When you invite a big crowd over to your place to watch a movie or say, the Boston Celtics beating the Lakers in the current NBA Finals, you need extra seating. So we’d been brainstorming about how to add comfortable floor seating in front of our low couches. Then, serendipitously we received a random catalog in the mail from Eastern Serenity and we discovered these traditional Thai Triangle Pillows...
In Thailand, according to our cursory research, these triangle pillows are called Mon Thai (Thai Pillow) or Mon Kwan (Axe Pillow) and have been used for hundreds of years as versatile pieces for sitting, sleeping and decoration. They come in a wide array of colors, sizes and styles and are often filled with all-natural, sustainable kapok. You can use the basic triangle pillow as a stand alone bolster pillow or you can get a one, two, three, or four-fold triangle pillow which can be extended and folded in different configurations (e.g. extended for reclining to watch TV or folded to sit up to eat at a low coffee table).
Has anyone had experience with Thai pillows? How do they compare to something like a back jack floor seat? What other solutions have you come up with for extra seating when you have a crowd over to watch movies?
Photo 1: House of Thailand Two-Fold Thai Pillow
Photo 2: Eastern Serenity One-Fold Thai Pillow
Photo 3: Eastern Serenity Two-Fold Thai Pillow
- Kyle Freeman
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I love them and the price is reasonable, but the sewer in me wishes she could find a pattern for these. They don't look hard to make...
view Jaie's profile
That comment about the Lakers hurt...really hurt [hands over heart]
view gregory's profile
I used to love those kinds of chairs growing up! This version is a ton prettier than anything we had back then... how fun! I am putting them on my wish list for sure!
view Aimeeroo's profile
I picked up three of these in Thailand years ago. Mine is usually just decorative, but the one I gave my then college-aged sister saw lots of use in her basement apartment. Several of her friends found it incredibly comfortable- much better than just lounging on the floor. My husband uses his to cushion a bench in his entryway- you can see it here.
view Colleen in DC's profile
I have been looking for how to get these near my place since living in thailand a few years back. They are really comfortable, though I would recommend having at least one fold so that your weight will keep it in place. The family I lived with had 2 and 3 fold versions and they were great. didn't have bagage room to take any home, which is prob. good since one of the smaller pillows I did pack (a gift) was stolen from my bag in transit. I've seen these in France and portland but nowhere near philly and nowhere I could order. Thanks At. I highly recommend these.
view kollros's profile
They have these pillows all through out Southeast Asia. In Cambodian it is translated to the "Ax Pillow." I personally don't find them comfortable but they are beautiful.
view scydream's profile
I had one of these for many years until my college roomate visited with his puppy and she ate off half the top! They are great for lounging, watching TV, etc. and being able to stretch out. Mine was also partially filled with kapok and smelled great!
view camiller's profile
In Thailand you see these everywhere in many different patterns and usually very colorful. I have found them in the United States in a few areas but uniquely-thai.com has a wide selection and they do have good prices.
view djolin's profile