Decorator Pillows

From LoveToKnow Interior Design

Decorator pillows are popular accents for any style of home decor.

Types of Decorator Pillows

There are different types and shapes of decorator pillows. Here are some of the most popular.

Knife Edge Pillows

Knife-edge pillows are not uniformly thick. Usually, the edges of a knife-edge pillow are thinner than the center of the pillow is. You can easily identify a knife-edge pillow by looking at the seams around the edges of the pillow. If there is only one seam that holds the front and the back of the pillow together, and the seam runs along the outer edge of the pillow, it's a knife-edge pillow. Keep in mind that the seam might be embellished with fringe or other trim.

This type of pillow construction is popular, because it is simple and versatile.

Box Edge Pillows

As the name suggests, these pillows are typically boxy in shape. The construction is a bit more complex than the construction of a knife-edge pillow; the shape is created using more seams. Unlike knife-edge pillows, box edge pillows are uniformly thick. Think of the box pillow as a sort of rectangular or square block of foam with an attractive covering. Round and triangular variations exist; these are similarly structured to the rectangular version.

Bolster Pillows

Bolster pillows are cylinder-shaped. They are constructed using circles of fabric on the sides, connected by a tube of fabric in the center, also called neck roll pillows or tube pillows. Bolster pillows add variety and visual interest to groupings of rectangular and square pillows.

Knife Edge Pillow

Box Edge Pillow

Bolster Pillow

Anatomy of a Pillow

Fabrications

Decorator pillows are typically woven, but they can also be knitted or felted. Printed pillows are popular. Decorative pillows might feature fabric made of cotton, rayon, silk, linen, polyester microfiber, or wool. Fabric is not the only choice; infinite possibilities exist. Other materials include leather, suede, cowhide, raffia, fur, and a wide variety of synthetics. Some pillows feature elaborate needlework designs including tapestry, needlepoint, cross stitch, or embroidery.

Trim and Embellishments

Decorator pillows may feature one or more of the following embellishments:

Fringe
Welting
Gimp
Cording
Ruffles
Flanges
Lace
Decorative Buttons
Tassels

Closures

Sham Closures: A sham closure features an opening tucked between two overlapping pieces of fabric. It takes some effort to insert or remove the pillow, making this an effective type of closure.

Zippers: Zippers are easy to use, and they are an ideal method of closure for decorative pillows.

Buttons: Buttons can be both functional and decorative, and they make outstanding pillow closures.

No Closure: There are plenty of decorator pillows that don't have any closure; they are sewn closed, and the stuffing cannot be removed without ripping open a seam. It's easier to make a pillow without a closure, but much more difficult to care for the pillow.

Stuffing

Decorator pillows all have some sort of stuffing inside them. The stuffing can be polyester fiberfill, polyurethane foam, down, feathers, batting, polystyrene beads, or other material.

Some pillows contain pillow forms. A pillow form is a fabric covering with the stuffing contained inside. The fabric on a pillow form is typically plain and utilitarian; pillow forms aren't intended to be displayed.

Cleaning the pillow is easier when it contains a pillow form; simply remove the pillow form when you need to launder the pillow's outer covering.

Uses for Decorative Pillows

Use pillows to add color, texture and visual interest to the room of your choice. Change them with the seasons to enhance your décor; they are an affordable way to dress your home up for a holiday.

In the Bedroom

Pillows create the focal point for your bedroom. They add a touch of softness and luxury to the bed. Use them to express your own unique personality.

In the Living Room

You can change the whole mood of your living room using pillows. For example, using a plain leather couch as the starting point, you can make the entire room look trendy or traditional, country or contemporary, depending on the pillows you use as accents.

Where to Buy Decorator Pillows

You can buy decorator pillows in many different places, but here are a couple of suggestions.

Artful Home carries a delightful selection of artistic pillows.

Etsy.com's sellers offer a variety of unique handmade pillows. Many of the pillows available for sale on etsy are one of a kind.

Making Your Own Decorative Pillows

You can create your own decorator pillows using a variety of materials and techniques. Like to cross stitch? Try making some cross stitch pillows. Wildlife needlepoint pillows are also an excellent choice. If sewing isn't your thing, consider making some no sew pillows instead.