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One Easy Piece: The Bolster Pillow
Tubular Cushions Add Color, Pattern and a Perfect Resting Place
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Some design elements can make all the difference with one punch. The bolster pillow is one such object. While there are many ready-made bolsters on the market, going custom can be a really good way to use a favorite piece of fabric you've been wanting to introduce to a room. All it takes is a visit to your favorite upholsterer. Let's take a look at how Houzz designers are using bolster pillows to make a big impact.
by Fiorella Design
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This coral print bolster plays off the wall color and lets visitors know that this cabinet can be used as a bench when extra seating is needed.
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This exotic fabric is the only source of pattern and non-neutral color in the room. It's just the right dose for a minimalist aesthetic.
This Missoni accent bolster makes this daybed comfortable for use as a sofa. It also adds a healthy dose of the iconic Italian fashion house's signature chevron pattern.
Tip: If you've fallen for a fabric that's way outside of your price range, consider using it as an accent fabric on a bolster pillow. You'll only have to splurge for a yard.
Tip: If you've fallen for a fabric that's way outside of your price range, consider using it as an accent fabric on a bolster pillow. You'll only have to splurge for a yard.
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The Barcelona Daybed by Mies van de Rohe made the bolster a big part of a modern and minimalist icon.
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| These bolsters add a big punch of turquoise to this chocolate and white room. Note how they play off the painting.
Side Note: Also note the clever way that panel slides over to hide the television! |
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| Sometimes you need to take a good look at your bedscape and play "pillow police." We can tend to get a little nuts with the amount of throw pillows we use. A patterned bolster added to plain shams may be all you need.
Tip: A few readers recently suggesting taking photos of their spaces in order to be able to see them and critique them with fresh eyes. This is great advice for your bedscape. Take a quick shot and you may find you want to pare it down to something simpler. |
| Bolsters are traditionally round, but they can take on other shapes. This designer has used prints sparingly, and it's a great balance.
Tip: You don't need to go wild with print and pattern. Sometimes a striped window treatment here and a jacquard pillow there is all the pattern a room needs. |
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| Twin bolster pillows add golden yellow to these twin beds. |
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| This extra long bolster adds the only botanical print in the room. It takes its proportional cues from the length of the bench. |
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| Speaking of bolsters and benches, simply place the bolster on the bench when you're ready for bed. |
by Cristi Holcombe
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This designer likes to invest her budget in custom bedding pieces. Her investment certainly pays off here, where she's matched the quatrefoil pattern on the bolster and headboard.
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Thank you Sunbrella fabric! Now custom bolsters can be sewn for outdoor use as well.
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by Cristi Holcombe
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| Another emerging trend in home decor is placing one oversized bolster on the sofa. Often after you do this, no additional throw pillows are required.
Next: More photos of bolster pillows |
Ideabook published on Feb. 12, 2011.
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If I have only a scrap of precious fabric and want to display it, putting it onto the ends of a bolster works well.