Braids, Trims & Double Piping
/At the end of an installation after the fabric has been applied to the walls, we need to finish our staple fixing line with a braid or a custom made double piping - a trim that’s made in your wall fabric.
The fixing line is where I have stapled the fabric to the batten which runs along the perimeter of the walls; skirting edge, cornice, architraves, window and door frames, around fireplaces. The staple line needs to be hidden!
It’s a topic we discus with our clients and designers frequently! There are so many options when it comes to choosing a trim, the possibilities are endless. Braids and trims come in varied widths, colours and patterns. Colour matching braids to your fabric for a subtle look or framing the wall upholstery with a contrasting braid for a more visual impact.
Image Credit: Samuel & Sons
Below are projects which show a Flat Braid Finish…..
Project for Tatty Bird Design, dressing room walls in banana yellow fabric by Olicana Textiles using a contrasting stiped trim from Houles.
Project for Retrouvius, guest bedroom in a Pierre Frey strip using a flat braid in blue by George Spencer Designs.
Project for Campbell-Rey, dressing room walls in a hot pink faux moire from Dedar using a Schumacher flat trim.
Here are a few of my favourite companies to look at when choosing a trim:
- Houles
J A Milton and Colly Brook are perfectly fine and braids sell from just a few pounds per metre.
Below are a few articles to inspire you:
How to embrace the timeless beauty of passementerie - House & Garden
Custom made double piping…
Project for Jessica Buckley Interiors, bedroom room walls & custom double piping in Paradise by Bennison Fabrics.
This is a really great option when your a bit stuck or you would rather use the wall fabric OR the same fabric as your curtains, headboard ect to soften the look around the edges.
It does take a bit of time to make and you will need to order a few extra metres of fabric but its a really lovely way to complete the work. I need a good length of 3 metres on average extra so I can cut the fabric on the ‘bias”. Cutting the fabric on the bias, at a 45 degree angle across the width, ensures the joins are at their widest apart giving fewer seams when joining.
However, its not recommend for thicker fabrics like velvet or a thick wool, the piping tends to look very chunky on the face of the wall. Its best to opt for a flat braid with your velvet room or wool covered room.
Below is the custom made double piping we made on project for Gunter & Co.
