Mood pillows and cushions that hug you back
Nº 16： Getting your oxytocin via lumbar support - think of form not just following function but also form following feeling. Here is what to buy, available online now.
Hi lovely subscribers!
When animals are in trouble, they look for a safe place. When a primate is in trouble they look for a safe other. Humans look for a safe person. We need the oxytocin, which is the social bonding hormone, to feel safe. For those of us who live alone or who need the safe place to step in and comfort us when a significant other isn’t around, we can use design elements to support us.
“To feel safe, make your home softer and warm in texture. Add tactile things, soft fabrics, cosy cushions (pillows). This mimics a warm hug.”
The ‘Mood pillow’ as a ‘tollgate for conversation’
Cushions can also be used as a signifier of meaning. I’m thinking of Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) utilising a bolster cushion as an accessory that spoke for her while she was working. When she was deep in the thinking process of writing while sitting on the sofa, she would lay the bolster on its side. This indicated to the family that she was requesting not to be disturbed. If the bolster was vertical while sitting there, this apparently meant that she was relaxing and was open to any conversation. (see the book, Daily Rituals : Women at Work by Mason Currey)
Bolsters fall into the lumbar support category of cushions. The rectangular and horizontal shaped ones do too.
I have curated a selection of cushions (pillows for my USA readers) for you. These are all available to buy online right now. You may often see recommendations from interior designers but by the time you find them they are sold out or no longer available. Well, these are all in stock today. Also they are from a wide range of suppliers so you should find something you like.
I have made nine mood boards, for those of you who are free subscribers you will see the boards throughout this post. Those who are paid subscribers will get the links to the shopping carts and lists so you can get browsing straight away. Also, for convenience, I have pinned ALL of the cushions from the online stores into a secret board on Pinterest. Look out for an invite to that board. This is so you have them all in one place and so that you can save the ones you like into your own board. Each pin is a live link to the product so it will be easy to add to your cart. (Don’t forget to check the cushion dimensions, your furniture dimensions, the type and size of the filling/insert etc. If it is too much, or you are too busy and want to outsource this work, drop me an email and I can assist).
When choosing cushions for your home, think of their forms not just following function but also that their form should follow feeling. Do they need to make you feel supported? Do you want to feel delighted when you see them? Do you take pleasure in doing the ‘karate chop’ when tidying and plumping? (Note, for this effect you most likely need a feather filling or a well made synthetic.)
Support for your back - get a horizontal one
Deep sofa? add layers, large plain square cushion and a smaller square in a pattern or texture.
Want to have a certain feeling when you look at your arrangement? buy a cushion cover with a pattern or design that speaks to you, your values or aesthetics. If you don’t know what these are I can help you figure out what your own distinct style is.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Aesthetics of Living to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.