PILLOW TALK

Ever heard of a pillow menu? Many hotels around the world present guests with an extensive selection of pillows, leaving them spoilt for choice. From firm to soft, materials used, to shapes and sizes, we explore the world of pillows and cushions to guide you in choosing the right pillow for a good night’s sleep, and cushions to dress up your home. 

FROM BOTTOM

Alma Vivens Classy gel pillow, $449, and Hotel collection pillow, $89, both from Robinsons. Beautyrest Neckcare pillow, $210, from Simmons. Robinsons pillow, $119, from Robinsons. DWE 9018L Light Elm laminate on wall. DZ8290J Chiaro Travertino laminate on floor.

Fillings

There is no “one-pillow-fits-all” approach when it comes to choosing the right one. Here’s a lowdown on some of the most popular pillow types in the market.

1 COTTON

Soft, yet with sufficient support, cotton pillows are firmer than their feather counterparts as they don’t sink, but may compress with prolonged use.

2 GOOSE FEATHER

A very luxurious option that is extremely soft and fluffy, goose feather pillows are durable and very comfortable to the touch.

3 MICROFIBRE

A synthetic polyester filling, microfibre pillows are often firm and breathable, and do not trap moisture such as perspiration. They’re perfect for sleepers who are allergic to natural down feathers or wool. 

4 MEMORY FOAM

Memory foam pillows are some of the firmest pillows on the market. They can adapt to head and neck contours and offer good support, as well as aid in pain relief.

Shapes

Aside from aesthetics, the various shapes and sizes of pillows offer different benefits and user comforts, too.

1 Perfect for those suffering from back or hip pain, as the pillow — when positioned between the legs — helps support the lower spine. It can also be used to raise legs and feet. Fossflakes Kneeankle pillow, $169, from Robinsons.

2 Fillings in tufted pillows hardly shift or separate, and they help maintain the pillow’s overall shape. Hay Dot 2X2 cushion, $190, from Grafunkt.

3 Extremely versatile, it can be used as a hug pillow, or replace the need for two pillows on a double bed. Long Hug pillow, $459, from Tempur.

4 The L-shaped curvature offers extra support for side sleepers as it hugs the head, neck, shoulder, and reduces strain on the upper back. Fossflakes Sidesleeper pillow, $169, from Robinsons.

5 Designed specifically for sleepers who lie on their stomach as the side cutouts allow users to hug the pillow comfortably. Ombracio pillow, $369, from Tempur.

6 A multi-functional body support pillow that provides comfort and a sense of security, as it can fully wrap around the body. Fossflakes Comfort-U Junior pillow, $399, from Robinsons.

DWE 9018L Light Elm laminate on floor.

Fabrics

Introduce tactile sensations at home by dressing up your interiors with accessories clad in a variety of materials. 

FROM BOTTOM

Boussac O7900001 and Boussac O7901001 in polyester, prices upon request, both from Romanez. Brenner Spicy Mustard velvet pillowcase, $44.95 (with insert), and Roussel Ivory yarn pillowcase, $35.47 (with insert), both from Crate & Barrel. Designers Guild Brera Lino linen cushion cover in pastel blue, $143, from Romanez. Trevino Alloy silk pillowcase, from $39.95 (with insert), from Crate & Barrel.

Other items, stylist’s own.

Prints & Patterns

Keep your home visually exciting with the perfect pairing of patterns in similar colourways.

FROM TOP

Dominic grey throw, $79.95, from Crate & Barrel. John Lewis cushion, $119; Dome Deco polka-dotted cushion, $99, and Robinsons grey marble-inspired cushion, $25, all from Robinsons. Depeapa Memphis Milano cushion cover (no insert) in green, $58, from Naiise. Fred & Bobo Celine throw pillow, $60, from For The Common Goods.

Other items, stylist’s own.

text DOMENICA TAN photography VERNON WONG art direction YEW XIN YI