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Pillow Inspiration From Other Cultures

Cultures from all over the world use pillows for decorating and comfort. Some cultures, like the Japanese, prefer to use pillows as seating, while other cultures, like Moroccans, spend weeks weaving decorative pillows and blankets for their homes. Below, we analyze some interesting trends in other countries for your pillow inspiration.

Japan. Dakimakura is a word that comes from the words daki and makura, which mean “to hug or cling” and “pillow,” respectively. Essentially, this translates to hug pillow. These traditional items are very similar to body pillows in the United States. Over time the word began to evolve, slowly becoming to mean “love pillow,” something people held when they were lonely or their spouses were away for the night. Today, this word has merged in Japanese popular culture, and the dakimakura’s popularity has exploded. The meaning is a tad different now as characters from Japanese popular culture have their faces printed on the top.

imagesCool-floor-cushions-help-usher-in-a-casual-atmosphere The zabuton is another important Japanese tradition, where squat but sturdy square pillows are used for sitting instead of chairs. They gained immense popularity during the Kamakura Era of Japan – between 1185 – 1333 AD. The zabuton is occasionally paired with a wooden zaisu, or wooden support. This backing prevents the pillow from sliding around. It is important that the zaisu and zabuton match in both color and style.

Indonesia. A guling is a cylindrical pillow borne out of Indonesian culture. It is considered standard fare before going to sleep and is a very round body pillow. Incorrectly (or perhaps mischievously) translated to “Dutch wife” in English, it is also sometimes used for decoration or to hold a person’s place on a bench.

Philippines. From these tropical islands comes another body pillow called the abrazador, which translates to “embrace.” Not used for decoration, these decorative pieces were made by family members when a child left the house.

Morocco. In Morocco, wedding preparations takes weeks. The guests are invited into a drifting passage that opens into a courtyard, then into the dormiria, where the reception takes place. The family spends weeks painting furniture, sometimes homemade, weaving rugs, and making pillows as décor for the dormiria. In the past, it was considered tacky to not create the pillows and rugs by hand.

modern-interior-design-moroccan-style-6 moroccan-decor-ideas-home-decorations-interior-design-1

China. Many people in China and throughout Asia believed that soft pillows robbed the body of energy while you slept, so they perfected the creation of hard pillows. These were made of stone, wood, and at one point, ceramic. These pillows were engraved, painted, and filled with stories of their families’ past.

Ancient-Chinese-Pillows-Wooden-Pillow Ancient-Chinese-Pillows-Porcelain-Pillow

Innovative Ways to Incorporate Artwork into the Home

In small urban apartments, there are few opportunities to display photographs, paintings, or other artwork. In homes with limited wall space, attempting to hang multiple works of art can present a complex problem. It takes a little bit of creativity to incorporate all of your artwork into a smaller home, using tactics such as displaying pieces on bookshelves or layering works of art on top of each other. Read on to learn some tips for incorporating artwork into a small space.

Use Bookshelf Space Creatively

If you’ve got multiple bookshelves in the room, they may be monopolizing valuable wall space. Bookshelves are tall, wide, and usually full of books and knickknacks. However, with some careful rearranging and creative use of shelf space, you can create room for framed works of art. Try displaying your artwork in a row across the top of the bookshelf, and tastefully arrange a few smaller works of art on the rest of the shelves alongside your book collection.

book shelves 2

book shelves

Layer Your Artwork

Try leaning framed artwork against the wall if you have artwork of multiple sizes and extra space on shelves, desks, and countertops. With this arrangement, no nails or hanging devices are necessary. Another benefit is that you will have the freedom to place small works of art in front of larger ones, saving wall space, and showing off your style.

Fine Art Throw Pillows

If you want an innovative and completely different way to showcase your favorite artwork, why not go the unconventional route of throw pillows? The versatility of decorative throw pillows allows you to express your personal sense of style in a variety of ways and add personality to your apartment. Famous paintings like Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflowers make wonderful additions to any discerning home.

Pamianthe Lily 20X20

A reproduction of Sandra Forzani original Pamianthe Lily painting.

Orange Poppy 20X20

A deep orange poppy in full bloom by Sandra Forzani.

If your flavor is displaying multiple works of art at once, try mixing and matching artworks from the same artist, such as this collection by Sandra Forzani. Fine art throw pillows add a sense of class and comfort to any home. On another note, graphic pillows showcasing lettering, pictures, abstract designs and patterns work great to make a bold statement in a contemporary decorated space.

King fisher and Toronto

Your Pillow Education: Different Sorts of Throw Pillows

While the phrase “throw pillow” might make you think of the typical square pillow, the truth is that your choices are much more varied! Learn more about the different kinds of throw pillows that you can use to accent any room.

Size and Style

Throw pillows can range from just a few inches or several feet wide in size. Sizes can also be mixed and matched for different pieces of furniture or floor space.

Tuscany Linen Wedgewood Blue Bolster

Bolster pillows, unlike the traditional rectangular or box pillow, are cylindrical in shape and are sturdier as well – an excellent option for leaning or propping up the head or legs.

bolster pillow
Edges and Flanges for Pillows

There are a number of different shapes that the edges of a pillow can take. For instance, the most basic type of pillow that you will see is the rectangular knife edge pillow. This type of pillow consists very simply of two square or rectangular pieces of fabric sewn together around the edges, creating a seam.

There are more decorative styles of pillows, however, such as the flange pillow, which has a band of flat fabric around its edges. These are enormously versatile and customizable, as the flange can be a different pattern than the rest of the pillow – though it doesn’t have to be. A welted or corded pillow has a cord rather than a flange around the seam, which can also be comprised of the same fabric as the pillow, or a different fabric which coordinates.

Finally, the box pillow has raised, flat sides. This type of pillow is typical of the couch or seat cushion. The sides of the box can match or contrast the top and bottom of the pillow. Any pillow can come with tassels and other fun decorations, so don’t be afraid to look at several different styles and shapes.

 

Box Edge Royal Suede Wine

Box Edge Royal Suede Pillow

Box Edge Rectangular Suede Pillows

Box Edge Royal Suede Rectangular Pillow

Box Edge Stripes Pillow

Box Edge Stripes Pillow

Types of Stuffing

There are just a couple of types of pillow stuffing, namely down and synthetic options. Down requires the owner to fluff the pillow regularly, which is why many pillows are made of a down/feather or down/synthetic blend to hold their shapes more readily. Synthetic fillings have actually improved enormously over the past couple of decades, which means they can be as comfortable as down, and are a great option for pillows that will see a lot of wear. For example, polyester Fiberfil is hypoallergenic, a great option for those who want the feel of down but suffer from allergic reactions.

Texture and Color

Colors and textures are the most obvious aspects of any pillow, so choose throws that you like the look and feel of. Don’t be afraid to go a little wild, either – like with this Snow Leopard Faux Fur Throw Pillow from Pillow Décor, which mixes a fun pat tern with a luxurious texture.

Variegated Faux Fur Pillow

Soft and cosy Variegated Faux Fur Pillow

Mongolian Sheepskin Gray Pillow

Mongolian Sheepskin Gray Pillow

Snow Leopard Faux Fur

Snow Leopard Faux Fur Throw Pillow

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