Upholstery Trim Types

At the heart of every timeless design are little details that transform a room from functional to fashionable. In a traditional home, the focal point of a room is usually the seating you choose. A chaise lounge, loveseat, settee, or sofa has a distinctive way of drawing us in and inviting us to sit for a while. Part of what draws us in is the careful attention to detail in the design of a seat. Although a hand-carved frame and rich ornamentation can give any custom-made couch or seat a sense of elegance, we often overlook the importance of workmanship put into each and every inch of trim and upholstery. There are several types of upholstery trim and knowing the differences between each type may help you decide when it comes to customizing your own chaise lounge, loveseat, settee, or sofa.

Types of Upholstery Trim

• Cord: Cording, also known as piping or welting, is commonly used to create a seam that stands out against furniture upholstery or throw pillows. A strip of folded fabric is inserted into the middle of a seam and sewn inside the fabric to define the edges of a textile. Cord, also known as cable, consists of two or more strands of suede, leather, fabric, and other materials that are twisted or plaited together to reinforce seams.

• Eyelet: An eyelet trim strikes the perfect balance between delicacy and sturdiness, with an intricate cut-out design that looks great when set against contrasting upholstery fabric. Eyelet trimming is commonly used to make ruffles.

• Flat Braid: A flat braid trim consists of a long strand that comes in different braid patterns and widths. This type of trim is commonly added to seams along the arms of chairs or sofas and along the bottom section of seating.

• Fringe: A fringe trim was traditionally used as a way of preventing a cut piece of fabric from unraveling where hemming was not used. This type of trim adds a dash of additional elegance to upholstered furniture. A fringe comes in a wide variety of materials and widths, including long tassels, pom-poms, loops, knots or brush-cut fringe. A tassel trim is most often used at the edge of upholstered furnishings or at the corners of pillows.

• Galloon: A galloon trim is braided or woven and usually made of embroidery, lace, or thread. This decorative trim is a very wide type of trim that commonly incorporates metallic threads to embellish the skirts of upholstered furniture.

• Nailhead: A nailhead trim is created by simply hammering nails or sharp tacks with dome-like tops into place. This type of trim is commonly used on elegant furnishings or used to give antique reproductions a sense of rustic charm. Nailhead trimming was historically used to hide areas where upholstery was tacked into the wood frame of the furniture.

• Ribbon: A ribbon trim is quite simple but it comes in a wide variety of colors and styles to suit any need or taste.

• Rick Rack: A rick rack trim, also spelled as “ric rac” trim, is a flat, braid-like trim that features a zig-zag shape. This type of trim is commonly sewn into pillows and along the bottom of sofas or seats. Rick rack trim is much more of a recent innovation, especially since the 1960s and 70s, but it can be used to give antique reproductions a modern look.

• Scallop: A scallop trim, also known as gimp trim, is a flat, narrow type of trim that is commonly used to embellish pillows or hide the seams of upholstered cushions. This type of trim features an arch-shaped or dome-shaped stitching that is usually sewn along the edge of the upholstery fabric.

• Tape: A tape trim features a flat, smooth weave that is used to create a clean border along the seams of pillows, slipcovers, and upholstery. Tape trim is commonly embellished by a fringe of beads or threads. Bias tape consists of a long strip of fabric that has been cut at a 45-degree angle to give the trim more flex and prevent bunching or kinking.

Now that you know the different types of upholstery trim, hopefully you have a better idea of the type of decorative detailing that will best complement your home. At Laurel Crown, we offer an assortment of customization and upholstery options for customers interested in designing one-of-a-kind furniture. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.