Pillowcases: types and decor options

Pillows in the interior play a very important role - in the composition of bed linen they provide a sound and healthy sleep, and in the form of sofa decorations they give the interior design a special zest and set stylish accents. In order for the pillow to serve as long as possible, it needs a cover that will simultaneously perform a protective function and be responsible for the decor.

There are a lot of types of pillowcases - they can be made in different sizes and from different materials, they are bed and decorative, disposable, orthopedic, fluffy, patchwork, moisture-proof and waterproof. Pillowcases come with buttons and with a valve - there are a lot of options and the choice depends on what you need this product for.

Since the time of our mothers and grandmothers, large down pillows with dimensions of 70x70 cm have remained in many houses. In the era of the Soviet Union, a set of such sleeping accessories was, perhaps, in every home. All bedding sizes typical for that period were guided precisely by the parameters of the pillow. However, progress does not stand still, and with the development of market relations, many new models have appeared, which differ in the most varied shapes and sizes. Nowadays, equilateral pillows are gradually fading into the background, and rectangular products can increasingly be found in stores.

Many non-standard pillows are produced - this is primarily orthopedic products that are designed to repeat anatomical shapes and have a memory effect. In addition, decorative pillows, for example, letter pillows, have captured a large share of the market - each of them is sewn to order and has its own highly individual shape and size. But still, in most cases, pillows are made with sizes 60x40 (this is an option for children) and 70x50 cm - according to European standards, the difference in sides in the pillow should be 20 cm. Square pillows are also sewn, but in smaller volumes, today more often than others can be found products with dimensions of 60x60, 50x50 and 40x40 cm. Such pillows usually perform decorative functions and are not used for sleeping.

Pillowcases are also sewn according to the size of the pillows. At the same time, the sewing principle in the case of square and rectangular models is the same, the difference is only in the consumption of material and the construction of the pattern. But the configuration of the pillowcase can vary significantly. In order to be able to put it on and off as quickly and easily as possible, the following design features are provided in the pillowcases:

• wrap-around valve - this seemingly simple detail allows you to maintain the required shape of the pillowcase and change the covers as often as required;
• the button fastener is a functional element that can be easily turned into a stylish detail of the product's decor;
• hidden zipper is a fairly common option that reliably holds the pillowcase on the cushion in the desired shape, but at the same time is almost invisible, so it does not distract households and their guests from the perception of the texture and print on the pillowcase;
• strings - this element is most often used for decorative pillows.

Depending on the functional load, pillows can be of two types.

• Sleeping are part of bedding sets and are designed to organize a comfortable bed. They cover the pillows, preventing the stuffing (down, feathers or synthetic filling) from falling out, and keep sweat and dust mites from accumulating inside the pillow. These pillows are made of eco-friendly cotton materials, their style is consistent with the overall design of the bedding set. It does not use convex decorative elements - buttons, printed flowers and embroidery.

• Decorative pillowcases are used to decorate sofa cushions. They can be made of dense materials - tapestry, corduroy and even fur. Their main purpose is to emphasize the style of the room, to add stylish accents and to attract attention. Pillows like these can have irregular shapes, and pillowcases are often decorated with voluminous decors.

Cushion covers are made from a wide variety of natural, synthetic or mixed materials. More often than others, several materials are used.

• Linen - this is a dense natural canvas, which is distinguished by a matte sheen and exceptional smoothness. Such products are resistant to wear and tear, so they can serve for many years and withstand a large number of washes.
• Satin Is a 100% cotton fabric made from long fibers in satin or satin weave. This way of dressing gives the fabric a special softness and silky shine. Satin is often printed using direct printing to produce bright, crisp images.
• Mat - this is another natural eco-friendly fabric, which is made using rare paired weaving of fibers. Visually, the material looks rough, therefore it is more often used to cover decorative pillows.
• Brocade - this is a truly luxurious material with a silk base, on which ornate patterns are formed with the help of a metallic thread. Brocade pillowcases are also used for interior decoration; they give a room a more solemn, majestic and respectable look.
• Silk - This is a durable fabric with a pronounced expensive shine, very often it is decorated with embroidery. For bedroom sets, only natural silk is used; for sewing decorative pillowcases, the addition of synthetic fibers is allowed.
• Velvet and velor - These are dense materials that are used to decorate sofa pillowcases. They are 100% polyester and feature a special hairiness that gives them incredible chic and dignity. Such pillows are often decorated with embroidery, fur inserts and lace.

In the days of the USSR, tapestry pillowcases were very popular, now the fashion for them is returning again. Moreover, these days such a canvas is used to decorate classic and rich interiors. Tapestry pillows can literally transform even the most ordinary-looking room beyond recognition. The fabric is distinguished by a rather dense texture, due to which the material is resistant to wear and tear, withstands a large number of washing and drying in the open air without compromising its appearance. It is noteworthy that tapestry is a versatile material, because it can be used to decorate a living room, bedroom or children's area.

Sleep pillowcases usually have restrained colors, but the design of decorative pillows is distinguished by a large selection and variety of subjects. These can be floral ornaments, still lifes, reproductions of famous paintings, geometric compositions and all kinds of ethnic patterns. Designers advise, when choosing a pillow, take into account the purpose of the room., for example, landscapes, images of cities, wonders of the world and attractions are suitable for the living room and bedrooms. Geometric or abstract patterns look good in modern rooms.For the kitchen and dining room, it is better to give preference to still lifes depicting fruits, fruits, berries and flowers, but funny animals and heroes of your favorite cartoons are suitable for the children's room. For car pillows, you can purchase pillowcases decorated with images of retro cars.

It is a big misconception that pillows can only be used at home, on the contrary, they are very convenient to place them outside. For example, decorative pillows are often used in a recreation area on a local area, an open veranda or a terrace, the style of which depends on the landscape design and the main motives for decorating the area adjacent to the house. With the help of bright pillows, you can change the style of the room very quickly and easily. If you have made a renovation, then it is not at all necessary to buy new pillows, it is enough to change the pillowcases of the sofa decors, they will immediately become a stylish accent in the interior.

In the vast majority of cases, pillowcases perform an important protective function, protecting synthetic or natural fillers from tears, sweat, dust and other types of contamination. But the pillow also protects the sleeping person from dangerous dust mites, allergens and many other irritants. In addition, the pillowcase should provide the possibility of effective air exchange - only in this case the material will serve for a long time, and the filling of the pillow will not be exposed to moisture, which, in combination with human sweat, forms an environment favorable for the reproduction of fungi and other pathogenic microorganisms. That is why it is important to choose the right pillowcase - only in this case its use will be functional.

The first thing to focus on is the material. For home textiles, you should give preference to environmentally friendly materials. The most famous brands use for sewing cotton fabrics with an anti-allergenic Actigard treatment, due to which any possibility of the appearance of fungi and pathogens is excluded. This protection retains its antimicrobial properties for 100 wash cycles.

Even when buying, you should pay attention to the quality of the seams, for this you just need to take the pillow and pull it in different directions at the junction of the pieces of material. If the product is of high quality, then it will not show through in the stitching areas. It is important that the stitches are even and equal in length - only in this case, the use of the pillow will not involve the risk of the inner contents of the pillow crawling out.

Pillows are a stylish decor element that not only decorates the room, but also emphasizes its style.

If the room is decorated in a nautical style, then you can emphasize the theme with a pillowcase decorated in blue with a white stripe, or a product with the image of ships, marine life or shells.

For modern interiors, waterproof covers with abstract and geometric patterns will be more appropriate.

Modern, Provence or country style often use terry floral ornaments.

It is difficult to imagine rooms in oriental styles without an abundance of pillows with silk pillowcases.

And the classics require linen pillows or tapestry.

And, of course, the heroes of your favorite films can transform any baby bed.

DIY pillows look very stylish. Knitted yarn pillowcases look good, as well as knitted ones, decorated with sequins and buttons.Patchwork and dakimakura have become fashionable trends in recent years.

For information on how to wash pillowcases, see the next video.