Hessian & Twine: Passementerie (aka trim)

Passementerie, or trim as it is commonly known, on upholstery seems to divide the masses but there is no denying that the right trim on a piece of furniture completes it. It is like a painting with the perfect frame. The art of making passementerie is centuries old and is highly skilled. And there are certain pieces of furniture (and places) where only traditional passementerie will do like the ottoman at Versailles (below).

An ottoman at the Palace of Versailles {via Pinterest}

However, it seems to have grown a reputation for being outdated and old-fashioned, not to mention expensive (especially if it is really beautiful). I was lucky enough to be in Paris in May last year. I was merrily walking along when I found myself on Rue de Mail. I was overcome with joy when I realised the entire street was filled with fabric shops. I seriously thought I had died and gone to heaven. The display window of one shop particularly caught my eye. There is nothing outdated or old-fashioned about either of these...

Display window at Declerq Passementiers

Declerq Passementiers

But as beautiful as I think these are I would be too scared to have them in my home and most certainly would want to frame that blanket rather than use it! Yet, we can still have our cake and eat it too (see, I'm keeping with the Versailles them :) ). The pieces we work on need to be useable. So what works in our busy lives where all we really want to do is plonk down on a lovely chair or sofa with a nice cuppa? Well, there are a number of different options.

All of my students at Hessian & Twine know that I am partial to a little double piping. I think it looks neat and elegant.

Double piping on a headboard

And it is versatile. It can also be made on the straight of the fabric for an interesting contrast (and to save on fabric).

Double piping made on the straight for a chaise lounge

I do know though that double piping is not for everyone (or every chair). Another option is flat piping as seen here on Sarah's modern chair with white gimp pins.

Or studs are quite a popular choice.

Modern yellow fabric with piping and studs {via Pinterest}

As is pleating in the same fabric for a skirt. Very elegant indeed.

{via Pinterest}

The pleating on the skirt can take the place of bullion fringe, although it too can look fabulous on the right piece...

Ottoman with bullion fringing (and chairs with stud) {via furniturebrand.wordpress.com}

Most of the major fabric houses design passementerie or trim each season with their new collection of fabrics. No exception is Nina Campbell and Osborne and Little.

As with anything in this wonderful world of upholstery, we are only limited by our imagination (ok, and our wallets). I leave you with some more inspiration.

Susan