subject: The Humble Cushion [print this page] The cushion comes from a noble beginning, as it was not always the common item we know it as today. Used only by those of great wealth, it was seen as a status symbol which signified rank and authority, and a trace of this can be still seen today - where, for example, we still use a cushion to handle royal jewels. These early cushions would usually be made from leather and stuffed with horse hair - a far cry from the comfortable item we know today, which has since become synonymous with portable seating and finds its way everywhere from behind our backs on the sofa to the great outdoors.
Although the cushion is no longer the status symbol it once was, a lot of care and attention goes into the design and manufacture of these practical and sometimes beautiful items. Although now just an accessory, they are available in a whole host of designs, patterns, fabrics and fillings - such as feather down, foam and fibre.
The luxurious option of feather down will make you feel more comfortable than ever as you sink down into your cushions, although this does tend to carry a slightly higher price tag. A good - and slightly cheaper - alternative is manmade synthetic fibre, as you can still enjoy ultimate relaxation as the cushion moulds around you, but with higher grade fibres you'll also find that they retain their shape much better than with feather and down. If you require a little more support for your neck and back, foam and memory foam fillings are a great choice for more medicinal purposes, and you'll find high levels of comfort, a cushion that quickly regains its shape, plus the fact that they are hypoallergenic.
As a design choice, a well chosen cushion can make a significant difference to a room, providing an immediate warmth and comfort that was previously lacking. They can make a bed appear far more sumptuous and inviting, and the long tubular cushions, once favoured by the Victorians, would surely fair much better than most in an obligatory pillow fight.
Cushions can find many homes in our living spaces - whether in the bedroom, on a window seat or even in the car for the more vertically challenged among us, but probably the most common place to find them is on the sofa. Just like fish and chips or strawberries and cream you'll always find one with the other, and they'll instantly turn a boring, plain piece of furniture into a sumptuous, inviting seat.
As with many things in life, size can matter and whilst a large cushion can be a fabulous design statement, it is unlikely to compliment small dainty pieces of furniture. Similarly a small cushion can look out of place on a large sofa, so consideration does need to be given as to what is appropriate for the furniture you are looking to accessorise. Bear in mind that different textures and materials can help to create a look, as faux fur cushions can give a glamorous feel whereas traditional leather stays sleek on the side of contemporary and still proves to this day to be a far more practical alternative.
Whatever look you are trying to achieve, try not to forget the importance of this humble but noble piece of furniture and bestow upon it the consideration that it deserves.
