What’s that, you say? Passementerie? Sounds fancy, right? Well, it is! Passementerie is just a sophisticated French term for trimmings—those delightful decorative elements that elevate soft furnishings from ordinary to extraordinary.
The art of passementerie involves creating elaborate trimmings or edgings using braid, gold or silver cord, embroidery, coloured silk, or beads, enhancing both clothing and home decor. Think of it as the jewellery of interior design, adding colour, texture, and a touch of luxury to curtains, cushions, lampshades, and throws.
Trimmings have been used for centuries to embellish textiles, from the grand palaces of Europe to the homes of today. They create an extra layer of detail, depth, and personality, transforming a simple fabric into something truly special. Whether your style is classic, bohemian, or contemporary, there’s a passementerie to suit every space.
Where to Use Passementerie?
Trimmings can be used in countless creative ways to enhance your soft furnishings. Some of the most common applications include:
✔️ Curtains & Drapes – A bold fringe or intricate braid along the leading edge or hem can give curtains a luxurious, tailored look. ✔️ Cushions – Adding pom poms, tassels, or flanged cord to the edges of cushions makes them stand out with extra flair. ✔️ Lampshades – A simple trim along the top and bottom of a lampshade can tie it beautifully into the rest of your decor. ✔️ Throws & Blankets – Fringe or braided edges add a tactile and visual appeal to a cozy throw.
✔️ Furniture & Reupholstery – We do loads of reupholstery and see passementerie used on antique furniture all the time. Replacing these details is a pleasure, as it maintains their true style and adds unique character.
✔️ Roman Blinds – Adding trims like pom poms, especially in kids’ rooms, gives a playful and special touch.
✔️ Ottomans & Occasional Chairs – Trims elevate the design of these pieces, making them statement furniture items.
Types of Passementerie
🔹 Curtain Tiebacks – Elegant and functional, they hold back curtains while adding decorative flair.
🔹 Key Tassels – Perfect for embellishing furniture keys, doorknobs, or even drapes.
🔹 Pom Poms – Playful and fun, they add a whimsical touch to cushions and throws.
🔹 Brush Fringes & Cut Fringes – Soft and textured, great for adding movement to curtains and upholstery.
🔹 Loop Fringes & Tassel Fringes – Elegant and luxurious, often used for a regal touch.
🔹 Flat Braids & Gimp – Intricate woven trims that add structure and detail to soft furnishings.
🔹 Flanged Cord – A sophisticated edging for cushions and upholstery.
Not Just Traditional – A Contemporary Take
Passementerie isn’t always old-fashioned! For a more contemporary aesthetic, a bold graphic border or brushed fringe can be applied to a sofa, while a neutral linen fringe or seashell trim will evoke an organic look. A bullion fringe creates a sense of formality and grandeur, perfect for traditional interiors.
Trims are a fantastic way to inject personality into a space while keeping furnishings unique and stylish. Whether restoring antique pieces, designing custom cushions, or enhancing drapery, passementerie adds that extra touch of elegance and individuality.
So, next time you’re looking to elevate your decor, don’t forget the power of passementerie—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
