The pillow from a utility point of view is supposed to support and comfort. Support for the head, neck, spine, and shoulders and a feeling of comfort, and all's right with the world as you drift off to sleep (try sleeping without a pillow and you'll know the difference!).

But, like most other things, the humble pillow has come a long way. Pillows are not only functional; they can also be decorative. There are printed cushions, embroidered and needlepoint cushions, and fringed cushions. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the diminutive to the grossly oversized.

Let?s take a look at the wide range of decorative pillows available. You can get old-world elegance with pillows that are hand-done in wool on needlepoint canvas. You can get tapestry reproductions in jacquard with a backing made of cotton-velvet, or embroidered arabesques with sequined mirrors. You get a choice of pillows crafted with paisley chenille, with tassel fringes. You can get pillows with a faux suede covering. Or you can get them in luxurious silk and satin.

More modern versions include pillows in polyester or cotton; specific-profession pillows like those for doctors, lawyers, teachers, or the armed forces; quilted pillows, and, of course, pillows in every conceivable hue you can dream up! Not to mention pillows featuring flowers, dogs, birds, and wild animals. And even fruits and veggies! You could also choose from message pillows, with exquisitely embroidered letters.

Whatever happened to the plain, old rectangular headrest? It's hard to imagine the change that has been wrought on something so functional. With the passing of the years, it seems to have come out of its grey cocoon and has taken its rightful place in the world of beauty with its myriad, butterfly-like colors! And if anyone says "A pillow is a pillow is a pillow," he hasn't seen what a pillow has come to be today!