Why I’m Not a Fan of the Pillow-Punching Trend

Pillow Talk - No Karate Chops. A vibrant living space features a deep blue sofa adorned with a bold pink square pillow and a textured round yellow cushion, adding a pop of color and comfort to the room.

Lately, there’s been this trend of karate-chopping (or punching) pillows to create those little "ears" at the top. And while I get that it adds some visual texture or dimension, I’m really not crazy about it.

Pillows already do plenty to elevate a space and they don’t need ears to do it. A pillow is a pillow. If you want dimension, go for a mix of sizes, shapes, or textures that actually take things to the next level. At least then, they still function as pillows and not some discombobulated attempt at a sculptural shape. And once someone leans back, those little “ears” disappear and what once looked styled now just feels like a pillow that gave up.

Unless, of course, you don’t want anyone actually sitting on them… in which case, go ahead and karate-chop to your heart’s content. I’ll be over here lounging on my un-punched pillows, thanks.

Honestly? It’s a lot of pointy ears popping up everywhere. We really don’t need that. Keep it simple. Let pillows be pillows.