What Is a Karate Chopped Pillow?

Make decorative pillows look more stylish with the karate chop technique.

A karate chopped pillow has been plumped--or shaped--by a motion similar to a karate chop. This technique creates a tidy, uniform appearance for decorative throw pillows, particularly when used with multiple pillows.

Achieving the Look

Use the same motion as a martial arts karate chop to style your pillows.

After plumping a pillow as you normally would, grasp the two top corners to create sharp points as you set the pillow in its place. Use the outer edge of your hand to "chop" into the center of the top of the pillow. This action will result in a neat, intentional dent in the pillow. Grasp the corners again and tug toward the center to emphasize the crease.

Pillow Placement

Add style to bed pillows by employing the karate chop technique.

Karate chops may be employed on any or all square-shaped decorative throw pillows placed on a sofa, armchair or bed. The karate chop technique works best with pillows that are not tightly stuffed, and adds visual interest when used on a few key pillows in an arrangement.

Popularity

Displaying karate chopped pillows is a matter of personal preference. While some interior decorators may loyally employ a karate chop to every pillow they encounter, others completely avoid the practice and view it as a ridiculous technique with unattractive results.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Karate Chop to Your Pillows?
• Mar Jennings: Please Poof After Yourself!
• Advanced Night Repair: How to Get That Hotel Bed Look

Resources

• My Home Ideas: Editor's Design Pet Peeves
• Material Girls Blog: To Chop Or Not to Chop