8 Useless Facts About Cushions
Everything you never knew you wanted to know about cushions!
1. The Origins of Cushions
Decorative cushions are believed to date back to around 7,000 BC in the Mesopatania region of West Asia, but the first physical proof discovered was in Ancient Egypt which dates from 3,000 BC to 30 BC. Not a new idea then!
These early cushions however were not so soft and sumptuous as they are now being made of wood, stone or ivory and were used as headrests. Often this was for burials as the Ancient Egyptians believed raising the head would promote body vigour and ward off demons from the deceased. In everyday life they were a symbol of wealth and helped to keep the rich peoples heads off the floor away from all the dirt and vermin. Lovely!
The Ancient Greeks and Romans had more sense and began to make more comfortable cushions stuffed with feathers, straw or anything else they could find to make them softer and more practical. They used cushions widely; for sleeping on, lounging on and as decorative items in their homes much as we do today.
2. The Largest Cushion
The Guiness Book of World Records lists the largest cushion made as one made by Shanghai Konglong Textile Ornaments Co.,Ltd in 2009. This whopping cushion was 10.08 m x 10.08 m (33.07 ft x 33.07 ft) on 29 May 2009.
Also worthy of a mention is the largest Whoopee Cushion at 7.62m (25ft) in diameter made by Matt Funk and Lee Burgess in Covington, Georgia, USA in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Vi5r0TPh0
3. Tiny Cushions
From the largest cushion to the smallest. Tiny doll's house cushions are incredibly detailed for their size which is typically only 4cm square! Have a look at this amazing, tiny, patchwork cushion from LTW Miniatures
4. The World's Most Expensive Cushion
Well, not a cushion exactly....a pillow priced at $57,000 made by Dutch physiotherapist Thijs Van Der Hilst. Custom made for each customer using scans, the pillow is made from Egyptian cotton and Mulbery silk and even features gold, diamons and a sapphire. Don't put that in the wash!
5. Another Cushion World Record
Mansingh Oli holds the Guiness Book of World Records record for the longest duration spinning a cushion on a finger at 4hrs, 1 min and 38s which he set in Kathmandu, Nepal on 2 November 2022.
6. Museum Cushions
The Victoria & Albert Museum has an amazing collection of 646 cushion covers dating back to the 4th century. An example is this beautiful embroidered linen cushion cover from the early 1600's depicting the story of Noah's Ark.
7. Rolls Royce Personalised Cushions
Yes, we kid you not, if you have a few bob to spare, you can order personalised cushions to adorn the interior of your Rolls Royce. Made from leather in a choice of colours with piping and personalised embroidery if you wish. The price? well as the old saying goes.....if you have to ask.......
8. And lastly...that eternal question, how many cushions should be on a sofa?
Ahh.. the age old question to which a google search will hundreds of different answers; some say just 2 for a simple, minimalist look, 3-5 for a classic, symmetrical look and others say go for it and pile them high!
Take the case of my dear great aunt Maggie whose cushion collection knew no bounds and when visiting we had to sit politely with a pile of cushions on our laps, take the easier option of sitting on the floor (compulsory for children) or endure the discomfort of the one buttock perch on the sofa arm!
We say, each to their own, go ahead and create a comfortable space that makes you happy!