Decorating
Pillow Talk: Express Yourself With Typographic Cushions
Make a statement and show off your personality by scattering conversation-starting pillows around your home
Punchy patterns and brightly-toned fabrics move over, there’s a new top accent pillow pick in town: typographic cushions. Delivering cosy comfort, instant interest and plenty of personality, it’s no surprise that more and more Houzzers are punctuating their interiors with statement-making pillows dressed up with playful or inspiring messages, iconic quotes and standalone letters, digits and words in classic and creative fonts. The key to pulling off this conversation-starting look is to take your time when cushion shopping, but before you hit the shops, take a look at the novel cushions below and see if any speak to you.
Punctuate your scheme with an ampersand
Cool, classy and a little bit sexy, the ampersand is a common feature on typographic decor, probably due to the fact that the curvy symbol oozes personality and offers graphic punch, too. If your home is glam or traditional in style, look for a cushion stamped with an ampersand in an ornate calligraphy or old-style serif typeface (serifs are the small decorative lines that trail off the main strokes of letters and symbols – think Times New Roman or Georgia). Meanwhile, quirky, hand-drawn sans serif (such as Arial or Helvetica) or cursive ampersands in a modern style (like the one on this chic monochrome cushion) are better suited to contemporary schemes.
Cool, classy and a little bit sexy, the ampersand is a common feature on typographic decor, probably due to the fact that the curvy symbol oozes personality and offers graphic punch, too. If your home is glam or traditional in style, look for a cushion stamped with an ampersand in an ornate calligraphy or old-style serif typeface (serifs are the small decorative lines that trail off the main strokes of letters and symbols – think Times New Roman or Georgia). Meanwhile, quirky, hand-drawn sans serif (such as Arial or Helvetica) or cursive ampersands in a modern style (like the one on this chic monochrome cushion) are better suited to contemporary schemes.
Pick pillows with positive messages
Lift the look and mood of your interior by scattering cushions with empowering phrases or upbeat pearls of wisdom printed on them around your home. I love these eye-catching and insightful pillowcases, which remind you to live in the moment and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Lift the look and mood of your interior by scattering cushions with empowering phrases or upbeat pearls of wisdom printed on them around your home. I love these eye-catching and insightful pillowcases, which remind you to live in the moment and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
If your decorating style is a little more hip and edgier than the pretty scheme above, this sassy cushion may be more up your alley. An un-PC twist on the classic Latin phrase ‘Seize the day’, this cushion is (obviously) not for everyone or every household, but those who need a daily reminder to live life to the fullest, aren’t offended by a little profanity and live in an adults-only house may get a kick out of it.
Pillow: Urban Outfitters
Pillow: Urban Outfitters
Keep it simple …
Try a design that features a single letter. Though simple in style, the cushion will still make a serious design impact, without overpowering the rest of the scheme. If you desire a design with a little more pizzazz, opt for a cushion that boasts a patterned background or features some other kind of graphic element, like the colour-blocked covers above.
Avalon cushion: Hermès
Try a design that features a single letter. Though simple in style, the cushion will still make a serious design impact, without overpowering the rest of the scheme. If you desire a design with a little more pizzazz, opt for a cushion that boasts a patterned background or features some other kind of graphic element, like the colour-blocked covers above.
Avalon cushion: Hermès
… or try an all-over print
If single character cushions are too tame for you, pick a pillow that’s at the other end of the scale and features a repeated typographic motif. Up close, you can clearly distinguish each letter or word, but take a step back, and the print resembles a punchy graphic pattern. To make your accent pillow pop, take cues from this high-contrast scheme and throw a block-coloured cushion that matches the tone of the text into the mix.
If single character cushions are too tame for you, pick a pillow that’s at the other end of the scale and features a repeated typographic motif. Up close, you can clearly distinguish each letter or word, but take a step back, and the print resembles a punchy graphic pattern. To make your accent pillow pop, take cues from this high-contrast scheme and throw a block-coloured cushion that matches the tone of the text into the mix.
Share the love
Cushions that boast declarations of love or sweet sentimental messages will never fail to lend a personal touch and heartwarming vibe to your space, whether they pop up in your bedroom, home office or living zone. Heartfelt typographic pillows also make a great addition to any kids’ room, as they’ll add a touch of playfulness and smile-inducing style to your little one’s sanctuary, and offer comfort in more ways than one.
Cushions that boast declarations of love or sweet sentimental messages will never fail to lend a personal touch and heartwarming vibe to your space, whether they pop up in your bedroom, home office or living zone. Heartfelt typographic pillows also make a great addition to any kids’ room, as they’ll add a touch of playfulness and smile-inducing style to your little one’s sanctuary, and offer comfort in more ways than one.
You could also flirt with the idea of introducing a cushion cover that simply says ‘love’, ‘XOXO’ or ‘I love you’ in another language instead. They will still infuse your scheme with heart, but minus the sugary sweetness and with a cooler, more sophisticated edge.
Play with words
Up the game of your space by introducing Scrabble-inspired cushions to your scheme. Prop one up on your bed or sofa to add a hint of playfulness, interest and character to your room, or take things to the next level by splashing out on several cushions that spell out a word – it may be your name or even the purpose of the room you’re in. Triple points if you choose letters that you can switch around to form new words.
Up the game of your space by introducing Scrabble-inspired cushions to your scheme. Prop one up on your bed or sofa to add a hint of playfulness, interest and character to your room, or take things to the next level by splashing out on several cushions that spell out a word – it may be your name or even the purpose of the room you’re in. Triple points if you choose letters that you can switch around to form new words.
Send a message
Now here’s a throw pillow I need in my home! This sassy typographic cushion is designed to dish out tough love to couch potatoes who are tempted to forgo their daily workout in favour of a night spent vegging out on the sofa.
‘Go To The Gym’ pillow: Alexandra Ferguson
Now here’s a throw pillow I need in my home! This sassy typographic cushion is designed to dish out tough love to couch potatoes who are tempted to forgo their daily workout in favour of a night spent vegging out on the sofa.
‘Go To The Gym’ pillow: Alexandra Ferguson
Here’s another great example of a cushion that makes a strong statement, both in terms of its design and the message it conveys. This pillow is quite serious in style, so if you desire a similar cushion for your son’s domain but one that offers a bit more character, consider whipping up one yourself that features his favourite colours and a font that reflects his personality – all you need is a plain pillowcase and iron-on fabric letters or printable transfer paper. Or better yet, let your little mister decorate the cushion himself and write the same message in his own hand.
Choose a design that ties in with your theme
If your room is decorated in a specific theme, scour the shops for a typographic cushion that complements and will help complete the look. This navy lumbar pillow, which reads, ‘Let’s make voyages together’, is a fitting accent for this beachy bedroom. Notice how it adds a punch of nautical style to the scheme and helps anchor it, too.
If your room is decorated in a specific theme, scour the shops for a typographic cushion that complements and will help complete the look. This navy lumbar pillow, which reads, ‘Let’s make voyages together’, is a fitting accent for this beachy bedroom. Notice how it adds a punch of nautical style to the scheme and helps anchor it, too.
Decorate with digits
Why not choose a cushion that features your favourite or lucky number, or digits that mean something to you (like a specific date or year)? For extra visual appeal, pair your number-printed pillow with one or two patterned designs in a similar palette.
More: Move Over Giant Words, Say Hello to Numbers
Why not choose a cushion that features your favourite or lucky number, or digits that mean something to you (like a specific date or year)? For extra visual appeal, pair your number-printed pillow with one or two patterned designs in a similar palette.
More: Move Over Giant Words, Say Hello to Numbers
Put your name on it
A pillow that has your little one’s name stamped or stitched on it will instantly add personality, punch and charm to a kids’ bedroom or play area. If your children share a bedroom, personalised pillows will serve a practical purpose, too, as they will signpost what side of the room belongs to each sibling and give them a sense of ownership over their distinct space.
Electron personalised throw pillow: Hayneedle
A pillow that has your little one’s name stamped or stitched on it will instantly add personality, punch and charm to a kids’ bedroom or play area. If your children share a bedroom, personalised pillows will serve a practical purpose, too, as they will signpost what side of the room belongs to each sibling and give them a sense of ownership over their distinct space.
Electron personalised throw pillow: Hayneedle
For a more elegant and adult-friendly look, opt for monogrammed pillowcases instead, like the gold embroidered cover in this chic and cheerful bedroom.
Pay homage to a place
Are you a frequent traveller or fiercely loyal to your hometown? Consider hunting down a cushion that has the name of your favourite location splashed across its cover. This cushion offers a double hit of head-turning typography style. Not only does it spell out ‘Vancouver’ (the city where the condo is located) in a cool, modern serif font, but it lists the city’s geographical coordinates, too.
Are you a frequent traveller or fiercely loyal to your hometown? Consider hunting down a cushion that has the name of your favourite location splashed across its cover. This cushion offers a double hit of head-turning typography style. Not only does it spell out ‘Vancouver’ (the city where the condo is located) in a cool, modern serif font, but it lists the city’s geographical coordinates, too.
Work in an iconic catchphrase
Not sure what letters to introduce to your scheme? Look to your favourite films and books or famous quotes for typographic inspiration.
Not sure what letters to introduce to your scheme? Look to your favourite films and books or famous quotes for typographic inspiration.
Forget traditional fonts and go freehand
If you don’t like the traditional look of serif fonts like Times New Roman, or aren’t a fan of clean, modern typefaces such as Helvetica, opt for a typographic cushion in a hand-drawn font. Pillows with handwritten-style text, whether beautiful and perfect or beautifully imperfect, will instantly attract the eye thanks to their unique, artistic look and inject any scheme with a hearty dose of character.
For an extra personal touch, skip the homewares store and make your own typographic cushions instead. Just pick up some plain pillow covers, fabric paint and paintbrushes from your local hardware or craft store and start writing away.
If you don’t like the traditional look of serif fonts like Times New Roman, or aren’t a fan of clean, modern typefaces such as Helvetica, opt for a typographic cushion in a hand-drawn font. Pillows with handwritten-style text, whether beautiful and perfect or beautifully imperfect, will instantly attract the eye thanks to their unique, artistic look and inject any scheme with a hearty dose of character.
For an extra personal touch, skip the homewares store and make your own typographic cushions instead. Just pick up some plain pillow covers, fabric paint and paintbrushes from your local hardware or craft store and start writing away.
‘Life is Beautiful’ cushion: Indie
TELL US
What’s your take on typographic cushions? Would you use them in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
How to Decorate With Typography
Cut the Bull: Why Don’t You Say How You Really Feel?
Witty Word Art That Brings Wisdom to Your Walls
TELL US
What’s your take on typographic cushions? Would you use them in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
How to Decorate With Typography
Cut the Bull: Why Don’t You Say How You Really Feel?
Witty Word Art That Brings Wisdom to Your Walls
Pucker up, people, and get ready to kiss your lifeless space goodbye. Typographic cushions with cheeky or chuckle-inducing messages will instantly revive blah schemes in desperate need of a pick-me-up. This playful pillow does the job nicely in this elegant yet pared-back bedroom, plus it helps set the scene for romance, too.
‘Let’s Make Out’ cushion: Alexandra Ferguson