Updating with Hardware:

Nail head trim, believed to have begun in 17^th century France during the Louis XIII period, is an enduring element in furniture design. Originally used to embellish the upholstered backs of chairs, nail head trim has become quite the trend in home decor.

Today, chairs aren’t the only items getting a sophisticated makeover. Since nail head trim can be used on a variety of fabrics and items, there really isn’t much you can’t do. Can’t put your finger on where to start? Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Define your dining area. A dining room tends to be more of a formal area, so it’s no wonder that nail head trim would work brilliantly in there. Adding trim to upholstered chairs can really dress up your eating area. This type of trim looks especially nice on two-toned fabric. Don’t have fabric chairs? Consider adding nail head trim around the edges of the seat or down the legs.

Give your cabinetry character. Think about how great that chest of drawers or that armoire would look decked out with nail head trim. You could keep it simple by just lining the edges or get really creative by creating a design on the front or sides. Either way, it’s a great way to enhance the look.

Highlight your headboard. The bedroom is such a personal space, making it the perfect place to add some personality. It doesn’t matter if you have an upholstered headboard or a plain wooden one, putting some nail head trim on it can really make it stand out as the focal point of the room.

Tackle those tables. While you most certainly could add trim to your kitchen or dining room table, it might be nicer to add more subtle touches on smaller pieces like coffee or end tables. A little bit of nail head trim can really accentuate the piece.

Wow people with your window treatments. You don’t really think about window treatments when it comes to nail head trim, but it actually looks quite nice! If the fabric is thick along the seams at the top, bottom and sides, you probably won’t have to worry about the nail head tips poking through the other side. If that’s a problem, you may just want to purchase studs, which will give you the same look. Either way, you’ll want to have fabric glue handy to keep them in place.

Dress up your doorways. You never know where nail head trim will work. Some people have even been known to add flair to their home by outlining doorways, and even windows, with nail heads.

Here’s something to think about: the look you’re going for. Will the room be feminine or masculine? Silver-colored heads tend to soften a piece, making it appear more feminine, while brass-colored heads give it a masculine edge.

Nail head trim can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean you have to hire a professional to do it. There are numerous tutorials and step-by-step instructions on the Internet for the avid do-it-yourselfer. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the new look! When you are looking for  fabrics near you in Plano, stop by our Cutting Corners location in Dallas, Tx for great deals on discount designer fabrics. We have something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics, colorful outdoor fabrics, and luxurious Dupioni Silks.