What is a bolster pillow?
A bolster pillow is a narrow, cylindrical-shaped pillow that is typically used as a finishing touch on beds, daybeds, and chaise lounges. Traditionally, the bolster pillow was used as a supportive pillow for the body—the word “bolster,” in fact, refers to the pillow’s ability to bolster or support the body—but today, these pillows are used predominantly as decoration. Some bolster pillows have ends that are finished with sewn seams, while others are simply tied off with cording or finished with a casual ruching effect. Which style you select depends on the tone of your room and whether you’re aiming for a more refined look, or a relaxed, laidback set-up. Bolster pillows are often used as the crowning touch on a bed, but they can also be used in pairs on a daybed, with one used flush against either side panel of a three-sided daybed. In this scenario, bolster pillows can create the illusion of arms, making a daybed appear more like a sofa than a bed.
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Lead photo by Josh Thorton