The delight is in the details, and applying the finishing touches to your upholstered furniture is no exception. A seemingly ordinary neutral toned sofa will suddenly become a visual statement when you add custom details and trims to make it your own.
Decorative cording is a great way to enhance the lines where a self welt would normally reside. Braided cords of contrasting colors outline the cushions, the curves of the arms or back, and run along the top of the skirt. Choose something that accents the main fabric color of your piece, and offers complimentary colors that match your patterns.
Using a decorative flat tape is a unique way to detail a skirt. Usually a woven tape that resembles a wide ribbon, this accent is applied at the bottom of an upholstered skirt, or along the bottom flat edge of an exposed wooden piece. Either way, it gives a finished edge to an otherwise overlooked area. Many flat tapes are now accentuated with embroidered details or patterns.
Instead of using decorative cording at the edge of your cushions, experiment with a contrasting fabric made into a short, flat flange. Never more than 1” deep, this intricate detail extends from the edge of your cushion where welt normally is applied and gives the appearance of a ruffle without making the piece overly feminine. You’ll find these on smaller chair cushions in addition to the larger pieces.
Decorative buttons made from the same threads as your fringes and cords are perfect accents for the round front side of each chair arm. They are often applied at the corner of a kick pleat or dressmaker’s skirt. Boxed pleated skirts are also popular on many styles of upholstery, with each pleat being accentuated by a button at its top.
Consider chair ties that extend your cording along a loose chair seat or bench. Beading, feathers, and key tassel fringes, are additional ways to add flavorful details to your upholstered pieces.
Hickory Furniture Mart is a valuable resource for all of your decorating and home furnishing needs. There are several North Carolina furniture outlets located inside the Mart in addition to a variety of showrooms which offer customization to suit every preference and lifestyle.