You often see scenes in foreign dramas and luxury hotel interiors where many stylish pillows and cushions are arranged on the bed. These cushions and pillows are used not only for their practicality, but also as important items to beautifully enhance a space. Especially overseas, these items are called "decorative pillows" and go beyond being just a part of the bedding to elevate the overall design of the interior.
Decorative pillows are ideal for adding depth or an accent to a space by combining different shapes, colors, and materials. For example, by combining cushions of different textures and patterns with a plain bedspread, you can beautifully decorate the entire room as if it were a painting. Furthermore, by stacking cushions or arranging them creatively, you can add depth and movement to a simple space.
In this way, cushions are widely popular as excellent interior items that are both practical and capable of changing the impression of a space. Why not decorate your bed in your own style and enjoy a hotel-like sense of luxury or a sophisticated atmosphere like those seen in foreign dramas?
In fact, there's a solid reason behind this way of decorating with cushions, which is often seen in hotels and overseas interiors. They're not just stylish; they play an important role in functionality and creating the atmosphere of a space.
Overseas, the bed is not just a place to sleep, but a special space where people spend a long time during the day, relaxing, reading, and sometimes doing light work.
Therefore, it's common to pursue not only aesthetic beauty but also comfort and coziness.
And these "many cushions" are key items for creating that comfort.
Cushions not only support a relaxed posture, but are also used as an interior element to add color and depth to the space.
In this column, we introduce how to use cushions inspired by sophisticated overseas bedrooms.
We'll clearly explain points of interest, such as "Why decorate with so many cushions?" and "How can I arrange them beautifully?"
We'll give you tips for using cushions effectively to create a luxurious and stylish bedroom that looks like a foreign hotel.
Please refer to these tips to significantly refine the atmosphere of your entire room!
Why are there so many cushions on the bed?
There are two historical reasons for placing many cushions on a bed.
The first reason stems from the role of the bedroom in Europe before the 19th century. While modern bedrooms are seen as completely private spaces, for royalty and aristocrats of that era, bedrooms served not just as places of rest, but also as social and ceremonial venues.
For instance, at the Palace of Versailles in France, wedding ceremonies were sometimes held in the bedroom. As depicted in scenes from the movie "Marie Antoinette," it was common for a priest, the king, and other attendees to gather around the bed to bless the marriage of the bride and groom. This ceremonial use was not limited to royalty and aristocrats; it is believed to have been practiced among common citizens during weddings as well.
The reason bedrooms were used as such public spaces was largely due to their elaborate decorations. Lavish canopies, finely embroidered fabrics, and an abundance of decorative cushions were used, making the bedroom a symbol of the household's wealth, authority, and refined taste. Beautifully furnishing the bedroom was a means of showcasing the family's power and intellectual flair.
Moreover, this culture of lavish decoration influenced not only royalty and aristocrats but also common citizens. By imitating the opulent lifestyle of the nobility, ordinary people also sought to make their homes more sophisticated. Decorative items like cushions and canopies were symbolic elements of this, and the custom of lavishly decorating bedrooms spread among the common people.
Furthermore, in that society, the decoration of buildings and windows symbolized the family's power and wealth. Similarly, bedroom decoration was considered an important element reflecting the family's status. Cushions and decorations made from luxurious fabrics became a means to symbolize wealth and authority, and the aesthetic value of the bedroom became increasingly emphasized.
Thus, the culture of placing many cushions on a bed holds more meaning than mere decoration. It reflects historical backgrounds and has been passed down to the present day as a custom for beautifully decorating spaces.
Another common reason cited is the difference in lifestyles between Western countries and Japan. One particularly noteworthy point is the Western culture of "living with shoes on indoors."
In Japan, it is common to take off shoes when entering a house, and people can relax directly on flooring or tatami mats. For this reason, many items that can be placed directly on the floor, such as floor cushions and zabuton, are used. In many Western countries, however, living with shoes on indoors is generally the norm, and this cultural difference significantly impacts interior styles.
In the West, relaxation in the living room primarily revolves around the sofa, while in one's own room, the bed becomes the center of relaxation. Therefore, the bed transcends its role as merely a place to sleep and is considered important as a comfortable place to relax during the day as well. Placing many cushions on the bed is also a way to utilize the bed as a comfortable and multifunctional space. With multiple cushions, you can use them as backrests, hug them, or adjust your posture, providing comfort for various purposes.
Recently, it is said that after the pandemic, the style of taking off shoes indoors has gradually increased among Westerners. However, for many people, the culture of "sitting on the floor" is still unfamiliar, and sofas and beds continue to be the primary places for daily relaxation. This is considered one of the cultural backgrounds for placing many cushions on the bed.
Thus, cushions are not merely decorative items; they have become an indispensable part of interiors as a result of pursuing comfort and functionality in Western lifestyles.
Furthermore, in Western lifestyles, it is not uncommon to read a book, watch TV, or even have a light meal in bed. In Japan, one might be scolded for eating in bed, but in the West, the bed is not just bedding; it is used as a multipurpose space for relaxation and comfort.
In scenes from movies and dramas, friends are sometimes depicted chatting happily on the bed with their shoes still on. In such a lifestyle, many cushions are essential items to ensure comfort on the bed.
Large cushions that can be used as backrests support the body in place of a headboard, and smaller cushions are convenient for adjusting posture or for hugging to relax. Furthermore, when sleeping, these cushions can also be used as body pillows, serving a practical purpose rather than just being decorative items.
This diverse use of cushions can be said to be one of the important elements supporting the unique bedroom culture of the West. A culture that emphasizes comfort and a free style in daily life has given rise to ways of maximizing the bed as a relaxation space.
But don't they get in the way when you sleep? What do you do with them?
At night, before sleeping, it is customary to put away used bedspreads, throws, and any cushions that are not needed. Some people neatly place them on a chair, ottoman, or in a basket, while others may casually leave them on the floor. Then, to prepare for sleep, they change into pajamas and sleep with their face buried in a clean pillowcase-covered pillow. This "sleeping pillow" is typically hidden under the stacked cushions or stored within the bedspread during the day.
When the bed is not in use, it is recommended to arrange decorative pillows stylishly to enhance the overall interior of the room. This makes the bed function not just as bedding, but as a central design element of the room.
After waking up in the morning, arranging your favorite cushions beautifully when making the bed creates a tidy space and allows you to start your day refreshed. This habit of beautifying your room will not only make the space comfortable but also bring a sense of fulfillment and richness to your daily life.
Wouldn't small daily efforts and habits transform life itself into something meaningful and sophisticated? Incorporate your favorite cushions into your daily life and enjoy creating your ideal space!
How to stylishly and wonderfully decorate your bed with cushions?
There are no strict rules for modern interior styles; the most important thing is to create a space where you feel comfortable. Feel free to combine your favorite decorative pillows and enjoy coordinating them in your own unique way.
There are two main styles for arranging pillows. The first is called "stacking," where pillows are laid flat and stacked on top of each other. The second is called "standing," where pillows are propped up and arranged from back to front. In either method, placing larger pillows closer to the headboard at the back and gradually smaller pillows towards the front creates a beautiful overall balance.
For pillows that prioritize functionality or are used as backrests, place them at the back or bottom. For accent pillows that draw attention with their color, shape, or pattern, place them in the front to give the space a cohesive and stylish look.
We've provided photos of beautifully decorated examples for your reference. Feel free to use your imagination and create a stylish and comfortable space!
First, here are examples from hotels we've supplied.
WE Hotel Toya (Lake Toya, Hokkaido)
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
Stylish Overseas Bed-Making Cushions
Matching color gradients, the key is the deep navy of the wall and the front cushion, which tightens and enhances the space.
Coordinating with a focus on color gradients creates a unified and calm space. In particular, combining the wall color with the deep navy of the cushion placed in front tightens the overall impression and highlights other items.
Based on a blue-green color scheme, sky blue and cream are added as accents to create a refreshing and light impression. By unifying the colors of the duvet and throw with the cushions, the overall space achieves a cohesive and sophisticated finish.
The same brand's faded floral pattern is unified across the wallpaper, bedspread, and cushions, creating a harmonious and elegant space. Furthermore, to add a sharp touch, the bolster, dyed with the same color palette, and the light gray used on the reverse side of the bedspread serve as accents, enhancing the overall design.
For a cool and chic space, we recommend black cushions paired with large cushions. Black cushions will give trending interiors and sofas an even more refined look. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy a stylish and modern atmosphere.
A coordination based on orange and beige with brick color as an accent highlights the beauty and fun of the colors, even in a casual atmosphere. The warm color scheme softly brightens the space, creating a relaxed style.
Here's an example of cushions arranged in a standing style. By gradually placing smaller cushions from back to front, the overall balance is beautifully maintained.
There are no rules for styling. Prioritize your preferences and ease of use to create a comfortable daily space. In this example, linking the wall color with the cushion colors creates an overall sense of unity.
Just by adding vivid sky blue cushions and a bedspread, you can achieve a striking makeover and refresh your mood.
Based on soft earth tones, a bold pattern is used to highlight the headboard and bed skirt. Coordinating cushions with matching saturation maintains overall unity and enhances the stylishness.
For a simple and sophisticated bedroom, try arranging a few casually placed natural material cushions to create a natural and calm atmosphere.
Place stacked cushions in the front, and stand up cushions in the back. Coordinate the floral design with the curtains.
Add cushions of your favorite textiles to your bed and enjoy mixing and matching your coordination. Your personal style will be further highlighted, and your individuality will double.
This is also a cushion setting combining stacking and standing. One color from William Morris's textile is incorporated, and a brick-colored ruffled cushion is added as an accent.
Using light-toned William Morris fabrics creates a bright and soft impression. Coordinating with light tones allows different patterns to harmonize and match well.
In a space with high ceilings and ample room, incorporating cushions with dark colors, intricate patterns, and rich textures as accents will make the space even more elegant and refined.
How was it?
Our shop offers a wide variety of cushions in diverse tastes and sizes. From simple and understated designs to bold and unique ones, you're sure to find the perfect cushion to match your vision.
Depending on how you combine colors, shapes, and materials, you can transform the atmosphere of your bedroom and create a more sophisticated space. For example, you can opt for a calm monochrome scheme, or add a pop of accent color. Leveraging material textures to add warmth or a sense of luxury is also wonderful.
Please use our cushions to complete a stylish and comfortable bedroom that expresses your unique personality. When your room is beautifully organized, your daily life will surely become richer and more pleasant!
