The Humble Cushion

The cushion had a noble birth, its first use being recorded in the middle ages by the gentry, seen as a sign of wealth and rank. They would often be large in size and would have been made of leather commonly filled with horse hair. Even today it is used in royal ceremonies to delicately handle regal jewels and it has now become a design feature in many a modern-day room. It is the ultimate in portable seating, finding its way onto the floor, behind our backs and even out into the garden; cushions have quite rightly, become synonymous with our quest for comfort.

Today, more attention than ever is paid to the design and manufacture of cushions. Although now they are thought of only as an accessory, and not so much as the all-important item which said so much about the occupier, they are still found in everyone's homes and their evolution means that they come in a myriad of different fabrics and fillings - feather and down, foam and fibre.

Feather and down may offer a higher price tag but with sumptuous levels of comfort to match, making them the ultimate luxury item. The manmade alternative of synthetic fibre can prove to be a good budget choice as it also enjoys that sinking feeling but with high grade fibres, the cushion will keep a much better shape. With the advent of foam and more recently memory foam, cushions have also taken on a supporting role for medicinal purposes, offering lumber and neck support for those that need it. Memory foam boasts high levels of comfort whilst proving to be a good hypoallergenic alternative, plus it quickly regains its shape, keeping your cushions looking fresh.

As an accessory, cushions can make a huge difference to a room if chosen in the right colours and textures, as well as the inviting warmth they can offer any bed or sofa. The Victorians always favoured long, tabular cushions, which are still popular today in the bedroom, and would surely always win in a pillow fight!

Cushions can find many homes in our living spaces - whether in the bedroom, on a window seat or even in the car for the more vertically challenged among us, but probably the most common place to find them is on the sofa. Just like fish and chips or strawberries and cream you'll always find one with the other, and they'll instantly turn a boring, plain piece of furniture into a sumptuous, inviting seat.

When it comes to accessorising your living room, cushions can be a great way to enhance a look or a theme. If your home is sleek, minimal and contemporary, leather cushions are not only practical but will match this look perfectly. On the other hand, faux fur cushions will add a touch of glamour and luxury. Also consider the size of the cushions: while small cushions would look out of place on a larger sofa, oversized cushions would swamp smaller seating areas, so it's important to get the balance right.

Whatever look you are trying to achieve, try not to forget the importance of this humble but noble piece of furniture and bestow upon it the consideration that it deserves.