| Decorative pillows make great home decor | | | | economical one too -- due to their affordability and |
| accessories and come in a variety of designs and | | | | familiar themes. |
| materials. The main types one will find are needlepoint, | | | | High-End Silk Pillows |
| embroidered, hooked, silk, and Aubusson. | | | | Decorative silk pillows are made not only from silk, but |
| Needlepoint Pillows | | | | also frequently have handcrafted silk patterns |
| Needlepoint is a form of embroidery that covers the | | | | embroidered on them as well. The design might match |
| entire canvas rather than just being decorative | | | | the shade of the background so the pattern is |
| handwork on top of a background. Needlepoint pillows | | | | discernible by its raised texture, or it may be in a |
| are among the most popular of all decorative pillows | | | | matching shade so that you can see and feel the |
| and are available in all price ranges, sizes, and designs. | | | | decoration. |
| Embroidered Throw Pillows | | | | Another exquisite type of handmade silk pillow to |
| The decorative needlework that embellishes many of | | | | consider is one that has contrasting silk embroidery |
| the most beautiful accent cushions is often created by | | | | finely worked onto a solid background color. |
| cross-stitch or crewelwork that is stitched entirely by | | | | Aubusson Accent Pillows |
| hand. | | | | Throw cushions in the Aubusson style are named |
| Crewelwork and embroidery are considered among | | | | after an area in France that has been famous since |
| the most challenging and time-consuming of all the | | | | the Renaissance period for its weavers and the |
| needle arts, the result of which is detail that can | | | | woolen products they produced. Pillows made in the |
| approximate a fine, painted canvas. Common materials | | | | same tradition of highly intricate detailing using top |
| for embroidery and crewelwork are silk, wool, and | | | | quality yarns are still called Aubusson pillows today. |
| cotton. | | | | Aubusson pillows are generally used in more formal |
| Hooked Occasional Cushions | | | | settings due to their floral, regal, and antique French |
| Hooked pillows, like rugs, are made from strands of | | | | historical designs. |
| woolen yarn hooked through a canvas backing to | | | | Despite being entirely handmade, decorative pillows |
| create a specific design or motif. Often considered | | | | are also remarkably durable. In fact, there are |
| less formal than needlework pillows, hooked cushions | | | | countless examples of pillows from the 18th and 19th |
| may showcase holiday or other themes, and many | | | | centuries -- Aubusson, needlepoint, embroidered, and |
| use humor and whimsy as well. | | | | more -- still being used today. Proper storage and |
| Using hooked pillows as accessories in home | | | | gentle spot-cleaning techniques will keep these home |
| decorating is always a smart idea -- and an | | | | accessories looking new for years to come. |