TOP SIX: Children’s Cushions

KAREN HILTON’S CUSHIONS (left and below right) aren’t meant for kids. “I’m sure they would rather be playing than thinking about home furnishings!” says she, making a very good point. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t perfect for children’s rooms. Their combination of quirky and humorous (plus quintessentially English - all those super bright hues and British motifs are inspired by pop art and punk), with simple cut out shapes and brilliant colours, means they will bring any rather dull child’s room to life.

Younger ones may or may not get the slightly subversive air of the Queen’s profile or the Union Jack in anti-establishment colours (”I hate red and royal blue together, which is why I changed its colours,” explains Karen, who originally studied model making at Bournemouth. “When I did I realised I liked the flag design as a pattern on its own merit.”), but they’re likely to appreciate the joie de vivre of Karen’s handmade cotton and felt designs. Pictured cost from US$68 at Karen’s Etsy store.  

*Five of our other favourite cushions for kids rooms are below: 

Best for night-time reassurance: Bonne Nuit, the sweet thought pillow cushion from duo Atsuyo and Akiko, who make pretty and delicate printed cushions, tees and bags. Find a good range of their work at UK store, Couverture, or buy direct at Atsuyo et Akiko; US$69. 

Best for modern graphics: Boodalee’s cool and minimal ‘Trees’ squirrel cushion is a friendly and quirky graphic - plus these US-designed pillow cushions are dual-sided, and made from eco-friendly spun corn insert and non-toxic pigment dyes. 12 inches x 12 inches. £29 at the Little Baby Company. Or see Boodalee for international stockists. 

Best for a quirky home-made vibe: Donna Wilson’s slightly odd knitted animals have become cult favourites in recent years. She’s fairly recently added cushions to her collection too. We love Owl for its simple, peaceful, somewhat retro looks and cheery colour palette. Buy online from www.donnawilson.com. Click on the picture to enlarge. 40cm x 40cm. £60

Best for prettifying: Dotty from the Kids range at Ferm Living, the modern Danish print specialists, is beautiful but not too cutesy - so you will love it too. In dusty aqua (pictured), lavender, and yellow colourways. 70cm w x 35 h. Organic cotton / linen mix. £34.95 - available shortly from www.95danish.com. See Ferm Living for international stockists. Click on the pic to enlarge.

Best for stealing from the kids: Mini Modern’s Tick Tock cushion in Chalkboard is a grown-up enough palette for the living room sofa as well as your little (or not so little) one’s bedroom. 41 cm x 41 cm. Rather considerately, MM’s cushions are all made without potentially sticky-out zips or unkid-friendly button fastenings. From £26, cover only. Buy at www.minimoderns.com. Click on the image to see a bigger version.