From the staple slogan of British culture ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’, to the beloved Beatles lyric which is plastered across 70s inspired décor ‘All You Need is Love’, idiomatic phrases and witty remarks have been printed on posters, artwork and clothing items for decades.
Inspired by traditional needlepoint cushions which derived from 16th-century craftsmanship and remained popular for centuries to follow, slogan pillows were a tool to practice one’s needlework, exchanged as gifts and used to give a particular message about one’s home.
Often featuring popular phrases such as ‘Home Sweet Home’ or even lines of poetry, needlepoint pillows offered a delicate, feminine touch to a drawing room back in the day, while reflecting that the women of the house are rather accomplished artisans.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and needlepoint pillows featuring slogans have made a surprising comeback, but not in the way our grandmothers might have expected. Now, these artisanal, decorative cushions tend to feature rather strange, sometimes vulgar phrases which add a touch of hilarity to one’s home décor.
Other, tamer slogan pillows will feature more palatable phrases which speak to the welcoming nature of one’s household – from single-word options featuring adjectives such as ‘Cosy’ and ‘Believe’ to cheery throw pillows with the words ‘Good Morning Sunshine’ woven in canary yellow thread.
Whichever decorative slogan pillow style tickles your fancy, we’ve curated a selection of the best. Keep scrolling to stay cool and cosy no matter the occasion.
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The Pillow Drop Please Leave By 9
This brilliant 30x50cm throw pillow by The Pillow Drop features delicate, wonderful needlework in a neutral design which would suit any eclectic home. We’re big fans of the polite reminder that the master of the house requires imminent beauty sleep, so don’t get too comfortable.
Buy now £60.00, Fenwick
Furbish Studio Not Well Cushion
Fans of The Real Housewives of New York rejoice, for this hilarious needlepoint throw pillow is inspired by the brilliant remark from Dorinda Medley. Crafted from wool and backed with velvet, this playful piece is as luxurious as it is tongue-in-cheek.
Buy now £120.00, Koibird
Bella Freud Mohair Cushion Cover
Whether a year or date can be considered a slogan, per se, is up for debate. Nevertheless, we’d be remiss not to include an iconic 1970 mohair option from British designer Bella Freud.
Buy now £129.50, Bella Freud
Velvet "Chic Happens!" Feather Down Pillow
Bring a wonderful, maximalist touch to your living room with this fantastic ‘Chic Happens!’ feather-down pillow by Mommani Threads. Available in two sizes depending on how big of a statement you’d like to make, there’s something about this quote that feels like it came from Carrie Bradshaw – though we can’t confirm this to be fact.
Buy now £90.00, Wolf & Badger
Scion Morning Grumps Cushion, Blue
Some of us simply aren’t morning people, and that’s perfectly ok. This plush, decorative cushion by Scion features a leafy print background and needle punch embroidery.
Buy now £40.00, John Lewis
Love At First Sight Cushion
Slogan cushions may not be for everyone, but this option is delicate, discreet and wonderfully chic. We can’t help by immediately agree with the lip-shaped phrase, for it was love at first sight with this super-soft Scottish wool pillow.
Buy now £115.00, The Go-To
Our Silly Little Home Cushion
Perfectly pink and adorned with a saccharine slogan, this lovely pillow from Urban Outfitters makes for a brilliant housewarming gift.
Buy now £35.00, Urban Outfitters
It's NYC For Me Needlepoint Pillow
Whether you’ve ever stepped foot in the Big Apple, currently reside there, or wish you did, this adorable wool and cotton velvet throw pillow features a border of bright red apples and iconic yellow taxi cabs alongside an ‘It’s NYC for me’ slogan.
Buy now £91.00, Revolve
Cath Kidston Keep Kind Cushion
Why purchase a pillow with one slogan, when you can have one with several? This beautiful pillow by Cath Kidston was inspired by vintage scarf designs from the 1950s and handwritten love letters.
Buy now £38.25, Closs & Hamblin
Gucci Teddy Bear Needlepoint Cushion
The second best thing after having a hug from your favourite teddy bear is having a hug from a Gucci one. The brand’s adorable teddy bear cushion is a tongue-in-cheek take on luxury furnishing. The kitsch knotted tassel trim, the flirtatious pink backdrop and the needlepoint technique inspired by 17th-century craftsmanship encircle a friendly bear design and sweetly misspelt ‘Guccy’ motif.
Buy now £885.00, My Theresa
