Cushions and pillows are part and parcel of a cozy home. They just have the ability to make everything feel right.
But, of course, only a minority of individuals actually know how to make proper use of them. While they can be great in some situations, they don’t always work the way you want.
Fortunately, this post is here to help. We look at some of the ways you can easily make the most of the cushions and pillows in your home so you can complement your environment and make the most of it.
Keep Your Cushions And Pillows Clean And Fluffed
You’ll want to start by keeping your cushions and pillows clean and fluffed. This simple action makes it far less likely that you’ll run into trouble with them down the road. Once they’re plumped, they look great, whether you’re placing them on the sofa, the bed or just another piece of furniture.
Modern pillows usually contain natural fluffing compounds that help them maintain their shape at all times. These are handy when you just want something you can forget about and trust to do what you want it to do.
The other approach is to use traditional pillows. These are full of feathers and other padding material and require fluffing more often. However, you might find them more comfortable.
Mix Budget Pieces With Luxury
You also want to mix budget pillows and cushions with statement pieces. This approach allows you to create a nice contrast.
You would usually do this by choosing a single statement piece and then building more neutral and affordable items around it. This way, you can actually get more out of your existing setup and really celebrate the space.
Taking this approach also makes your space feel more curated. It’s less likely to be cramped.
Place Strategically
If you want to take the wow factor to the next level, you should also put your pillows and cushions in areas of your home that just make the most visual sense. Don’t take a random approach.
For example, if you can place cushions on a sofa asymmetrically, that can often improve how it looks considerably. Just small changes can often result in a far more polished look (which you might not expect).
Another thing you can do is to stack pillows and cushions at different heights to make them feel more luxurious. This approach essentially copies what a lot of top-end hotels do to make their guests feel more welcome and like VIPs.
The trick here is to change the arrangement and see what works best for you. You’ll usually find that some placements work better than others, depending on how you view them and the surrounding theme in the room. Our advice is to keep experimenting until you find an approach that you really like and then stick with it.
Make It Functional
You also want to make your pillow and cushion arrangements functional. People should get some value out of it, instead of it being for aesthetic purposes only.
For example, you could go to a brand like Sewing House and ask them for cushions with more supportive fillings. These are ideal if you have a bad back or you just want to lean on cushions in a different way.
You can also get larger cushions for reading and lounging. These are ideal if you’re the sort of person who enjoys spending lazy afternoons nosing through a good book and seeing what it has to offer.
Finally, for this section, you can sometimes find cushions that are perfect for when you have guests over. These are bigger and offer extra seating for parties and events at your home.
Rotate Through The Seasons
Another thing you might want to do is rotate cushions and pillows through the seasons and to suit your moods. If you can keep them on a regular cadence, that can also help you adapt to the weather and change how your home feels, just like you would with other decorations.
For example, you could use brighter colors for spring and summer, and then warmer tones for autumn. Thicker fabrics on pillows work best during the winter when the weather is cold, keeping you feeling happy and breezy.
If you don’t have the pillows and cushions you need to rotate through the seasons right now, then start building a collection. A few new items every quarter is often all you require to build up your collection.
Layer For Depth
Also, consider layering your cushions for greater depth. Homeowners who get this right are often the ones who build the most impressive interiors.
When you first start with cushions, it’s tempting to just do everything the same size and orientation. However, that’s not always a good idea. It can make your arrangements seem monotone and a little “off.”
Layering also makes pillows look more polished and inviting, encouraging people to use your furniture. If you can get it right, it can transform the feel of your home from the ground up.
Start with large square or rectangular pillows in the background (which interior designers will sometimes call the “base”) and then put smaller cushions on top. For example, you could add round or rectangular ones to add to the contrast. The former are amazing at creating flair and ensuring that you have an arrangement that is 100% original.
Check Out New Patterns
Finally, you might want to check out some new patterns and color palettes for your cushions. Getting these right can bring your existing interior designs to the next level, making them even more welcoming and inviting.
For example, a lot of people choose florals and nothing else. However, floral patterns are highly decorative, so they usually go well with blank neutrals. The same is true of geometrics. These can work, as long as you have the supporting furniture.
If you can combine various pillow textures, that also helps. Faux fur, velvet and linen are all options. Silk cushions for smooth skin are also available.
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