by 26” long. Normally, one standard size pillow would be the perfect size for a single twin bed. Other uses could be having two standard pillows on a queen sized bed or a full sized bed.

How much bigger should a pillowcase be than the pillow?

Opt for a pillowcase measuring 1/2 to 1 inch longer than the pillow length and 2 1/2 to 4 inches wider than the pillow width, if you're buying a ready-made pillowcase.

What is a pillow sham?

In the 1700's, specially made pillowcases were made to create decorative pillows with removable covers. These "false front" pillow covers became known as pillow shams! A sham is a decorative pillow case that transforms normal sized pillow fills into useful accessories for one's bedding set.

What is the biggest size of pillowcase?

Standard size Pillows / Pillowcases measures 20 x 30" (50 x 75cm), but sometimes they are just not big enough for generous pillows or pillowcases. The answer is an extra large pillow made a little bit bigger, basically 2" longer and 2" wider 22" x 32" (56 x 81cm).

What is an envelope closure pillowcase?

An envelope pillowcase has a special envelope closure at the end of the case, so the pillow is tucked in and out of sight for a more finished look when making up the bed.

Do Ikea pillows fit standard pillow cases?

Ikea pillow cases - on a normal pillow. According to the internet a standard pillow is 50x75cm. Ikea pillow cases are 50x80 cm.

What types of pillow cases are there?

A few years ago, we posted on the theme of "bedding education" and explained our two different types of pillow cases: frenchback and bagstyle.

What is a standard pillow size UK?

PILLOWS SIZE CHART
Pillow Size Chart
Cot bed 36 x 58cm 14 x 22"
Standard 50 x 75cm 20 x 30"
Large Square 65 x 65cm 26 x 26"
Superking 50 x 90cm 20 x 36"

What is size of king size pillowcase?

The size of the actual pillowcase varies from one manufacturer and style to another, but it must be larger than 20 inches wide and 36 inches long, which are the dimensions of a king-size pillow. King-size pillows on bed.

What are square pillows called?

A euro sham pillow (often known as a euro pillow) is a square pillow used decoratively on beds, usually placed behind standard, queen, and king sized pillows. The traditional size for euro sham pillows is 26" x 26". They are usually covered in a decorative pillow case known as a Euro Sham.

How do you dress a bed?

Simple Ways To Dress A Bed – Transcript Instantly stylish. Make a statement with an eclectic mix of patterns and colours. Keep the duvet and pillows neutral and plain and vary your cushion shapes and sizes. Go bold with brights or stick to a mixture of pastel shades for a subtler aesthetic.

Will a king pillow fit in a queen pillowcase?

Queen Sized Just because you have a king sized bed and headboard does not mean that you are limited to only using king sized pillow cases. Try mixing and matching different sizes for aesthetic appeal. A typical queen size pillowcase is about 20” long by 30” wide.

What size pillow is best to sleep on?

What's the Best Pillow for Your Sleep?
  • Standard/Regular (20” x 26”). One fits perfectly on a twin bed; two on a full or queen; three on a king.
  • Queen (20” x 30”). Though longer, these pillows still fit in a standard pillowcase; two fit snugly on a full or a queen.
  • King (20” x 36”).
  • Back sleepers…
  • Side sleepers…
  • Stomach sleepers…

What pillows do you need for a king bed?

On king beds, a good combination is three standard pillows and two king shams, plus three smaller accent pillows or three standard pillows with three Euros. Some people prefer only a few larger pillows to lean against when reading or watching TV.

What size pillow should I buy?

The most common pillow size is the standard-sized pillow (20” x 26”). One pillow typically fits a twin bed, while two can stretch out over a Queen or full size bed. For a king bed you would need three standard pillows.

What is the average size of a throw pillow?

Decorator Tips on Picking the Right Throw Pillows for Your Room. Consider size. Standard squares (about 18 inches) nest neatly on sofas with typical dimensions. Oversize pillows (24 inches) create a more casual, loungey feel.

Are standard and queen pillowcases the same size?

A Small Difference Measuring 20-by-30 inches, queen pillows are a scant 4 inches longer than standard pillows, which measure 20-by-26 inches. You won't need to buy bigger pillowcases, though, since standard and queen pillows fit into the same-size cases.