Trims have long played a supporting role in interior design, quietly framing edges, hiding hems, and giving soft furnishings a polished finish. But today, they’re stepping out of the background and taking centre stage. Statement trims have emerged brighter and bolder than ever, ready to inject personality, texture, and a sense of bespoke luxury into drapery and soft furnishings.
A Return to the Decorative
After years of minimalism reigning supreme, we’ve noticed a growing appetite for detail, and trims offer an effortless way to add in both depth and visual delight. Imagine deep bullion fringes brushing the floor beneath velvet drapes, or a crisp border of contrast grosgrain lending edge to otherwise understated linen panels.
It’s not about frills for frills’ sake. This new wave of trimming is deliberate, architectural, and fashion-forward. Much like a well-cut coat with an exaggerated cuff or embroidered collar, the finishing touches are setting the tone.
Photo credit: KALEIDOSCOPE POM POM FRINGE – LUPINE – Samuel and Sons
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The Trims We’re Loving Right Now:
- Bullion Fringe: Long, luxe, and undeniably dramatic, this old-school trim is making a glamorous comeback, especially when paired with heavyweight fabrics like velvet or mohair.
- Contrast Piping: Clean and tailored, piping adds a pop of colour or texture to the edge of a curtain or cushion. It’s subtle, but incredibly effective at amplifying the whole look.
- Brush Fringe & Pom-Poms: More playful than their bullion cousins, these trims add movement and whimsy, ideal for injecting personality into a relaxed space.
- Taped Borders: Graphic and versatile, wide tapes in velvet, jacquard, or linen offer a modern take on classic panelled drapes. Perfect for creating clean lines and framing a view.
Photo credit: KALEIDOSCOPE CRETE – FIESTA – Samuel and Sons
Trims as a Design Tool
Trims do more than decorate. They define edges, break up solids, and draw the eye to where it matters. For tall windows, a vertical trim can emphasise height. In a tonal room, contrast piping might provide just enough definition to prevent flatness.
Trims can also be used as a nod to architectural features, to mimic fashion details, or even introduce a new texture into a scheme. In this way, they bridge the gap between function and artistic design.
Photo credit: ELEMENTI TIERED FRINGE – CARCIOFO – Samuel and Sons
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How to Use Trims Like a Pro
Trims have the power to completely shift the feel of a space, and used well, they can take drapery from standard to standout. Here are a few things to consider when choosing trims:
- Balance bold trims with restrained fabric choices. A dramatic fringe or graphic border works best when paired with a simpler base cloth such as plain linen, soft wool, or matte velvet. This keeps the overall look balanced, not overdone.
- Play with scale. Wide border tapes are great for making a statement on tall, full-length curtains, while narrow contrast piping can add subtle definition to roman blinds, pelmets or cushions.
- Use vertical trims to draw the eye upward. This is a go-to for rooms that need a little lift, especially where ceilings are low or window proportions need rebalancing.
- Think beyond the front. We love adding patterned or piped linings for a detail that only reveals itself when the curtains are drawn, unexpected and impactful.
- Consider texture contrast. Pairing a coarse, natural linen with a glossy silk cord or brushed fringe creates tension that feels layered and considered.
Trims can quietly support or loudly define a space; it all comes down to how they’re used. The key is intention. For us, every trim choice is about enhancing the design, not just decorating it.
The takeaway?
Whether you’re after subtle style or full-blown drama, trims offer a way to tailor your soft furnishings with the same attention to detail you’d give to fashion or furniture.
In the world of interiors, it’s often the little things that make the biggest impression.  While trims add that extra flair, it’s expert bespoke drapery that completes the look – contact us to discuss your next project.
Article features new collection from www.samuelandsons.com
