How do you arrange cushions on your bed? Stylish layout ideas that also function as backrests

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You might be wondering, "Aren't all those cushions on the bed a nuisance?" or "What do you do with those cushions when you sleep?"
In fact, there's a good reason for this style of cushion display often seen in hotels and international interiors. It's not just about looking stylish; it plays an important role in functionality and creating the atmosphere of a space.

Overseas, a bed is not just a place to sleep, but is considered a special space where people spend a lot of time throughout the day, relaxing, reading, or sometimes doing light work.
Therefore, it's common to prioritize not only aesthetic beauty but also comfort and coziness.
And these "many cushions" are key items for creating that comfort.
Cushions are utilized not only to support a relaxed posture but also as interior elements that add color and depth to a space.

In this column, we will introduce how to use cushions inspired by sophisticated overseas bedrooms.
"Why decorate with so many cushions?"
"How should they be arranged to look beautiful?" and so on.
We will explain the points you're curious about in an easy-to-understand manner. We will provide tips for effectively utilizing cushions to create a luxurious and stylish bedroom, just like an overseas hotel.

Why so many cushions on the bed?

Historically, there are two main reasons why many cushions are placed on a bed.

The first reason stems from the role of bedrooms in Europe before the 19th century. While bedrooms are now 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 example, 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 priests, kings, and other attendees to gather around the bed to celebrate the marriage of the bride and groom. Such ceremonial uses were not limited to royalty and aristocrats but were also practiced among common citizens during weddings at that time.

The reason why bedrooms were used as such public spaces was largely due to decoration. Luxurious canopies, intricately embroidered fabrics, and abundant decorative cushions were used, making the bedroom a symbol of the household's wealth, authority, and refined taste. Beautifully arranging the bedroom was a way to display the family's power and intellectual flair.

Furthermore, this culture of opulent decoration influenced not only royalty and aristocrats but also common citizens. By imitating the glamorous lives of the nobility, ordinary people also sought to make their homes more sophisticated spaces. Decorative items such as cushions and canopies were symbolic elements of this trend, and the custom of lavishly decorating bedrooms spread among the common people.

Also, in society at that time, building and window decorations were considered symbols of a household's power and wealth. Similarly, bedroom decoration was seen as an important element to indicate the family's status. Cushions and decorations using luxurious fabrics became a means to symbolize wealth and authority, and the aesthetic value in bedrooms became increasingly emphasized.

Thus, the culture of placing many cushions on a bed holds more than just decorative meaning. It reflects historical backgrounds and has been passed down to the present day as a custom for beautifully adorning spaces.

Another frequently cited reason is the difference in lifestyles between Western countries and Japan. Of particular note is the culture in the West where "people live indoors with their shoes on."

In Japan, it's common to take off shoes when entering a house, and people can relax by sitting or lying directly on the flooring or tatami mats. For this reason, items like floor cushions and zabuton (traditional Japanese cushions) that can be placed directly on the floor are widely used. In contrast, in many Western countries, living indoors with shoes on is generally the norm, and this cultural difference significantly influences interior styles.

In the West, relaxation in the living room primarily revolves around the sofa, and 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 highly valued as a comfortable space for relaxation during the day. Placing many cushions on the bed is also a way to utilize the bed as a comfortable and multifunctional space. By using multiple cushions, they can serve various purposes such as backrests, something to hug, or adjusting one's posture, thus providing comfort for diverse uses.

Recently, it is said that after the COVID-19 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 the primary places for daily relaxation continue to be sofas and beds. This is considered one of the cultural backgrounds for placing many cushions on the bed.

In this way, cushions are not merely decorative items, but have become an indispensable part of interiors as a result of pursuing comfort and functionality in Western lifestyles.

Furthermore, in Western lifestyles, it's 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!" as it's considered poor manners, but in the West, a bed is not merely bedding; it's utilized as a multi-purpose space for relaxation and comfort.

Scenes in movies and dramas sometimes depict friends chatting happily on a bed while still wearing their shoes. In such a lifestyle, many cushions are essential items to ensure comfort on the bed.

Large cushions that can be used as backrests provide support for the body in place of a headboard, while smaller cushions are convenient for adjusting posture or for hugging to relax. Furthermore, these cushions can also be used as body pillows when sleeping, serving a practical role rather than just being decorative items.

Such diverse uses of cushions can be said to be one of the important elements that support the unique bedroom culture of the West. A culture that emphasizes comfort and a free style in daily life has given rise to ideas for maximizing the use of the bed as a relaxation space.

They get in the way when you sleep, so what do you do?

At night, before sleeping, it is common to put away used bedspreads, foot throws, and any cushions that are not needed. Some people neatly place them on chairs, ottomans, or in baskets, while others might simply leave them haphazardly on the floor. Then, as preparation for sleep, they change into pajamas and lay their head on a pillow with a clean pillowcase. 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 attractively to enhance the overall interior of the room. This transforms the bed from mere bedding into a central design element of the room.

After waking up in the morning, making the bed and beautifully arranging your favorite cushions creates a tidy space and allows you to start your day refreshed. This habit of beautifying your room not only makes the space comfortable but also brings a sense of fulfillment and richness to daily life.

Perhaps small daily efforts and habits can transform life itself into something meaningful and refined. Enjoy creating your ideal space by incorporating your favorite cushions into your daily life.

How to stylishly and beautifully decorate your bed with cushions?

There are no strict rules in modern interior design; 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 style.

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 at the back, closer to the headboard, and gradually smaller pillows towards the front will create a beautiful overall balance.

You can choose long cushions (bolsters) to place in front from the long cushion list, and other sizes from Search by Size.

For pillows that prioritize functionality or those used as backrests, place them at the back or bottom. For accent pillows that catch the eye with their color, shape, or pattern, place them in front to tighten the space and give it a stylish look.

We have provided examples of beautifully decorated spaces with photos, so please refer to them. Let's create a stylish and comfortable space with your own free ideas!

First, here are examples from hotels we've supplied.

WE Hotel Toya (Lake Toya, Hokkaido)

Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo

Such hotel-spec cushions can be viewed in the Luxury Cushions List.

Stylish Bed Making Cushions from Overseas

By matching the color gradation, the point is that the deep navy color of the wall and the front cushion tighten and enhance the space.

Coordinating with a focus on color gradation creates a unified and calm space. In particular, combining the wall color with the deep navy of the front cushion creates a cohesive look and highlights other items.

With a blue-green tone as the base, and sky blue and cream as accents, it creates a refreshing and light impression. By unifying the colors of the duvet and throw with the cushions, the overall space achieves a cohesive and refined finish.

By unifying the faded floral pattern from the same brand across the wallpaper, bedspread, and cushions, a harmonious and elegant space is created. Furthermore, to add a sharp impression, a light grey—dyed with the same dye palette—used for the bolster and the reverse side of the bedspread acts as an accent, tying together the overall design.

To create a cool and chic space, we recommend black cushions paired with large cushions. Black cushions will further enhance the sophisticated impression of trendy interiors and sofas. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy a stylish and modern atmosphere.

A coordination based on orange and beige, with brick color added as an accent, highlights the beauty and fun of the colors even in a casual atmosphere. The warm color scheme softly illuminates the space, creating a relaxed style.

Here is an example of cushions arranged in a standing style. By arranging cushions from back to front, gradually decreasing in size, the overall balance is beautifully maintained.

There are no rules for setting. Prioritize your preferences and ease of use to create a comfortable everyday space. In this example, linking the wall color with the cushion colors creates an overall sense of unity.

Simply incorporating vivid sky blue cushions and a bedspread can achieve a striking makeover and refresh your mood.

Based on soft earth tones, bold patterns were used to highlight the headboard and bed skirt. Cushions were coordinated with matching saturation to maintain overall unity and enhance stylishness.

In a simple and refined bedroom, try arranging a few casually placed cushions made of natural materials to create a natural and calming atmosphere.

Place stacked cushions in the front, and standing cushions propped up in the back. Coordinate floral designs with curtains.

Add cushions with your favorite textiles to the bed and enjoy a mix-and-match coordination. Your personal style will be further highlighted, and your individuality will be amplified.

This is another cushion setting that combines stacking and standing. One color from William Morris textile is incorporated, with a brick-colored ruffled cushion added as an accent.

Using William Morris light-toned fabrics creates a bright and soft impression. Light-toned coordination allows different patterns to harmonize well and match successfully. We also carry William Morris cushion covers in our store.

In a spacious room with high ceilings, incorporating cushions with dark colors, complex patterns, and rich textures as accents will elevate the space to an even more elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

How was it?Our store offers a wide range of cushions in various tastes and sizes. From simple and understated designs to bold and unique ones, you are sure to find the perfect cushion that matches your vision.

By combining 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 calming monochrome scheme, or add accent colors to make a statement. Utilizing textures to add warmth or a sense of luxury is also a wonderful idea.

We encourage you to 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!

Find items for bed coordination

→ Long cushion list
→ Luxury cushion list
→ Cushion sets that instantly elevate your style
→ How to choose cushion inserts
→ Search by color