Pillow Chopping Was A Fun Cleaning Trend In The '80s. Is It Worth Bringing Back?

Cleaning can be a mundane activity. That is, until you get to the part when it's time to karate chop your pillows! It's a trend that arrived in the 1980s — but it's been a debate in the interior design world ever since. Some people still love to chop their pillows like they're the Karate Kid, while others think it's a style that should be left in the past with big shoulder pads and waterbeds. For some, giving your pillows a chopped look is like adding a final touch when tidying up a living room or bedroom. It gives off the vibe of elegance meets cozy, and makes everything seem polished. Not everyone agrees, though, viewing it instead as an outdated decor trend.

You know a pillow's been chopped when you see it. It's beautifully fluffed with an indentation at the top, a style that works well with throw pillows. After all, they are the icing on the cake! The best throw pillows to chop are ones that are down- or feather-filled. However, people try this fun karate move on other squishy ones, too. You can easily elevate the look of couches and beds with a swift chop or two. But for a neater appearance, unchopped is usually the way to go.

In addition to the fact that it makes sprucing up a room a little more entertaining, chopping your pillows can give them more definition and help them stand out. It creates a lived-in, inviting look, which is perfect when you want guests to feel right at home. Compared to a pillow with a straight flat top, it screams "I'm comfortable and the furniture is, too — so take a seat." Mixing chopped and unchopped ones can make a room look laidback as well, all with a touch of sophistication.

If it's a decor trend you'd love to see more of, here are some tips for chopping pillows. First, take your pillow and fluff it up so that the filling is evenly distributed. Next, set it down where you plan on leaving it, making sure the sides are balanced. Then, with the side of your hand, give the pillow a nice firm chop on its top center. Feel free to give it a couple more until you achieve your desired look. Move onto the next pillow, and when you're all done, it should have a satisfying look.

Should karate-chopping pillows be a trend that makes a comeback? That's completely up to you! Lots of people still despise it, and there's no getting around that. However, there are certainly some benefits, too, which explains why it became popular in the first place. At the very least, it does make cleaning a tad bit more fun, which is a big plus.