From Tassels to Tape - Exploring the World of Drapery Trim
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Welcome to the world of drapery embellishment, where the ancient art of passementerie transforms ordinary curtains into extraordinary masterpieces. Passementerie, the craft of creating decorative trimmings, has adorned royal chambers and graced the homes of discerning decorators for centuries. Today, we're bringing this timeless technique to your windows.
In this guide, we'll explore how to passementerie your way to stunning draperies that will make your neighbors green with envy. From tassels that dance in the breeze to intricate banding that frames your view, we'll uncover the secrets of using passementerie to add that perfect finishing touch to your window treatments. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a DIY enthusiast, you'll discover how these small details can make a huge impact, just as they have in royal chambers and elegant homes throughout history.
We'll delve into the various types of trims, from classic banding to modern tape, and show you how to choose the right passementerie for your style and space. You'll learn how to incorporate these time-honored techniques into your home, creating window treatments rival discerning decorators from centuries ago. So, pull back the curtains on boring window treatments, and let's explore the transformative power of passementerie. Get ready to trim, embellish, and elevate your draperies to new heights of elegance and sophistication, continuing a tradition that has beautified homes for generations.
What is “passementerie?”
Passementerie is decorative trim that includes elements like tassels, fringe, braid, ribbon, or beading. Passementerie has the power to transform standard draperies into bespoke window treatments that look and feel tailor-made for the space, adding sophistication and personalization that off-the-shelf options can't match.
Using Trim as a Decorative Element
Trim is a small but mighty detail that can elevate a room's entire aesthetic and, when done well, can whisper "custom" to anyone who enters. The world of drapery trim is diverse, offering many options to suit any aesthetic preference. From timeless classics to cutting-edge contemporary designs, there's a trim to elevate every design vision. However, selecting the ideal trim transcends personal taste—it must harmonize with your drapery fabric to function well and your room's overall character for a cohesive and intentional look. When coordinating trim with fabric and decor, you must balance visual appeal and practicality to ensure the final result is stunning and functional.
The perfect drapery-trim ensemble hinges on the harmonious marriage of trim and fabric. The key lies in balancing weight, color, and style.
Weight: Imagine pairing a delicate silk drapery with a heavy bullion fringe—it's like asking a ballerina to dance in hiking boots! Instead, match the trim's weight and fiber to the drapery fabric for a graceful drape and lasting beauty.
Color: Color coordination is your secret weapon. Choose a trim that echoes your drapery's dominant hue, or dare to contrast for a pop of visual intrigue.
Style: Let your room's personality dictate the trim style. A formal space might call for elegant tassels, while a laid-back setting could embrace playful pom-poms.
Remember, the proper trim can transform your draperies from wallflowers to showstoppers. It's all about creating a symphony where every element perfectly harmonizes.
Pro Tip
Repeat your trim’s color in accessories like throw pillows to weave a cohesive narrative throughout the room.
Types of Passementerie
Let's unravel the mystery of two key players in drapery embellishment: banding and trim. Banding involves applying fabric strips (typically 1-4 inches wide) to drapes, accentuating shape, creating contrast, or reinforcing edges. Its advantage lies in its high customizability. On the other hand, trim is like jewelry for window treatments. Trims are pre-made decorative elements like tape, fringe, cord, piping, appliqué, and other accents that add intricate textures and details.
The key differences? Banding is broader and offers more flexibility in design, while trim comes in set dimensions with ready-made charm. Banding is sewn directly onto the fabric, whereas trim can be sewn or hung freely. Both techniques can significantly elevate the appearance of window treatments, with banding suited for larger-scale designs and trim ideal for adding delicate finishing touches. Whether you choose the tailored elegance of banding or the intricate allure of trim, these finishing touches can elevate your draperies from mere window coverings to works of art.
Banding
Banding consists of fabric cut into strips, interfaced or lined, folded to create clean edges, and stitched to the drapery fabric. Some fabric bandings may incorporate additional trim elements like piping, applique, or pleats for added visual interest. This process transforms simple fabric strips into elegant, tailored accents that elevate the overall design of draperies, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in custom window treatments.
There are two primary methods of applying banding: inset or edge.
Edge banding involves sewing a contrasting or coordinating fabric directly to the drape’s face fabric, resulting in a seamless strip of color along the width or length of the drapery.
Inset banding is a contrasting or coordinating fabric folded and stitched on top of the drape’s face fabric for a dimensional effect. It is typically inset from the leading edge by 1 to 3 inches.
What is the “leading edge?”
The leading edge of a drapery refers to the vertical edge of the curtain panel that faces the center of the window when closed. It's the most visible part of the drapery. Designers often embellish the leading edge with contrasting fabric bands, decorative tapes, tassels, or other trims to create a stunning focal point and frame the window like a work of art.
One critical advantage of banding is its flexibility in terms of width and design, with bands ranging from a modest 2 inches to more than half the length of a drapery panel. Popular styles include the grand band, leading-edge band, mitered bands, and bias binding. The grand band breaks up the length of a drapery panel with a wide strip of contrasting fabric for a dramatic effect. Color blocking is an example of a grand band. The leading edge band adds a vertical accent along the opening edge of the drape. As shown above, a leading edge band can be placed on the edge or inset. Mitered bands are placed on more than one edge of the drapery panel and joined at the corner where they meet for a polished look. Bias binding is cut at a 45-degree angle to the fabric's weave, offering some stretch, making it ideal for turning corners or curves without puckering. Banding offers endless possibilities for customization and coordination with a room's decor.
Grand Band
Mitered Band
Bias Binding
What is “face fabric?”
"Face fabric," often called the "face," is the outer, visible layer of decorative fabric used in window treatments. This essential component plays a crucial role in shaping the room's aesthetic, showcasing patterns, textures, and colors that define the overall look and style of the drapery.
Tape Trims
Tape trim is a pre-made flat trim ranging in width from 1 inch to over 9 inches. This versatile trim offers a convenient way to add a designer touch to window treatments. Available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and textures, tape trim makes it easy to find the perfect option to complement your decor. Choices include ribbon, embroidered, gimp, pleated, scalloped, and jacquard. Below, we delve into the various types of tape trims, highlighting their unique features and applications to enhance your window treatments.
Ribbon
Ribbon trim adds a decorative border to drapery panels, conceals seams, and creates stylish divisions between contrasting fabrics. It is usually grosgrain, a sturdy, tightly woven ribbon with a ribbed texture and a subtle sheen. Available in various styles and colors, ribbon trim offers an affordable way to elevate your draperies, transforming ordinary panels into custom, designer-inspired pieces.
Trim: Samuel & Sons French Grosgrain Ribbon in Cerulean
Embroidered
Embroidered tape trim features intricate embroidered patterns stitched onto a flat tape. The embroidery can showcase various designs, from simple geometric shapes to elaborate floral motifs or cultural patterns. It is often applied to the leading edges of drapery panels or along the bottom hem. Embroidery adds visual interest, texture, and a custom touch to window treatments. Embroidered trim can coordinate your draperies with your room’s decor.
Trim: Schumacher Royal Silk Embroidery Trim in Multi
Gimp
Gimp trim is a flat, narrow, braided trim, usually in variegated colors. It adds textures and visual interest to the drapery panels' leading edge or bottom hem. Gimp comes in a wide variety of colors, materials, and designs, ranging from simple and subtle to ornate and eye-catching. It is particularly effective for adding a touch of subtle sophistication to solid-colored fabrics or for tying together different elements in a room's decor. Its flexibility and durability make it a popular choice for designers.
Trim: Samuel & Sons Savannah Jute Gimp in Rust
Pleated
Pleated trim is a distinctive option for enhancing draperies. Characterized by its folded fabric, this trim creates a three-dimensional texture that adds depth and visual interest to draperies. The pleats range from simple knife pleats to elaborate designs like origami patterns. The added texture of pleated trim can play beautifully with light by creating subtle shadows and highlights that change throughout the day. Whether used in a contrasting color for a bold statement or in a matching hue for a more subtle effect, pleated trim is an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their draperies with a touch of dimension.
Trim: Samuel & Sons Promenade Pleated Wool Border in Prune
Scalloped
Scalloped trim adds a charming and elegant touch to draperies by creating a soft, undulating edge. It comes in various styles and materials, offering design versatility. Scalloped trim can be applied to the bottom hem, leading edges, or as an inset border on drapery panels. It is available in many widths, allowing customization to suit different drapery styles and room decor. Scalloped trim elevates the look of draperies from ordinary to extraordinary, whether used subtly or as a bold design feature.
Trim: Samuel & Sons Dorset Velvet Scallop Trim in Honey
Jacquard
Jacquard trim is a flat-woven accent that adds color, pattern, and texture to draperies. It is characterized by complex designs woven directly into the fabric, offering depth and texture. Woven patterns include floral, geometric, damask, metallic, or ethnic-inspired motifs. Jacquard trim can be applied to drapery leading edges as a decorative band. Its flat profile makes it easy to work with in various applications, and its woven construction ensures a polished, high-quality, and long-lasting finish.
Trim: Schumacher Calcada Tape Trim in Mineral
Fringe Trims
Fringe trims are classic and versatile drapery embellishments that add texture, movement, and visual interest to window treatments. Fringe trims come in various styles, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal. From playful ball to elegant bullion fringe and whimsical brush to sophisticated bead fringe, there's a style to suit every design preference and interior decor. In this section, we'll explore nine popular types of fringe trims, discussing their distinctive features, typical applications, and the ambiance they can create in a room. Whether you're looking to add a touch of glamour, a hint of whimsy, or a dash of elegance to your draperies, understanding these fringe options will help you make an informed decision for your window treatment design.
Ball Fringe
Ball fringe trim is a delightful decorative edging with small pom-pom balls attached to a narrow fabric or ribbon strip. Ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 1/4 inches in diameter, these pom-poms can be made from yarn, thread, or beads. Ball fringe trim is often used on drapery edges and is available in various colors and styles, adding either a playful touch or a sophisticated accent. This fun, textural element elevates simple decor items into eye-catching focal points.
Trim: Schumacher Poms in Blue
Bead Fringe
Bead fringe is a luxurious and eye-catching trim, often described as fabulous or swanky. It features beads or a combination of beads and balls hanging from a narrow tape or braid. Bead fringe comes in various lengths, colors, and styles, ranging from simple, single-strand designs to intricate patterns where beads and balls crisscross to create complex, layered effects. The beads can be made from glass, crystal, or other materials, offering different levels of sparkle and sophistication. Bead fringe is used on draperies to add a glamorous touch and a sense of movement.
Trim: Schumacher Starling Trim in Pewter
Brush Fringe
Brush fringe is a playful, versatile trim that adds a whimsical finishing touch to draperies. This casual trim features a flat skirt of thin yarns cut to create a soft, bristle-like appearance. With varying widths, brush fringe typically comes in 1-inch and 2-inch lengths, with the latter often called chainette. It is ideal for relaxed or informal interiors and adds texture and movement without the heaviness of traditional fringes. Available in a wide range of colors, brush fringe easily coordinates with different fabrics and color schemes, making it perfect for creating a charming, soft-edged look.
Trim: Samuel & Son Celine Brush Fringe in Geyser
Bullion Fringe
Bullion fringe is an elegant trim option. Bullion trim is typically 3 inches long but can extend up to 12 inches and features small, tightly twisted cords or braids that hang downward, creating a luxurious, textured appearance. Bullion fringe can be made from cotton, silk, rayon, jute, or polyester blends for varying texture and formality. This trim can be in a single color or use variegated colors to add depth and visual interest. Bullion fringe is often associated with traditional or formal interior designs, making it a popular choice for high-end draperies. Its intricate construction and rich appearance make it an excellent option for adding a refined finishing touch.
Trim: Schumacher's Bernier Fringe in Sky
Loop Fringe
Loop fringe is a distinctive trim option that adds a soft, textural element to draperies. It features a series of uncut loops hanging from a narrow tape, creating an undulating edge with a relaxed, casual appearance. Available in various materials, colors, and loop sizes, this fringe offers versatility in design. Its playful yet sophisticated finish works well in traditional or contemporary settings. However, loop fringe is more frequently seen on pillows, lampshades, and other soft furnishings than draperies.
Trim: Samuel & Sons Orsay Silk Boucle Loop Fringe in Blue Melange
Onion Fringe
Onion fringe has round balls or "onions" attached to the ends of hanging cords. These onion-shaped embellishments vary in size and are typically arranged in a uniform pattern along the trim's length. Onion fringe adds a decorative and often whimsical touch to window treatments. It comes in various colors and materials, allowing easy coordination with fabrics and design styles. This type of fringe is more commonly used to finish valances, pillows, and lampshades than on draperies.
Trim: Samuel & Sons La Terre Onion Tassel Fringe in Pebble
Eyelash Fringe
Eyelash fringe is a delicate, subtle fringe featuring wispy, sparse strands that create a light, feathery effect. This unique trim allows the background fabric to remain partially visible, adding a soft, ethereal quality to draperies. Eyelash trim offers a more understated and contemporary alternative to heavier fringes, making it ideal for modern or minimalist decor styles. Available in various lengths and colors, it can add a touch of texture and movement to window treatments without overwhelming the overall design. Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for lighter drapery fabrics where a traditional fringe might be too heavy or bulky.
Trim: Unknown
Single Tassel
Single tassel fringe is a sophisticated trim option for draperies that enhances elegance and visual interest. This trim features a row of evenly spaced individual tassels, typically attached to a narrow band. Ranging from 2 to 4 inches in length, the tassels can be crafted from materials such as silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Commonly used along the leading edges of drapery panels or as a decorative accent on tiebacks, single tassel fringe adds movement and texture to window treatments, creating depth and sophistication. Available in a variety of colors and styles—from simple and understated to ornate and luxurious—it easily coordinates with different fabric types and room decor.
Trim: Schumacher Antony Tassel Trim in Peacock-Green
Multiple Tassel
Multiple tassel trim enhances the decorative impact of single tassel fringe by featuring two or more rows of tassels for a luxurious, dramatic effect. This opulent trim typically boasts a wide header band from which multiple tiers of tassels cascade, creating a fuller, more voluminous appearance. Tassels can be uniform or varied in size and arrangement, offering diverse patterns and textures. Popular in high-end or formal interiors, multiple tassel trim adds grandeur and sophistication to draperies, particularly complementing heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade. Available in various colors, materials, and styles, it allows customization to suit specific design schemes, elevating window treatments to new heights of elegance.
Trim: Brunschwig & Fils Andre Tassel Fringe in Petal
Appliqué
Trims from Left to Right: Samuel & Sons Clover Appliqué Border in Swan, Brimar Artsy Open Geometric Trim in Peach, Brimar Cheerio Trim in Teal, Brimar Fretique Trim in Truffle, and Samuel & Sons Galeazze Appliqué in Petalo
Appliqués offer a unique way to embellish draperies, adding visual interest and personalized style. These decorative pieces of fabric can be sewn or ironed onto panels, creating custom designs that range from subtle to bold. Popular appliqué designs for draperies include floral patterns, geometric shapes, and themed motifs that complement the room's decor. The placement of appliqués can be strategic, such as along the leading edges, at the corners, or scattered across the panels for a dramatic effect. Appliqué allows endless customization possibilities, enabling you to create unique window treatments that reflect your taste and complement your overall design scheme.
Bows, Frogs and Rosettes
Trims from Top to Bottom: Samuel & Sons Bali Linen Tuft in Flax, Samuel & Sons Aurelia Rosette in Surf, Brimar Broadway Bloom in Beige, Samuel & Sons Le Musée Silk Bow in Pale Green with Multi Melange, and Samuel & Sons Harbor Crown Knot Frog in Sand Dune
Bows, frogs, and rosettes are three-dimensional embellishments that add depth, texture, and visual interest to draperies. Bows range from simple, understated designs to elaborate, fabric-rich versions, often featuring pleated or gathered material for added elegance. Rosettes typically consist of fabric arranged in a circular, rose-like pattern or braided material formed into a decorative knot. Frogs, derived from traditional Chinese fasteners, are ornamental closures made of braided cord or beading, usually featuring a horizontal knot with at least two strands resembling an overhand knot.
These trims can be placed individually or in groups on draperies, allowing for customized designs that highlight specific areas or create patterns. Their versatility enables you to achieve tailored looks, from subtle elegance to bold statements. They are effective in formal and traditional settings but also bring an unexpected touch of sophistication to contemporary styles when used creatively. The three-dimensional nature of these embellishments creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the overall aesthetic of window treatments.
Piping
Trims from Left to Right: Schumacher Medium Gustave Silk Lip Cord in Cloud, Samuel & Sons MDS Lipcord in Chocolate, Schumacher Aimee Lipcord in Greige, Samuel & Sons Elementi Cord in Carciofo, Samuel & Sons Saison Cord in L'eau Tide, and Schumacher Bolander Lipcord in Gray
Piping, also known as welting or cording, is a versatile trim that adds a polished, tailored look to draperies. This trim consists of a narrow cord encased in fabric, creating a subtle rounded edge that can be seamlessly integrated into seams or along drapery panel edges. Available in thicknesses typically ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, piping can be crafted from matching or contrasting fabric to create visual interest and definition.
Piping can highlight the shape of drapery panels, emphasize pleats, or accentuate leading edges. Beyond its decorative role, piping serves a functional purpose by reinforcing seams and helping draperies maintain their shape over time. Piping provides a professional finish, whether incorporated into casual curtains or formal draperies.
Tiebacks
Tiebacks Clockwise: Prairie Leather in Saddle, Bagatelle Double Tassel in Petal, Backflip in Ivory, Harbour Beaded and Knotted in Aqua, Martinique in Patina, and Somersault in Taupe - all by Samuel & Sons
Holdbacks Clockwise: Brimar Manhattan in Metal and Acrylic, Ona Crystal Chaton in Gilded Silver, Kirsch Wood Trends Medallion in Dark Chocolate, Ona Livia Couture Art Glass, and Ona Swing Loop in Brushed-Nickel
Tie-backs are versatile accessories that enhance your draperies' function and style. They allow you to control light and create an open feel while serving as decorative elements. There are three types of tiebacks: premade, hardware, or custom.
Premade tiebacks are crafted from leather, beads, tassels, rope, and braids. They can be purchased from The Pinched Pleat or your local interior designer. Select a tieback to match or coordinate with your drapery hardware for a cohesive look. When made as hardware, these are more commonly called “holdbacks." Holdbacks come in many finishes, such as brass, chrome, or matte black. Some even have crystal, acrylic, or blown glass finials for a polished and unified aesthetic that elevates the overall appearance of your space. Finally, tiebacks can be custom-made to match your drapery or with a complementary fabric for added interest. These custom tiebacks are made-to-order to your specifications.
When selecting tie-backs, consider how they complement your decor and enhance your window treatments. The right choice can make a stunning design impact.
Banding vs. Trim: Elevating Your Draperies with Style
Banding and trim offer unique ways to enhance the appearance of draperies and curtains by adding visual interest to window treatments. Below is a table summarizing the key features of banding and trim.
Trim Placement: Location, Location, Location!
Transforming your drapery panels from ordinary to extraordinary is an art, and strategically placing bandings and trims is your secret weapon. Imagine your curtains as a canvas, waiting to be adorned with carefully chosen embellishments to elevate your entire room's aesthetic.
Leading Edge: Let's start with the leading edge - the opening side of your curtain. Here, a bold contrasting fabric band or intricate decorative tape can frame your window like a work of art, drawing the eye and creating a stunning focal point.
Hem: Moving down, horizontal bands across the bottom serve a dual purpose: they add visual weight and structure while cleverly concealing seams or extending the length of shorter fabrics - a designer's trick!
Inset: If you seek depth and dimension, consider inset trims placed a few inches from the edges. This creates a framed effect that adds layers of interest to your panels.
Edge: If subtlety is more your style, a narrow piping or gimp trim along the edges provides a tailored finish that whispers sophistication.
Top: Header treatments like bias binding or banding can highlight pleats and coordinate beautifully with tiebacks, creating a cohesive look from top to bottom.
When choosing your trim placement, consider the room's overall style, your drapery fabric's pattern and weight, and your desired visual impact. The key is achieving a balanced, harmonious design that transforms your window treatments into true showstoppers.
The Cost Factor: Budgeting for Beauty
Adding trims and embellishments to your draperies can elevate their appearance, but it's important to consider the cost implications. Here's a guide to help you budget for beauty.
Splurge on:
High-quality trims for frequently used or highly visible draperies
Custom fabric banding for a truly unique look
Statement pieces like ornate tassels or beaded trims for formal spaces
Save on:
Trims for rarely used guest rooms or seasonal decor
Basic ribbon or tape trims for a clean, simple look
Accessories like tiebacks, which can be easily changed out
Balancing your design vision with your budget is the key to a beautiful result. Sometimes, creativity can go a long way in achieving a high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Pro Tip
For a high-end look that won't break the bank, choose an affordable, solid, neutral-color drapery fabric and add trim only to the leading edge. Splurging on a high-end trim for the leading edge of each panel creates maximum visual impact while minimizing cost. The result is a custom, designer-inspired look that balances budget with beauty, proving that sometimes less really is more when it comes to elegant window treatments.
Trim is the exclamation point in your room's design statement—a small but mighty detail that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Now that you're armed with the knowledge of various trims and embellishments, it's time to unleash your inner designer. Imagine a touch of tassel fringe here, a band of contrasting fabric there, or perhaps a row of charming pom-poms to add a playful note. The options are as limitless as your imagination.
Remember, your windows are more than just portals to the outside world—they're canvases waiting for your artistic touch. So, experiment with textures, play with colors, and mix unexpected elements. Let your personality shine through every carefully chosen detail.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Our experienced drapery designers are just a click or call away. We offer complimentary consultations to help you navigate the world of trims and create window treatments that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Are you ready to transform your windows into works of art? The journey to extraordinary draperies begins now.
