They are as I expected. The front fabric is doubled up to provide full coverage for your pillows, which I like. No one wants to see their pillows through the shams. The embroidery is a silvery taupe color that will match with either and it makes these shams more exciting then a plain white would. I like the zip close, so if I wanted I can display the plain white back (but only 1 layer of fabric on back). The only thing I don't like is that the brand and care tag is on the outside of the sham. The brand tag is small and doesn't bother me but the care tag is big and stiff. I will have to cut it off before use. I think the manufacture could have found an inside seam for this tag. They are lovely and will be worked into my bedding.