When was cushions invented

The basic function of the pillow was to keep the head off the ground and prevent insects from crawling into mouths, noses, and ears. Ancient Egyptians and Chinese also used similar pillows, though each culture had its own reasons for them.

The Egyptians believed that the head was an important spiritual and life center for the body, so pillows and headrests were created to hold and protect it. Most of these pillows, while similar to the Mesopotamians in their curved top, were carved out of wood and reserved mainly for wealthy individuals. The Chinese on the other hand, created ornately decorated pillows from many materials including wood, stone, bamboo, and even porcelain, bronze, and jade.

Though they had the knowledge and ability to create soft pillows, they believed that such pillows stole energy and vitality from the body while one slept and were ineffective at keeping demons away. Ancient Greeks and Romans used pillows more similar to those we know today—cloth filled with materials such as feathers or straw. By the Middle Ages in Europe, however, pillows had fallen out of favor with many.

Many men viewed pillows as a sign of weakness, and their use was primarily limited to pregnant women. Big changes came with the Industrial Revolution, though, and the sudden glut of affordable textiles for purchase made it possible for just about anyone to make a pillow of their own. Pillows were often stuffed with whatever reasonably soft material was available. Lucky hunters could fill their pillows with soft goose down, but it was much more common to use clean hay or possibly chicken feathers.

Because natural materials were susceptible to mold and mildew issues, it was common to replace the filling each season to keep things fresh. Pillows underwent another big change in the s when polyester filling was invented. This synthetic fiber held its shape and allowed pillows to last much longer — and without any fears of premature damage by mildew.

Cushions through the history The cushion is a very ancient article of furniture; the inventories of the contents of palaces and great houses in the early Middle Ages constantly made mention of them.

Tutankhamun headrest In Europe, the tradition of cushion usage derived from the classical Greek and Roman usage. How Roman used cushions Like many everyday items that were once luxuries, cushions began to appear throughout middle class homes during the 19th century.

Victorian kitten silk cushion During the 20th century, cushion usage became more experimental and wider. Modern cushions We hope that you liked this interesting things about cushions. Get back to us on Saturday! Thank you for following our page. Top Interior Design Trends How to combine and arrange cushion? June 5, at pm Reply. Marko says: Thank you for your comment and support. June 6, at pm Reply. The function of the stone pillow was to prevent insects from crawling into mouths, noses, and ears.

With the high price of stone, they were used only by the wealthy citizens. Decorated pillows piled on the corner of a bed. In ancient Egypt, the head was believed to be the seat of spiritual life and it had to be cherished.

Egyptian pillows were made of different materials, including marble, ivory, ceramic, stone and wood. They also had a religious meaning, as the pillow was carved with images of the gods and placed under the heads of the deceased to keep bad spirits away. The ancient Chinese civilization used different materials such as stone, wood, bamboo, bronze, porcelain, and jade decorated with pictures of humans, animals, and plants.