Aricomagic, the brand
Who is Aricomagic and how long has the brand existed?
Aricomagic is a French interior decoration brand specialising in functional, design-led decoration, founded in October 2021 in Draguignan, in the Var region of Provence. In our workshop, we design and make reading cushions, the Samoussins, and writing cushions, the Coudoussins, each one paying tribute to a literary author. For five years now, our customers have trusted us online, with no physical shop. The whole adventure is told in the story of Aricomagic.
What is fertile decoration?
It is the philosophy behind everything we create: objects that are beautiful, useful and durable all at once. A fertile object does more than decorate; it serves you every day. The Samoussin helps you read in bed or in an armchair, the Coudoussin helps you write and work at a desk, and both have their place in your interior. We explain it in detail in What is fertile decoration?
General questions about reading cushions
What is a reading cushion and what is it for?
A reading cushion (also called a book holder pillow, book rest or book stand cushion) is an accessory that holds a book or tablet at the right height while you read. It frees your hands and spares you from holding the book at arm’s length. The Samoussin has two parts: a triangular cushion that supports the spine of the book, and a base with two bolsters that keeps everything steady. It lets you read comfortably in bed, in an armchair or on a sofa, for as long as the story holds you. Learn more in What is a reading cushion?
Why use a book holder rather than an ordinary pillow?
A pillow sags, slips and forces you to hold the book with your arms. The Samoussin is designed to keep a steady angle, adjustable to your position, while its wooden page bar holds the pages open. You can read hands-free, with your neck relaxed and your arms at rest. With its carefully crafted design, it is also a decorative object in its own right: it doesn’t hide in a cupboard, it stays in the living room.
What can you read on a Samoussin: paperbacks, tablets, e-readers?
Almost anything. The Samoussin holds paperbacks as well as trade paperbacks, hardbacks and coffee-table books, but also tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab) and e-readers (Kindle, Kobo). The page bar tightens to the thickness of the book, so it even keeps open a small paperback that tends to close on its own. The angle of the triangle adjusts to each use: reading a novel, watching a series or following a recipe on a tablet.
Can the Samoussin be used for anything other than reading?
Yes. The triangle detaches from the base and can be used on its own as a neck cushion, for a nap on the sofa or on a long journey. Placed on a table, the Samoussin also becomes a soft lectern for a notebook, a music score or a drawing tablet.
What is the difference between a reading cushion and a lectern?
A lectern is a rigid wooden or metal stand that sits on a table, suited to reading while seated at a desk. The Samoussin is a soft book rest that sits on your lap, on the bed or on a sun lounger. It goes with every relaxed position: half-reclining, tucked into an armchair, settled on a sofa, in the garden or while travelling.
Where to buy a book holder in France
Where can I buy a reading cushion made in France?
The Samoussin is made in France, in our workshop in Draguignan, in the Var. It is available from the Aricomagic online shop and from our Etsy shop, Aricomagic Atelier. We work with carefully chosen materials, including a recycled anti-dust-mite filling and fabrics selected for how well they wear over time.
Can I buy a Samoussin on Amazon or in a shop?
No. Samoussins are not sold on Amazon or in department stores. Selling directly allows us to keep fair prices all year round, with no middleman, and to stay in touch with our customers. To see the products before you buy, a showroom welcomes you by appointment in Draguignan (Var) and in Paris (15th arrondissement). Simply contact us to book a visit.
How much does a quality book holder cost?
Samoussins are priced between €129 and €145 depending on the model. The price reflects French artisanal production, quality materials and an object built to last. Because the triangle has a removable cover, you can change its style with separately sold triangle covers, without buying a whole new cushion. The Duo offer at €235 lets you equip two readers or two reading corners.
Ergonomics and reading posture
Which reading cushion should I choose to ease my neck while reading?
To spare your neck, the key is to bring the book up to your eyes rather than bending your head down to it. The Samoussin’s adjustable triangle adapts to your position, seated, half-reclining or lying down, so that your gaze falls naturally on the page. Since you no longer hold the book, your shoulders and arms stay relaxed.
What is the best position for reading in bed?
The most comfortable position is half-sitting, with your back propped up by pillows and the book held by a book holder at chest height. The Samoussin rests on your thighs and keeps the book at the right angle. It is best to avoid reading flat on your back or on your stomach, which strain the neck and lower back. Find our advice in the ergonomic book holder for reading in bed and Reading in bed: to sleep or stay awake?
Can a book holder help if you find it hard to hold a book for long?
Yes. For people who feel discomfort in their hands or wrists, whether from arthritis, tendinitis or simply fatigue, the Samoussin brings real comfort. The page bar holds the book open for you, and you turn the pages by simply tilting the bar towards you, without loosening the cord. Heavy books become a pleasure to read again.
Is the Samoussin suitable for older readers?
The Samoussin is enjoyed by readers of all ages, and older readers in particular appreciate how simple it is to use. There is nothing to assemble or plug in: you set it down, adjust the angle, tighten the page bar and read. Being light, it moves easily from armchair to bed. It also makes a thoughtful gift to accompany long hours of reading.
The Samoussin: features and use
What are the dimensions and weight of a Samoussin?
The Samoussin measures approximately 70 cm long, 39 cm high and 24 cm deep, and weighs about 800 g. It is steady enough to support a large-format book, and light enough to move from one reading corner to another or to take on holiday. It fits naturally on a sofa, a bed or a deckchair in the garden.
How do I set up and use a Samoussin?
First, find the leather label: it always goes on the rear bolster. Place the triangle on the base, then pass the twisted satin cords, held in place by the straps, once around the buttons on the front bolster. Adjust the angle of the triangle to suit your position. Place your book, then tighten the page bar over the pages using the cord lock. To turn a page, simply tilt the bar towards you. Everything is explained with pictures in our guide to setting up your Samoussin.
What has changed on the Samoussin since 2025?
In 2025, we refined the design of the Samoussin by adding straps. These loops hold the twisted satin cords that connect the triangle to the base, and ensure perfect stability between the two parts. You can pick the Samoussin up by the tip of the triangle and carry it without the two parts separating. Models made between 2021 and 2024 had no straps. All current Samoussins have them.
Is the Samoussin’s cover removable and washable?
Yes, the triangle cover comes off thanks to a concealed zip. It can be machine-washed at 30 °C on a delicate cycle or dry-cleaned. The base includes wooden and leather parts, so we advise against machine-washing it. The page bar and cords only need a gentle wipe. Replacement triangle covers let you refresh your decor with the seasons.
Is the Samoussin stable on every surface?
Yes. Its bolster base and straps keep it steady on a bed, a sofa, a table, a deckchair or your lap. The page bar holds the book in place whatever your position. The triangle can also be used on its own when reading lying down.
Can I take my Samoussin travelling?
Yes. Light and compact, it slips into a travel bag and follows you to the garden, the terrace, the beach or the train. The triangle alone makes a handy neck cushion for long journeys.
Collection and available models
Why are Aricomagic reading cushions named after authors?
Each Samoussin pays tribute to an author from French or world literature, and its fabric extends that writer’s universe. It is our way of linking decoration, reading and literary heritage. Many of these universes are explored in the Aricomagic magazine, from Victor Hugo’s apartment on the Place des Vosges to George Sand’s house at Nohant and Agatha Christie’s Greenway House.
Which Samoussin models are available?
The collection includes more than fifteen Samoussins, each dressed in its own fabric. Here are a few of them:
- Hugo’s Samoussin: brown tweedy jacquard
- Colette’s Samoussin: camel bouclé
- Sand’s Samoussin: antique floral velvet and pink corduroy
- Duras’s Samoussin: mottled pink chenille velvet and old-rose corduroy
- Sagan’s Samoussin: summery gingham
- Christie’s Samoussin: quilted Indian block-print fabric
- De La Fayette’s Samoussin: toile de Jouy
- Voltaire’s Samoussin: emerald Aubusson jacquard and ecru corduroy
- Flaubert’s Samoussin: dark brown houndstooth short-pile velvet
- Nin’s Samoussin: blush bouclé with a seventies feel
- Dumas’s Samoussin: bronze marbled velvet and brown tweedy jacquard
- Austen’s Samoussin: gold bee jacquard and sea-green corduroy
- Yourcenar’s Samoussin: textured mineral jacquard
- Rimbaud’s Samoussin: burgundy tweed, available for pre-order, out on 15 November 2026
Balzac, Wilde, Fitzgerald… discover the whole collection in the Samoussin shop. New models join it regularly.
Are there reading cushions for children?
The Samoussin comes in one size, designed for adults and teenagers. It also suits children from around 10 to 12 years old, for shared or independent reading. For younger children, it can be used as a tablet stand placed in front of them.
How does the Samoussin fit into a room’s decor?
The choice of fabrics and patterns is at the heart of what we do. The Samoussin is designed as a decorative object that brings character to a living room or bedroom. Interchangeable covers let its style evolve with the seasons, without buying a new cushion. That is fertile decoration: beautiful, useful and durable objects.
Gifts for book lovers
What original gift can I give a passionate reader?
A Samoussin is a gift that is useful, beautiful and durable all at once. Since each model bears an author’s name, you can choose it to match the recipient’s taste: Christie for a crime fiction fan, Hugo for a romantic, Fitzgerald for a lover of the Roaring Twenties, Austen for a reader of English romance. If you are unsure, the Aricomagic gift card, from €35 to €235, leaves the choice of model to them.
Is a book holder a good gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day?
Yes, it is a much-appreciated gift for these occasions. It looks after moments of relaxation, brightens up the home and accompanies reading every day. Each Samoussin arrives in an Aricomagic-branded organic cotton pouch, ready to give. The Duo offer even lets you treat both parents.
Can a reading cushion be personalised?
For professionals (interior designers, decorators, hotels, spas), we make Samoussins in the fabric of your choice, with embroidery or bespoke finishes, from 30 pieces. For individuals looking for a bespoke gift, contact us: we consider every request.
The Coudoussin: writing cushion for desk and computer work
What is a Coudoussin writing cushion?
The Coudoussin, launched in April 2025, is a memory foam writing cushion and forearm rest. It sits in front of your keyboard, or under your forearms when you write by hand, like a textile desk pad. It offers soft support for your wrists, forearms and elbows during long sessions of work or writing. Every Coudoussin comes with a built-in pencil holder and its pencil. Like the Samoussin, it bears an author’s name.
What are the dimensions and weight of a Coudoussin?
The Coudoussin measures approximately 65 cm long, 15 cm wide and 3 cm thick, and weighs about 230 g. Its length lets you rest both forearms in front of a standard keyboard or a laptop.
How can I write more comfortably when I write a lot?
To write or type comfortably, it helps to keep your forearms horizontal and your wrists in line with your hands. The Coudoussin’s memory foam moulds to the shape of your arms and spreads the support, where a rigid wrist rest creates a pressure point. Combined with regular breaks, it makes long days of writing more pleasant.
Is the Coudoussin suitable for working from home?
Yes, it was designed for it. Its memory foam keeps its support all day, and it is easy to carry from one desk to another. Placed on your lap, it also turns a sofa into a comfortable workstation. Its fabrics, chosen from the heavier weaves and velvets of our collections, make it an elegant desk accessory, far from black plastic wrist rests.
Which Coudoussin models are available?
All Coudoussins are priced at €35. Here are a few models from the collection:
- Hugo’s Coudoussin
- Colette’s Coudoussin
- Sand’s Coudoussin
- Duras’s Coudoussin
- Balzac’s Coudoussin
- Dumas’s Coudoussin
- Voltaire’s Coudoussin
- Austen’s Coudoussin
- Conan Doyle’s Coudoussin, in tartan
- Rimbaud’s Coudoussin, available for pre-order, out on 15 November 2026
The collection grows regularly: find every available model in the Coudoussin shop. Most are matched to a Samoussin, so your reading corner and your desk can coordinate. Not every Samoussin fabric is suitable, as the Coudoussin needs heavier weaves.
What is the difference between a standard wrist rest and the Coudoussin?
A standard wrist rest is a narrow bar of gel or rigid foam that only supports the wrists. The Coudoussin is a true forearm rest, wider (15 cm) and longer (65 cm), that supports the whole forearm and keeps your elbows off the hard desk. Its memory foam adapts to each body shape, and its fabric makes it a decorative object for your workspace.
French craftsmanship and our commitments
Are Aricomagic cushions really made in France?
Yes. The Samoussin and the Coudoussin are designed and made in France, in our workshop in Draguignan, in the Var. Sophie Bonnet-Langer, founder of Aricomagic, oversees every stage of production. Raw materials are sourced in France or Europe: a filling made from recycled textile offcuts for the Samoussin, memory foam produced in the Auvergne for the Coudoussin, and haberdashery from local suppliers.
Are Aricomagic reading cushions eco-friendly?
We built the brand around a responsible approach. The Samoussin’s filling uses recycled anti-dust-mite fibres made from European textile offcuts. The removable triangle cover extends the life of the product: you change the cover rather than throwing the whole cushion away. Our fabrics are chosen for their durability and timelessness rather than to follow passing trends. Local production limits transport.
How long does a Samoussin last?
A Samoussin is designed to last for many years. Its fibre filling keeps its loft, and its cover can be washed and replaced when worn, without changing the whole cushion. Since Aricomagic was founded in 2021, many readers have used theirs every day. It is an object you keep for a long time, and can even pass on.
Delivery and customer service
What are the delivery times and costs?
Delivery is free to a pick-up point in mainland France. Home delivery is available for an additional charge. Orders are prepared and dispatched within 3 to 5 working days, with our carriers UPS, Chronopost and Shop2Shop. We also deliver internationally, with costs calculated according to the destination.
Can I return a book holder if it doesn’t suit me?
Yes. In accordance with the French Consumer Code, you have 14 days from receipt to notify us of your decision to withdraw. The product must be returned complete, unused, unwashed and in its original packaging. Return costs are your responsibility, and you will be refunded within 14 days of our receiving the return. Personalised or made-to-measure products are not covered by the right of withdrawal. Full details are on our Returns & exchanges page.
Is there a warranty or after-sales service?
Each piece is carefully made in our workshop and checked before dispatch. In the event of a manufacturing defect or non-conformity, contact us and we will find a solution together. We are also on hand for any advice on using your Samoussin or Coudoussin.
How can I contact Aricomagic customer service?
You can email us at contact@aricomagic.fr or call us on +33 9 52 67 33 17. Sophie, the founder, answers requests personally. A showroom welcomes you by appointment in Draguignan (Var) and in Paris (15th arrondissement) to discover our reading and writing cushions in person. You can also find us on Instagram (@aricomagic.fr), Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and TikTok.
Can I buy a Samoussin from outside France?
Yes, the online shop ships worldwide. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Orders are prepared within 3 to 5 working days, after which delivery time depends on the destination country. For any specific request, contact us.
Is the Samoussin available for professional orders?
Yes. We support hotels, spas, interior designers and decorators in creating bespoke reading and writing cushions, from 30 pieces: fabrics in the colours of your establishment, logo embroidery, specific finishes. Full details are on our professional orders page.
This FAQ was updated in October 2026. Models, delivery times and prices may change.
Ce qu’il faut savoir sur les liens
- Les liens supprimés. Une dizaine d’articles français n’ont pas d’équivalent anglais repéré : Hugo place des Vosges, Nohant, Greenway House, Balzac, Sagan, le guide de posture, « lire sans les mains », etc. Plutôt que d’envoyer un lecteur anglophone vers une page en français, j’ai retiré ces liens et gardé le texte. Il suffira de les rajouter quand les traductions existeront.
- Austen et Yourcenar ne sont pas encore dans la boutique anglaise, donc ils apparaissent sans lien.
- Les Coudoussins n’ont pas de catégorie anglaise. J’ai laissé les liens vers les fiches françaises, faute de mieux.
- Le tissu du Dumas, trouvé sur la boutique anglaise : velours marbré bronze et jacquard tweedy marron. Vous pouvez ajouter cette ligne à la version française : « Samoussin Dumas : velours marbré bronze et jacquard tweedy marron ».
