Yes, unbelievably, this was the tweet that greeted me one Tuesday morning.
Where to even begin? For an interiors stylist, this tweet is like a red rag to a bull. Cushions, beloved of any home shoot or interior magazine, are such an integral part of furnishing interiors, that to even suggest they might be anything but one of the most essential instruments in anyone’s decorating tool kit, is tantamount to heresy in my book.
Scandalised, I immediately replied to Molly (Molly, before you bombard her with outraged tweets, is also a cushion fan who was just looking for like-minded individuals to defend her corner), and swiftly found myself passionately defending the humble cushion on Molly’s Heart Wiltshire radio show, Heart Breakfast with Jez & Molly. You can listen to me here (I’m on at 2mins 37 into the clip)…
In summary, my arguments in favour of using cushions in the home are:
- Cushions are an easy and cheap way to add colour and pattern. The fantastic range of cushions in the fantastic homes ranges by leading supermarkets means that you can even pick up a new cushion while you do your weekly shop. So if you fancy a quick update for your sofa or armchair, buying a new cushion to adorn it couldn’t be easier. In fact, you don’t even need to buy a cushion – as this easy envelope cushion tutorial shows, even a sewing beginner can turn a piece of fabric into a brand new cushion cover. I like this idea so much, I will be bringing you a video tutorial in due course.
- Cushions add comfort. Yes, I have a comfortable sofa, but I still need a cushion (or three or four) to sink into at the end of a long day. The best thing about a cushion is that it offers flexibility so can be positioned to suit each individual. If you don’t like a cushion, move it out of the way. Where’s the problem here?
- Cushions can instantly update a room. You don’t even have to open a tin of paint to give a whole room a new look. If you fancy a change of colour, a scattering of new cushions is just the way to achieve it in five minutes flat.
- Cushions on a bed add a touch of boutique hotel style. And, if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a cuppa in bed in the morning (trust me, with twin toddlers this is a rare occurrence in our house), a couple of cushions behind you will make lazing in bed even more comfy.
The cushion debate has awoken me to my true love and dedication to All Things Cushion, and I will be celebrating this love regularly on Growing Spaces with a new regular slot called Cushion of the Week – a shining example of cushionhood currently rocking my world.
In the meantime, here are my latest cushion purchases, £12 each from Habitat, which I bought on a recent 20% off evening online.
So please do share: are you a cushion lover or a cushion hater?
I love cushions, but MadDad does not share my passion. Or the boys for that matter. I love the yellow cushion.
So that proves it. There is a female propensity for cushion loving?
I am a cushion lover (just as well as they feature heavily in my collections!), however my husband is not at all! I think that as you point out, they are great for updating/lifting a room instantly at little cost. They can cheer up an arm chair and make everything cosier.
I am convinced there is a male/female divide when it comes to cushions. But just imagine a home without cushions. The thought doesn’t bear thinking about!
I love them too, but you can have too many…I’ve found!
Also, I can’t say the word properly, which has caused me much anxiety at work for many years. It’s CUSHION but I say CWUSHION. No idea why.
Sigh.
Just how many is too many though Ellie? I need specifics!
CWIUSHION? How can I have never noticed you can’t say the word properly? Freak…
I am slightly obsessed with cushions since this all started. AND IT IS BRILLIANT!
The Ful-la-ming-goes (as Piran would say) are fantastic.
They’re filling mingoes in our house!
Oh my, those cushions are beautiful. I want them! Long live the cushion! (Not sure my cushion hating husband will be pleased about me checking out your cushion of the week. He tends to disagree with me that you can never have enough cushions).
Better get started on the cushion of the week then, eh?!
I love cushions and am in constant battle with Dearly Beloved as he hates them as much as I love them
What is wrong with these people?!?!
I read your post whilst propped up by an array of different cushions, into the most comfortable, laptop viewing pose possible!
long live the cushions! xx
Vive le cushion!
Another cushion lover here! In fact, I am on the look out for some new ones. Love that flamingo one. x
The flamingo one’s my favourite too!
Cushions? Absolutely! You can never have too many. I am a huge fan, change and update them regularly. Agree with everything you’ve said, although am quite certain my husband would not!
I am little agreed with you because cushion are one factor which help us to make our home beauty twice.