The history of cushions and covers
The first cushions appeared in the Middle Ages. They are found in royal palaces and luxury homes. They were very large and often made of leather. Moreover, many people used it as a seat and not as a headrest as is the case today. They were very hard and quite stiff. In France and Spain, cushions were seats in their own right. They were used both indoors and outdoors to sit on the ground while avoiding getting dirty or wet from humidity or being bitten by insects. If this is no longer really the case with us today, in some countries, the cushion is still used to settle on the floor, such as in the Middle East or in the Maghreb.
In the 1960s, XXL cushions filled with polystyrene beads had a great moment of glory. They acted as an armchair and were the symbol of cool babas. This type of cushion eventually disappeared before coming back into fashion. The more time passes, the smaller the size of the cushions. They end up being used only for their decorative and practical aspect to prop up the back, rest the feet or sometimes replace pillows.
Today, the primary function of cushions is purely decorative, even if they are still used as extra comfort. They are found in living rooms, on sofas and armchairs, but also in the bedroom where they come to sublimate a bed. The cushions can also be installed as a headboard. They continue to be used by the elderly for healing purposes to make a comfortable seat to elevate the legs.
The pillow is also available as a breastfeeding pillow to help new mothers position the baby correctly for breastfeeding. There are also many cushions falling into the category of medical devices, in particular those to relieve the vertebrae, those to hold a regurgitating baby, often slightly elevated. Then, the cushion also becomes a luxury item, especially during certain events, such as weddings to bring wedding rings to the bride and groom or for official ceremonies where scissors, books, diplomas, medals... are placed on a cushion, before being used or given to a third party.
It is also not uncommon to find cushions in mini version in the world of jewelry and luxury. Nestled in boxes, they allow you to present a watch, a necklace, a pendant or a bracelet in a more aesthetic way. They also help protect high-quality products, such as crystal or precious stones. The seamstresses also use this type of mini cushions to plant their pins and thus avoid getting pricked by groping for them in their box.
In the world of transport or packaging, plastic air cushions become very useful. Some products are reusable, while others are single-use plastic.
Special features of cushions and covers
The cushion is a kind of square or rectangular pocket, although some also appear in other shapes (round, cylindrical, triangular, ball, etc.). It usually contains padding. Historically, the first padding was made of feathers, stuffing, horsehair, wool, kapok or vegetable fiber. Today, there are still some woolen and goose-feather cushions left, but as a rule, they are stuffed with synthetic or shredded foam, or even plastic fiber. Recycled materials, which are very ecological, are also popular. They are found in cotton, but also in wool for enhanced comfort and unparalleled softness.
Unlike the cushions of yesteryear, the current models have removable covers. As such, they are more hygienic since it is possible to clean the cover more often. They can also feature various colors or patterns depending on the interiors and desires of each. Covers make it very easy to change the look of a cushion in no time. In addition to the practical and hygienic aspect, the cover gives the cushion a very aesthetic side.
The density of cushions also varies from one product to another. Some are very padded, while others are barely. Depending on the use you will have of it, it can play an important role in your choice of cushion.
The size of current models varies a lot, even if a standard model allows you to change covers regularly. There are cushions, especially for children, in the form of stuffed animals or representing characters that are familiar to them.
For color, it's very simple: there are no limits. Almost all the materials are dyed in the color of your choice. The variations are endless. Plain, colorful, polka dot, patterned, sequined, in leather or faux leather, in wool, with pompoms... the cushions become a real decorative object in their own right.
The cover is made of multiple materials, more or less ethical. We have opted for cushions and covers that respect nature and your health.
How to choose a cushion or a cushion cover?
Big question! The choice of a cushion can be made based on several criteria:
Choosing a cushion may seem like a trivial gesture, but if you are looking for a quality product that respects nature, this quest can prove to be a real headache. Indeed, finding ethical padding is already complex, but you will also have to be careful that the cover is too. Noble materials such as wool or natural moss are less and less widespread.
Choosing a cushion for better assistance or to relieve heavy legs is a very good choice. However, it must be dense enough to obtain a result. Resting your feet on a soft cushion will not affect your blood flow. Likewise, this type of accessory will eventually give way under the pressure of your back and will no longer hold you.
If you want to find cushions only to place on a bed as decoration or to dress and embellish your sofa, there is no need to opt for very hard cushions. Even if these are more aesthetic, because they fill their cover, they will also be more expensive.
It is therefore important to ensure that the hardness of the cushion is in line with the use you will have of it.
Many buy cushions for the aesthetics of their cover. Either because they match the decoration of their interior, or because they have a pattern or a fun screen print. There are a multitude of covers to allow you to change the decoration while keeping the same cushions. No need to buy dozens.
Cushions are also practical. Indeed, they can be used to raise a child who is too small on a chair for example. As such, it will be necessary to make sure to opt for an adequate cover (washable and anti-stain). They can also avoid feeling the coolness or on the contrary the heat on a seat (chair left in the sun for example).
The elderly or people who have had an operation, have health problems... may need a cushion to support their back or other parts of the body. Cushions are excellent accent products. It is therefore important to choose a more or less dense product according to the needs of the user. Similarly, opt for an easily washable product to avoid the proliferation of bacteria and microbes.
If you already have cushions, no need to buy more. Opt for covers to change your interior according to your desires.
Practical cases
Your child uses a booster seat in the car. But now, in summer, it is hot and burns his legs and in winter, it is very cold... To avoid this discomfort, you can use a cushion that will insulate him from the heat or the cold, while making his seat more comfortable.
You have recently redone your room and you find that your bed is sad. Add some cushions on your pillows and on the bedspread. You will notice a difference. Play with the colors, but also with the patterns to obtain more content and relief in your room.
Your mom has been suffering from low back pain for years. She keeps saying that she feels bad sitting on her new sofa. And if you solve the problem by offering him a cushion or two. In addition to bringing a colorful and aesthetic touch to her living room, it will also allow her to better support her back when she sits down to read or watch television.
You have just purchased a hammock for your garden. Barely installed inside this cocoon, you realize that it lacks a cushion to support your head and better relax. Take naps in the shade lulled by the song of the birds!
