We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Upholstery Trim?

By Susan Grindstaff
Updated: Jan 22, 2024
Views: 8,037
Share

Choosing the right upholstery trim can often change an ordinary piece of furniture into a showpiece. There are many different ways to use upholstery trim, and most fabric retailers offer a wide variety of trims from which to make your selection. Probably the most important thing to consider when selecting your trim is that you want it to accent the piece of furniture rather than overwhelm it. In addition, you should decide if you are going to attach the trim yourself or hire a professional. If you plan to do it yourself, and have no prior experience, you should probably choose trim that is simple to install.

Bullion fringe is one of the most popular types of upholstery trim. It is available in many different lengths and colors. Bullion fringe is made of twisted pieces of narrow cord attached at the top with a header. The header is usually made of guimp, a type of interlaced decorative edging. It can be used with many different types of fabric, and usually works well with both formal and casual pieces of furniture.

Brush fringe is another common type of trim and, like bullion, it is also usually topped with guimp. Brush fringe is made of very narrow hanging threads, usually made of cotton, polyester, or rayon. The fringe hangs very thick, almost looking like thick cuts of hair. It is a bit more dramatic than bullion fringe and is usually used sparingly. Brush fringe is available in many colors and is sometimes made up of two coordinating colors.

Tassel fringe is a type of upholstery trim consisting of a chain of hanging tassels. Though tassel fringe is available in most any color, the most popular colors are generally metallic earth tones of gold, copper, or bronze. Generally, tassel fringe is used to give furnishings a bohemian look, and works well with fabrics such as brocade and damask.

A simple way to enhance furnishings without using fringe is by nailing in decorative metal studs called upholstery tacks. These tacks are available in many different sizes and shapes. Some of the more popular ones are brass with rounded, cap-like tops. Another popular style offers the look of aged, distressed brass with dented, uneven edges.

Wood is also used as upholstery trim, and can be added in strips or by using single medallions. Wood medallions used for this purpose are often intricately carved pieces, and can usually be purchased already finished and stained. These pieces can be attached to furniture by narrow nails, but are more often glued directly onto the fabric.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-upholstery-trim.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.