Antik Matelasse Sham Single

The Antik Matelasse Sham is 81% cotton and 19% linen, woven in a jacquard weave and garment-washed in our Los Angeles studio. The cotton and linen yarns react differently to the garment dye bath, producing a subtle color variegation throughout the pattern. This cotton-linen blend gives the sham structure while softening with each wash.

The Antik Matelasse Sham is available in three sizes: Queen (20 x 30 inches / 51 x 76 cm), King (20 x 36 inches / 51 x 91 cm), and Euro (26 x 26 inches / 66 x 66 cm). Each size has a 1-inch flange with mitered corners and a hidden YKK zipper closure.

Matelasse is a French weaving technique that uses thick filling yarn to create dimensional highs and lows in the fabric, mimicking the look of an antique hand quilt. Unlike a plain-weave or sateen pillow sham, the Antik Matelasse has a sculptural, quilted-like surface that comes entirely from the jacquard loom, not from additional padding or stitching. MATTEO's version is woven by one of the finest Italian weavers in Northern Italy, then garment-washed to open up the texture and soften the hand.

A sham is more fitted than a pillowcase and uses a closure, such as the hidden YKK zipper on the Antik Matelasse Sham, to keep the pillow insert securely in place. A standard pillowcase is open on one side and loosely encases the pillow. Shams are typically used as a decorative layer on top of the bed, while pillowcases are the everyday sleeping surface. The Antik Matelasse Sham also has a 1-inch flange with mitered corners, which gives it a tailored, hotel-quality finish.

The Antik Matelasse Sham is garment-washed using non-toxic dyes, which means the fabric arrives pre-softened and without harsh chemical residues that can irritate sensitive skin. The 81% cotton composition is breathable against the face and neck. For best results, wash with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent and avoid any products containing chlorine bleach or alpha hydroxy acids, which can damage the reactive dyes.

Machine wash in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent and a cool rinse, separating light and dark colors. Do not overload the machine, as this can damage the cotton fibers. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to minimize wrinkling. Do not iron, and avoid chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide, which will strip the garment-dyed color. Line drying gives the best long-term results.

Because the Antik Matelasse Sham is garment-dyed rather than piece-dyed, MATTEO allows for a shade variation of plus or minus 10% between dye lots. The cotton and linen yarns absorb color differently, which creates intentional, subtle variegation within each sham. Shams purchased in separate orders may have a slight tonal difference. If you need multiple shams for one bed, ordering them together from the same dye lot is the most reliable way to ensure a close color match.

The Antik Matelasse Sham coordinates with MATTEO's linen and cotton sheet collections, including the Vintage Linen Sheet Set and the Tru Sheet Set, and works particularly well alongside the Antik Matelasse coverlet for a layered, textural bed. Interior designers often combine matelasse shams with understated linen or cotton percale sheets to add depth without pattern. The sham is available in 15 colors, from White and Off White to Coal and Bark, making it adaptable to both neutral and accent-driven palettes.