Thinking of new ways to arrange your pillows before this festive season? While the bold and vibrant prints, the mix and match patterns, and monochromes or stripes have all been tried and tested, have you thought of bringing your attention to the Japanese principles of living for your home decor? From zen-vibes to japandi to ikebana and much more, these are all much-favoured ways to decorate your house; now it's time to reflect principles of life through how you arrange your pillows for the new season.
If you want to arrange your pillows according to Japanese techniques and principles, then you will, of course, be considering aesthetics, but slightly beyond that. It's not just about how the space looks, but about the aura, the vibes, the emotional presence, and balancing aesthetics with functionality. Keeping all these in mind, here are five ways that you can arrange your pillows this season.
Wabi-Sabi, the art of minimalism
One of the leading Japanese principles is the idea of minimalism, that less is more. Instead of cluttering and arranging too many pillows in a small space, use one or two. The fewer the pillows, the more the space for one to breathe. Moreover, decide on the number of pillows, keeping the size of the space in mind. The pillows should serve as an accessory of comfort when required, and not one that surrounds you with claustrophobia or negativity. Also, with fewer pillows and more space, your mind opens up to newer ideas and possibilities.
Before actually arranging the pillows, take a moment to think about their functionality apart from the aesthetics. List down how many pillows you would need to fulfil the functions you need them for. Then arrange them as you require. At the back for spinal support, around the neck for support to your neck and shoulders, or you can arrange a few pillows on the floor or your cosy corners for comfort and emotional support. It will also help you to sit tight on the ground, meditate, or do yoga.
Wa, the art of focusing on balance and harmony
In Japanese ideology, Wa refers to the space in between things. To draw a parallel, it is almost like reading between the lines. This literally translates to keeping space in between the pillows while you arrange them. The pillows and the space have the same importance in this type of arrangement. Ideally, do not keep too many pillows. But if you want to layer it, then gradually increase the size of the pillows.
Shizen, Material Matters
In Japan, if you look anywhere around you, you will notice a blend of technology and nature. Both harmoniously co-exist. Bringing the same philosophy into your houses, you can arrange the pillows that have natural fibres like hemp or organic cotton in them. You can match earthy and rustic tones like indigo, charcoal, moss green, olive, white/ cream, sand, and more. Go for textures which allow you to have a sensory experience rather than an all smooth finish.
Totonou, arrange with intention
Arranging pillows according to Japanese principles not only involves aesthetic success but also aligns them with inner peace. It amounts to being an act of arrangement that provides you with internal satisfaction. Think of this act as a ritual and arrange the pillows, more or less, around the same time. Take your time, softly fluffing the flattened pillows. Think of the mood you would want to create for yourself or your guests while arranging it- would it welcome or allows you to take that much-needed rest in your own home at the end of the day?
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