A velvet curtain can be beautifully made and still feel incomplete. The addition of a fine bullion fringe along its leading edge, or a narrow gimp braid defining a cushion seam, changes the impression entirely: the piece gains depth, intention and a sense of finish. Knowing how to use passementerie trim is less about adding ornament for its own sake and more about using line, texture and proportion to give a room its final layer of character. Check out one of our favourites Samuel and Sons.
Passementerie has a long decorative history, yet it belongs just as naturally in a contemporary interior as it does in a formal drawing room. Used with restraint, it can make plain linen feel more tailored, soften the geometry of modern furniture or introduce a note of quiet theatre to an otherwise pared-back scheme.
What passementerie brings to an interior
Passementerie describes decorative trimmings made from fibres such as silk, linen, wool, cotton, viscose and metallic threads. The family includes braids, cords, fringes, tassels, rosettes and gimps. Their value lies in their ability to articulate an edge or transition – the point where one material meets another, or where an upholstered form meets the room around it.
In a layered interior, trim can create visual continuity between elements that would otherwise read separately. A cushion finished in the same cord used on a Roman blind, for example, establishes a discreet relationship without resorting to matching fabric throughout. Equally, a contrast braid can introduce a deliberate interruption: a dark outline on pale upholstery, a saffron cord against tobacco velvet, or a silk fringe bringing movement to a sculptural occasional chair.
The most successful schemes treat passementerie as a considered design device rather than a decorative afterthought. It should respond to the room’s architecture, the weight of the textiles and the level of formality you wish to evoke.
How to use passementerie trim in curtains and blinds
Window treatments offer one of the most elegant opportunities for passementerie. A trim can frame an expanse of fabric, give definition to a leading edge and make a made-to-measure curtain feel individually commissioned.
For full-length curtains, consider a narrow braid or cord down the inside leading edge. This is often more refined than trimming every outer edge, particularly in a contemporary room. The effect is most persuasive when the trim either picks up a quieter shade from the fabric or offers a controlled contrast. On a wool, linen or plain weave, a silk or satin braid can bring subtle lustre. On a formal damask or velvet, a more textural gimp or bullion fringe may be appropriate.
A deeper fringe at the lower edge of a curtain has greater presence and suits rooms with generous ceiling heights, substantial furniture and a confident decorative language. In a compact room, however, it may visually lower the curtain and feel overly elaborate. Here, a slim woven tape or fine brush fringe is generally the better choice.
Roman blinds benefit from trim placed with particular precision. A narrow border around the lower edge gives the blind a crisp finish, while a small tassel fringe can soften a tailored silhouette. Avoid using a bulky trim on a blind that is raised frequently: it can interfere with the folds and make the treatment sit awkwardly when open.
Choose the right scale
Scale is the decision that separates a sophisticated detail from one that overwhelms. A delicate 8mm braid may disappear on heavily textured fabric or on curtains in a large reception room. Conversely, a deep, elaborate fringe can overpower a small cushion or a fine linen shade.
As a guide, the more substantial the fabric and the larger the object, the more visual weight the trim can carry. A wide braid may suit a grand upholstered headboard, whereas a fine cord is often enough to define the edges of a tailored scatter cushion. Always view a generous sample against the actual fabric and, where possible, in the intended room. Daylight, lamplight and the surrounding finishes can alter the perceived colour and sheen considerably.
Use trim to sharpen upholstery
Passementerie is particularly effective on upholstery because it follows the architecture of a piece. It can outline a curved chair back, emphasise the clean profile of a bench or conceal and elevate a join between fabrics.
Piping, made by enclosing cord within a strip of fabric or braid, offers the most restrained approach. It creates a defined edge on cushions, seat pads and headboards, and is ideal when the fabric itself has a bold pattern. A self-piped cushion feels cohesive and calm; a contrasting cord adds graphic distinction. For a tailored, contemporary look, select a cord close in tone to the main fabric but different in texture, such as matt linen against polished velvet.
Decorative braid can be applied over a seam or around the perimeter of an upholstered panel. This is especially useful on a headboard, where it can introduce a border without the visual density of a second fabric. On an occasional chair, a narrow braid following the outside back can lend an atelier-like finish. The line should respect the chair’s form rather than compete with it.
Fringe asks for a more deliberate hand. It is beautiful on the skirt of an ottoman, the lower edge of a loose-covered chair or a valance, where movement is part of the appeal. Avoid placing long fringe where it will be caught by doors, dragged across deep-pile rugs or constantly disturbed by daily use. Luxury is not only about appearance; it must also perform gracefully.
Bring depth to cushions, lampshades and smaller pieces
Smaller soft furnishings are an excellent place to introduce more expressive passementerie. They allow a room to carry a touch of colour, tactility or period reference without committing an entire upholstered piece to it.
A single cushion can be transformed with brush fringe along two opposing edges, a delicate braid framing a central panel or a tasselled corner detail. Keep the composition clear. If the fabric is ornate, choose a quiet trim that echoes one of its background tones. If the fabric is plain, the trim can take a more leading role.
Lampshades respond beautifully to narrow braid, ruched ribbon or fringe, particularly when the base is ceramic, alabaster or patinated metal. The key is proportion. A shade with a slim profile needs a very fine treatment, while a wider empire or drum shade can carry a deeper fringe. Consider the light itself as well: metallic or high-sheen threads will catch the glow and create a more decorative evening mood.
Passementerie can also enrich decorative accessories. A fabric-lined tray, a bespoke screen or a small footstool may only need one impeccably chosen edge to feel more personal. These details shape experiences at close range, rewarding the eye without demanding attention from across the room.
Balance colour, texture and period
There is no requirement for passementerie to match a fabric exactly. In fact, an exact match can occasionally feel flat. Tonal variation often has more depth: bronze against olive, parchment against chalk, midnight blue against ink, or tobacco against warm ivory.
Texture matters just as much. A sleek silk cord against nubby linen creates contrast; wool braid on velvet feels softer and more enveloping. Metallic thread can introduce a subtle gleam, but it should be repeated elsewhere through hardware, lighting or picture frames so that it belongs to the wider scheme.
Period is a useful consideration, not a restriction. Tassels and bullion fringe naturally reference decorative traditions, but their use need not make a room feel historic. Pair a classic trim with crisp upholstery lines, contemporary art and sculptural lighting, and the result can feel collected rather than nostalgic. Conversely, a highly minimal space may benefit from a single traditional flourish, provided it is placed with confidence.
Specify trim with craftsmanship in mind
The finish of passementerie depends as much on workmanship as on selection. A trim should be applied evenly, with corners neatly mitred and joins planned where they will be least visible. On upholstery, ask for the trim to be securely hand-finished rather than simply glued. Adhesive can be useful in limited situations, but it may fail over time, particularly on pieces exposed to warmth, sunlight or regular handling.
Order sufficient quantity from the same dye lot wherever possible. Trimmings can vary subtly between batches, especially those with natural fibres or hand-finished elements. It is also wise to allow extra for pattern matching, corners, returns and any unexpected adjustments during making.
For pieces that will see frequent use, consider maintenance before committing. Delicate tassels and long fringes are less suitable for family sofas, dining chairs or heavily used cushions. A flat braid, piped edge or tightly woven cord offers durability while retaining the tailored finish that makes bespoke work so compelling.
Passementerie is at its best when it appears inevitable – a detail so well judged that the room feels incomplete without it. Begin with one edge, one piece or one repeated accent, then let the quality of the materials and the craft of the making tell the story.
11th October, 2026
9th October, 2026
