Let’s Go Sofa Shopping

Monday, January 8th, 2018

When you’ve been seriously thinking about updating your sofa, you might want to look at other factors apart from the fabric. The details like banding, tufting, and nailheads can present a dressed up sofa or one that’s just casual.

Learn which ones can make your sofa appear more traditional, modern, or simply spectacular.

The Sofa Seam

One element that makes a sofa unique is the seam. Seam styles vary greatly from one sofa to the next. If you have no idea what a seam looks like, then find the edges right where the fabric is sewn. This may be a small part of the sofa and its impact may even be subtle but this is one of those things that can make your sofa look casual or formal.

The Sofa Flat Stitches

There are various stitch types but there are only some that produce a flat-looking seam. Top stitches are quite common and as are the blind seam and the French seam. The overall look that these types of stitches provide is a modern one. Compared to welts, they are less fancy because they are meant to tone down sofas.

The Sofa Welt

That part of your sofa that appears like a thin cord and runs along its seams are your welts. These are also commonly found on seat cushion and throw pillow edges. Welts add a tailored look to your sofa, hence, they make your sofa appear more traditional.

Make this part of your seat pop by making it a different color from the fabric. Graphic touches work well with pieces that come in distinct shapes.

The Sofa Skirt Banding

If your sofa has a skirt, then you can have a band added. This is a different kind of fabric that’s sewn at the bottom. It is about 1-9 inches wide and it used to break up the upholstery’s monotony. When you’re going to use it, though, be sure to limit it to just one seating unit and not the entire furniture fleet as these bands can also overwhelm.

The Non-skirt Banding Type

Banding can also be used on sofas that do not have a skirt. This is done when half an inch of fabric is added at the bottom then keep the piece in place by adding nailheads.

This is a wonderful decorative style in more traditional settings. If you want an ultra-modern setup, then this is not your go-to design.

The Sofa Flange

This is a fabric right on the cushion which extends beyond the sofa seam. You are bound to see a border that resembles a flat fabric. This is also used on sofa cushions, throws, and slipcovered seating units.

A sofa flange is supposed to give the seat a more formal appearance.

The Sofa Diamond Tufting

If you’ve seen depressions on the most stylish sofas in the past, then you have probably seen tufting. This is created by pulling a button and threading it through the fabric. Tufting that creates a diamond pattern is known as the diamond tuft – quite an apt name don’t you think?

Diamond tufting offers a formal or a more traditional look. The buttons’ fabrics can also be altered. Use faux pearls if you want to up the level of poshness in your living room.

There are many other kinds of tufting. Find out if the waffle tuft, which is created through the sewing of fabric together, is the style for you. This kind is not too fancy so it’s alright to use in masculine or Mid-century style homes.

The Sofa Nailhead Trim

Nailhead trim is most apt for rustic, modern or formal surroundings, meaning, it is highly adaptable. While it is seen as a more traditional decorative element, you still can use it with a mixture of traditional and modern.

Nailheads are commonly seen on sofa borders either at one part of the seating unit or throughout the entire piece.

Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sofa, sofa characteristics, sofa decorative elements, sofa design elements, sofa designs, sofa parts, sofa qualities
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