Sofa Secrets: Before You Buy or Reupholster
Consider these style elements when shopping for a sofa, having one custom made or updating the one you already own
When it comes to selecting or updating a sofa, you might want to consider options beyond the fabric. Design details like tufting, banding and nailheads can either dress up a sofa or keep it casual. Find out which details can make a piece more traditional, more modern or just plain old spectacular.
Welts
A welt is a thin cord that runs along the seam, often on the edges of throw pillows and seat cushions. A welt adds a tailored touch and tends to look more traditional. You can help the welt pop by making its fabric a different type or colour than that of the cushion, a graphic touch that works well on pieces that have a distinct shape.
A welt is a thin cord that runs along the seam, often on the edges of throw pillows and seat cushions. A welt adds a tailored touch and tends to look more traditional. You can help the welt pop by making its fabric a different type or colour than that of the cushion, a graphic touch that works well on pieces that have a distinct shape.
Flat stitches
Some stitch types produce a flatter seam. Topstitching is a common one, but there are others, like French seam and blind seam. But don’t get too caught up in the specifics, because the overall look is the same: a bit more modern and less fancy than a welt. Flat stitches are ideal if you want to tone down a piece.
Some stitch types produce a flatter seam. Topstitching is a common one, but there are others, like French seam and blind seam. But don’t get too caught up in the specifics, because the overall look is the same: a bit more modern and less fancy than a welt. Flat stitches are ideal if you want to tone down a piece.
Flanges
A flange is fabric on a cushion that extends beyond the seam. It creates a border of flat fabric –think a ruffle without all the folds. It can be used on throw pillows, sofa cushions or slipcovered pieces and creates a more formal look.
A flange is fabric on a cushion that extends beyond the seam. It creates a border of flat fabric –think a ruffle without all the folds. It can be used on throw pillows, sofa cushions or slipcovered pieces and creates a more formal look.
Skirt banding
If your furniture piece has a skirt, you can add a band of a different fabric to the bottom of it. The band is typically 1 to 9 inches wide and can help break up the monotony of patterned upholstery. But if you’re going to use it, limit it to just one type of furniture in a room. Having bands on all the pieces can feel overwhelming.
If your furniture piece has a skirt, you can add a band of a different fabric to the bottom of it. The band is typically 1 to 9 inches wide and can help break up the monotony of patterned upholstery. But if you’re going to use it, limit it to just one type of furniture in a room. Having bands on all the pieces can feel overwhelming.
Non-skirt banding
You can also use banding on pieces that don’t have a skirt. This is done by applying fabric a half-inch to 1 inch wide to the bottom of the piece and keeping it in place with nail heads. This is a great design detail that looks good with most decor styles (with the exception of super modern). A favourite fabric to use is linen because it comes in a variety of muted colours and has a texture that mixes well with other fabrics.
You can also use banding on pieces that don’t have a skirt. This is done by applying fabric a half-inch to 1 inch wide to the bottom of the piece and keeping it in place with nail heads. This is a great design detail that looks good with most decor styles (with the exception of super modern). A favourite fabric to use is linen because it comes in a variety of muted colours and has a texture that mixes well with other fabrics.
Diamond tufting
Tufting consists of depressions in the upholstery created by pulling a threaded button taut into the fabric. When the tufting creates a diamond pattern, you have a diamond tuft. This a definitely a more traditional and formal look. You can also change the fabric on the buttons or use pearl or faux tortoiseshell buttons to add a unique touch.
Tufting consists of depressions in the upholstery created by pulling a threaded button taut into the fabric. When the tufting creates a diamond pattern, you have a diamond tuft. This a definitely a more traditional and formal look. You can also change the fabric on the buttons or use pearl or faux tortoiseshell buttons to add a unique touch.
Waffle tufting
With waffle tufting, pieces of fabric are sewn together, resulting in a dimple where the seams intersect and creating a rectangular pattern in the fabric. This is the most modern version of tufting, and you don’t even need buttons in the dimples if you don’t want them. Since waffle tufting adds a nice texture without getting too fancy, it works well in midcentury homes or more masculine rooms.
With waffle tufting, pieces of fabric are sewn together, resulting in a dimple where the seams intersect and creating a rectangular pattern in the fabric. This is the most modern version of tufting, and you don’t even need buttons in the dimples if you don’t want them. Since waffle tufting adds a nice texture without getting too fancy, it works well in midcentury homes or more masculine rooms.
Nailhead trim
Nailhead trim can make a piece of furniture look more rustic, formal or modern — it all depends on the finish of the nail and how it’s applied.
Nailhead is typically a more traditional design touch, so if you’re going for a completely modern space, you probably should skip it. But if you like a mix of modern and traditional, nailheads just might be your best friend, since they can give modern pieces a classic feel.
Nailhead trim can make a piece of furniture look more rustic, formal or modern — it all depends on the finish of the nail and how it’s applied.
Nailhead is typically a more traditional design touch, so if you’re going for a completely modern space, you probably should skip it. But if you like a mix of modern and traditional, nailheads just might be your best friend, since they can give modern pieces a classic feel.
Nailhead is applied to the borders of furniture, either to the whole piece or just one part. If you want to keep it subtle, put nailhead just around the base. Going around the whole piece makes more of an impact and is great for furniture with an interesting shape, such as a curvy headboard. It’s also a nice touch on a piece whose back faces the room.
Nickel Nailheads
Probably the most common type of nailhead, nickel trim is silver in colour and can be matte or shiny. It looks great on more modern furniture styles and adds a glamorous touch to traditional pieces. It really pops on darker colors like navy and charcoal.
Probably the most common type of nailhead, nickel trim is silver in colour and can be matte or shiny. It looks great on more modern furniture styles and adds a glamorous touch to traditional pieces. It really pops on darker colors like navy and charcoal.
Brass Nailheads
Brass nails can range from a matte yellow to a shinier gold. Matte brass is very versatile and is generally more understated than nickel. Shiny brass will stand out more and is definitely glamorous; it looks great against dark colors like black.
Brass nails can range from a matte yellow to a shinier gold. Matte brass is very versatile and is generally more understated than nickel. Shiny brass will stand out more and is definitely glamorous; it looks great against dark colors like black.
Vintage or aged nailheads
Nailhead that has been hammered or coloured to look worn belongs firmly in the rustic camp. It would be great on a piece of furniture going in a cabin or farmhouse. Amp up the rustic vibe even more by pairing it with distressed leather.
Nailhead that has been hammered or coloured to look worn belongs firmly in the rustic camp. It would be great on a piece of furniture going in a cabin or farmhouse. Amp up the rustic vibe even more by pairing it with distressed leather.
Tack trim nailheads
Small, dainty tack trim is great for a subtle touch. Since it’s not your standard nailhead, it can be perfect for updating an otherwise traditional style. Typically darker in colour, tack trim creates a faint outline around a piece, adding interest.
Small, dainty tack trim is great for a subtle touch. Since it’s not your standard nailhead, it can be perfect for updating an otherwise traditional style. Typically darker in colour, tack trim creates a faint outline around a piece, adding interest.
Nailhead application
Nails can be applied right next to each other (head-to-head) or with space in between. The latter is a more modern look and works to update a traditional style or enhance a modern piece. Apply nails head-to-head for a more classic look.
More Secrets:
How to Buy a Chair
Must-Have Furniture Pieces for Small Spaces
Tell us:
Which style will you go for? Tell us in Comments.
Nails can be applied right next to each other (head-to-head) or with space in between. The latter is a more modern look and works to update a traditional style or enhance a modern piece. Apply nails head-to-head for a more classic look.
More Secrets:
How to Buy a Chair
Must-Have Furniture Pieces for Small Spaces
Tell us:
Which style will you go for? Tell us in Comments.
One design element that varies greatly from sofa to sofa is seam style (how the edges of the fabric are sewn together). The impact can be subtle, but seam type can determine how formal or casual a piece looks.