Used for centuries, cushions have evolved into a wide variety of styles, colours fabrics and uses. They can produce a riot of colour give a cool relaxed feel. Most importantly they provide a soft homely comfortable feel to any interior. In an armchair or sofa, a cushion in the small of the back can be invaluable where a large floor cushion can make a handy extra seat. Harder cushions like bolsters on the other hand make great armrests and headboards for your bedroom furniture.
Save Money
Cushions are a wonderfully cheap way to add atmosphere and character to an interior. Patterns and colours from the walls, valances and curtains can be incorporated in cushion covers to bring a design together and provide a sense of continuity. This is easily done by using the leftover fabric from other soft furnishing projects for the room. Combining these fabrics with an accent colour can really set a room off. In addition you can use a piece of tapestry or lace to bring a new dimension to your room. If you can afford to, you can splash out on some more expensive fabric as you dont need much to make an impact
Choosing Fabrics
When choosing fabric for cushions theres an enormous choice of fabrics types and colours. Cotton chintzes, bold weaves and hand painted patchworks, delicate embroidery, shimmering silks antique velvets or contemporary abstracts all look amazing in a group. Fabrics for dressmaking can be used but its important to remember that they might not last as well as upholstery fabrics. Silk piping can fray and fade and may not be able to take a trim such as a fringe.
Lightweight fabrics like silk organza, voile or lace must have a lining to strengthen them. On the other hand heavy cords and velvets are better for bolsters, floor cushions or beanbag type seats, which have heavy use.
Nifty Needlework Projects
If you have a piece of needlework that you want made into a cushion, dampen it and tack it onto a frame to stretch it and flatten it for sewing. If you are buying a needlework panel made for making into a cushion it should be stretched already. You can also get ready-made crewelwork panels for cushion covers as well. If you are using these, make sure that you use a complementary colour for the fabric. Curtain velvet is a great choice for needlework cushion panels.