For many anime fans a dakimakura is more than just a pillow. These large body pillows, often adorned with vibrant designs featuring beloved characters from anime, manga, or video games have become treasured items with significant sentimental value. Whether you use them for comfort, decoration or self-expression dakimakura can be a unique part of your home décor. But as much as these pillows are functional, they can also be beautifully displayed and appreciated as works of art.
If you’re looking for ways to showcase your dakimakura collection or incorporate them into your home more stylishly and creatively, there are plenty of options to choose from. From simple storage ideas to full-blown decorative arrangements, displaying your dakimakura can be an exciting opportunity to express your style while keeping your space organized. This article will explore several creative ways to display your dakimakura at home, offering ideas for functional and aesthetic display solutions.
1. Framing Your Dakimakura Artwork
If you have a favorite dakimakura design or a particularly special pillow, framing the artwork is one of the most unique ways to display it. While dakimakura are typically used as body pillows, their artwork can be separated and framed as a beautiful piece of wall art. This option lets you highlight your favorite character and turn the pillow into a stunning display piece for your home.
How to Frame a Dakimakura:
- Carefully remove the cover from the pillow. Some dakimakura covers are removable, making separating the fabric from the cushion inside easier.
- Use a large picture frame with a border that complements the colors and style of the artwork. Depending on the size of your dakimakura, you might need to get a custom-sized frame or use a large poster frame to fit the dimensions.
- Consider using a fabric backdrop inside the frame to showcase the artwork more clearly. A simple neutral-colored fabric or patterned background can add depth to the presentation.
Framing your dakimakura artwork can be a way to preserve its artistic value while also giving it a place in your home as a piece of anime-inspired décor. You can hang it in your living room, bedroom, or personal office space to make a unique statement.
2. Create a Themed Corner or Display Nook
For anime fans who want to go beyond just displaying a single dakimakura, creating an entire themed display nook or corner in your home is a fantastic way to showcase multiple dakimakura in style. This setup can combine various items that complement your dakimakura, such as figurines, posters, and other anime memorabilia.
How to Create a Themed Corner:
- Select a corner or wall in your room with enough space to accommodate your dakimakura and any additional decorations.
- Use shelves or stands to display other collectibles, such as action figures, art prints, or manga books. Arrange them around the dakimakura for a complete, immersive anime display.
- Add soft lighting to highlight your dakimakura and other pieces. Use LED strips or decorative lamps to create a cozy, lit-up space that draws attention to your collection.
- Incorporate matching décor like pillows, throws, and rugs that tie the room together and make the display feel cohesive.
A themed display corner can create a space in your home that feels like a personal anime sanctuary, where you can fully immerse yourself in your love for the series and characters that mean the most to you.
3. Pillow Storage and Display Combo
Not everyone wants to keep their dakimakura on display all the time, especially if you prefer a tidy home or need to store your body pillows when they aren’t in use. However, you can combine storage and display by using creative furniture pieces that double as functional and decorative storage solutions.
Ideas for Storage and Display Combo:
- Storage benches: A bench with an open or closed storage compartment can be a practical and stylish way to store your dakimakura. Place a bench in your entryway or at the foot of your bed to hold extra pillows and use the top surface for decorative purposes.
- Wall-mounted racks: If you prefer to keep your dakimakura off the floor, consider using a wall-mounted rack or hanging rod. This setup can hold several dakimakura covers, rolled up or hung flat, giving them an organized and visually appealing display.
- Under-bed storage: Utilize under-bed storage containers to stow away dakimakura and other soft items. A low-profile storage box with a clear lid will allow you to see what’s inside without searching the container. When ready to use them, simply pull out the pillow for easy access.
This approach keeps your space neat while allowing you to store your dakimakura out of sight when not in use without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of your collection.
4. Use Dakimakura as Bed Décor
One of the most obvious places to incorporate your dakimakura is your bed. However, you can take this to the next level by using your pillows as central décor pieces. Instead of just casually throwing a dakimakura on the bed, turn it into the focal point of your bedding arrangement.
Ideas for Using Dakimakura as Bed Décor:
- Place them on decorative pillowcases: Layer your dakimakura over other decorative pillows, or use matching pillowcases to create a coordinated look. You can arrange the dakimakura to mimic a pillow fort or use it as a backrest for added comfort while lounging.
- Create a bedspread look: If you have multiple dakimakura, arrange them as part of a larger bedspread design, with each pillow representing a different character or scene.
- Frame the bed with dakimakura: Lay dakimakura on either side of your bed to create a themed border. This works especially well if you want to showcase several designs from the same anime series or artist.
Using dakimakura as part of your bedding setup adds personal flair to your bedroom and turns the pillows into a comfortable, stylish part of your home décor.
5. Use of Pillow Frame or Pillow Stand
Those who want to display their dakimakura in a more structured way should consider investing in a pillow frame or pillow stand. These specially designed stands hold your dakimakura in an upright position, much like an art display, allowing you to show off the full-length design of your pillow without the need to remove the cover.
Benefits of Pillow Frames and Stands:
- Keeps the pillow in pristine condition: By elevating the pillow off surfaces, a frame or stand helps to maintain its shape and prevent it from getting dirty or worn.
- Easy access: With a pillow stand, you can easily swap out your dakimakura when changing the design or rotating your collection.
- Versatility: Some stands come with adjustable features, allowing you to display your dakimakura at various angles or orientations, creating a dynamic display in your room.
This option is perfect for fans who want to preserve the integrity of their dakimakura and showcase it in an elevated way that feels both artistic and functional.
6. Show in a Glass Showcase
If you’re an avid collector of rare or limited-edition dakimakura, consider showcasing them in a glass display case. This protective yet stylish method ensures that your pillows remain in excellent condition while being beautifully presented for admiration.
Tips for Using a Display Case:
- Choose a case with adjustable shelves to fit various sizes of dakimakura.
- Add ambient lighting to highlight the details of the character art.
- Incorporate other collectibles like anime figurines or models to enhance the case and create a complete display.
A display case can serve as a showcase for your collection, especially if you own high-value dakimakura or want to protect them from dust or damage while still enjoying their aesthetic beauty.
7. Hanging Dakimakura as Tapestries
If you prefer a larger, bolder display, consider hanging your dakimakura as tapestries. The size and fabric of many dakimakura make them ideal for wall decoration, transforming them from simple pillows into large, eye-catching pieces of art.
How to Hang Dakimakura as Tapestries:
- Use curtain hooks or a rod pocket to hang your dakimakura from a wall-mounted rod.
- Consider using a high-quality tension rod to hang the dakimakura without putting holes in the wall.
- Pair the hanging dakimakura with additional decorative elements, like lights, banners, or shelves, to create a visually stunning setup.
Hanging dakimakura as tapestries offers a creative way to display your pillows while making a statement in your room.
Conclusion
There are many creative ways to display your dakimakura at home, whether you frame them, create a themed display or use functional furniture pieces to show them off. Each display idea allows you to express your style and fandom pride while ensuring your dakimakura remains an integral part of your living space. Whether you want a cozy, anime-inspired corner or a chic and organized display, there’s a method for everyone to incorporate their dakimakura into their home décor.