Friday, January 31, 2014

Pillow Power

          This time of year we long for warmth and color—a change from the winter doldrums.  You can infuse energy and fun into your rooms merely by changing your pillows and throws.  Pillows are inexpensive and low risk—you can try a variety of colors and patterns that can be interchanged to suit the season or your mood without breaking your budget or creating lots of extra work.  Experiment with different textures and fabrics, and don’t be afraid to mix and match.  From burlap to chintz, there’s a style for every personality.


            Many sofas and chairs come with matching pillows.  Designers recommend recovering them or finding pillows that have their own personality that will stand out against the furniture fabric.  When you choose new pillows, try to pull colors and fabrics in the room together.  Find designs that mimic color tones in your artwork or draperies.  If you choose patterned pillows, make sure that at least one of the colors picks up on color you already have.  When shopping for new pillows or fabric, take paint chips that match the current colors in your room or fabric swatches.  They will help you determine if the pillow you like in the store will go with your room at home.


            Throw pillows can help support you in a too-deep sofa, but if your sofa or chair is fairly narrow, be careful not to overcrowd the space.  While you want your pillows to overlap, you don’t want to have to move them every time you want to sit down.  You should also leave some space around the pillows to show them off.  You can match size, shape, and color to create a more formal look, or mix and match shapes and graphic designs to make a more playful look. 



 Match the style and size of the pillows to the furniture.  For example, pillows with lots of ruffles and fringe wouldn't suit a modern sofa, and a tiny pillow would be overpowered on a large chair or bed.


             If you purchase vintage pillows or linens, check carefully for stains and tears.  Stains can be permanent from years of washing/drying, but there are a few methods you can try to remove them.  First, check for color fastness in the embroidery or design by gently dabbing the thread against a damp, white cloth.  If no color comes off, you may probably wash the piece safely.  If color shows, have the piece dry cleaned.  Remove the fabric from the pillow if possible.  It is recommended that you presoak the fabric in clear water.  It may take some time to remove decades of dirt.  Then gently swish the fabric in lukewarm water and mild, non-abrasive, phosphate-free soap flakes.  Avoid using modern bleach as it can destroy delicate fibers.  Rinse at least twice to remove the soap and do not wring the fabric to dry it.  Instead, lay the fabric flat on a white sheet or towel, press gently, and then lay outside in the sun to air dry.  If the fabric is white, you can try the old fashioned method of bleaching and rub lemon juice and salt over the stain before laying the textile out to dry in the sun.  Some antiquarians frown on sun-drying textiles, but many experts recommend this technique, and I have had success with refreshing my linens using the sun.


            Never underestimate the power of pillows and throws when redecorating.  They are an inexpensive, quick fix for a ho-hum space. 


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