de Le Cuona | Tatami Cushion with Fringe – Tea

The Tatami cushion is a small, well-judged object. It takes its name from the woven mats of Japan, and the surface carries something of that same flat, ordered quality, a calm texture that reads as plain from a distance and as considered up close. A fringe finishes the edge, which gives the cushion a little movement and a soft outline, so it never looks too tailored. Tea is a warm, pale brown, somewhere between biscuit and weak tea with milk, and it is easy to place.

The cushion measures 50 cm across and is sold singly, so you can buy exactly the number a sofa or bed needs. We have not been given a composition or a pad detail for this piece, so we would ask you to contact us if you need to know more before ordering. At 50 cm it is a comfortable size for a sofa corner or the back of a chair, and large enough to hold its own beside a bolster or a smaller square.

We would use it in a group of two or three on a sofa, mixing it with a plain linen cushion in a deeper colour and one with a pattern, so that the fringe gives the group some variety. It also works on a bed, set in front of the pillows, or on a reading chair where a single cushion adds comfort without crowding the seat. Pair it with greens, stone, and soft white, and with darker timber.

A fringed edge is best kept clear of rough surfaces, so we would keep the cushion for seats and beds and not for outdoor use. Plump it by hand rather than pressing it, and comb the fringe gently with your fingers if it flattens. Rotate the cushion now and then so that the wear is shared evenly. If it needs cleaning, a specialist is the safest choice, and we would avoid washing it at home.