Adding nailhead trim to upholstered pieces and accessories is an easy way to add personality to a piece. We asked local design professionals if nailhead trim is a classic or a craze. Here is what they had to say.
Classic
“There are pieces of furniture that need to have a fabric welt for softness. Then there are pieces, particularly leather, that cry out for nailheads. There was a point when it seemed that silver nailheads were being put on everything. The detail called attention to the lines of the piece of furniture. I believe it is a craze to put nail heads on practically anything, but to put them on traditional pieces…now that’s a classic.” CJ Knapp, Yours By Design.
“The new nailhead trims are fabulous. You can get several sizes and finishes, as well as jewels. These are used on upholstered pieces of all styles and look great on very contemporary when using the appropriate size and finish. Spacing of the nailhead gives a different look on different styles.” Linda K. Kusmer, Total Interior Designs Inc.
“In the 17th century, the use of the trim was to tighten the fabrics, such as: velvet or silk onto the furniture. It was also used to hide the areas where the upholstery was tacked into the wood frame. Today, nailhead is used to add visual interest. It is no longer constrained to upholstered items as it is now seen on furniture pieces, such as dressers, cocktail tables, mirrors and various other items like wallpapers that take on different twists and turns with the nailhead adornments. As we have seen with this streamlined trim, time-honored designs always endure and will continue to influence our designs for decades to come.” Candice Wideman, Youtopia Designs.
“Nailhead trim has been an enduring element since the craftsman of 17th Century France needed something to secure the luxurious fabrics and leathers on the ornately carved wood framed seating for Louis XIII. Jacobean furniture continued the evolution, and today is used as an accent on everything from chairs and sofas to beds, chests and even wallpaper. Classic details will always endure, especially when they can transition from traditional to contemporary stylesl however, I find that my clients either love them or want to leave them, with no middle ground.” Gigi Lombrano, Gigi Lombrano Interiors.
“It is definitely a classic. Designs from the past always inspire new design throughout the decades. As with nailhead trim, classics always endure. Although the use of nailhead trim is commonly linked with leather-upholstered furniture, from classic to modern, the trim has since studded the world of design and has taken on this timeless, classic element.” Ross Anzalone, Amini’s.
“The classic nailhead is truly the jewelry for your furniture piece. It is the string of pearls. Just as we accessorize our outfit for the day with pieces that we love and use to express our personal style, nailhead trim can help us achieve the right style for one or two furniture pieces without overdoing our entire space. Going beyond the traditional furniture piece to a transitional or contemporary piece adds a touch of unexpected pizzazz. Tie it all together by applying your classic nailhead to a wood framed mirror, picture frame or fireplace mantel. Just like your jewelry can transform a little black piece into a memorable outfit, so it goes with classic nailhead trim.” Vicki Lewis, Directions In Design Inc.
“Nailhead trim is a great way to add a finish detail to sofas, chairs, furniture, headboards, tables and doors. Nailhead comes in a wide variety of materials, colors, shapes and sizes, which is a great way to add a fun detail to a variety of different projects. With nailhead trim, a little goes a long way in adding a finishing detail to a space. When used correctly, nailhead trim is a classic design detail.” Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.
Both
Totally classic and an obscene craze…that’s nailhead trim! Since nailhead trim has been around for centuries, it is truly a classic. It was used primarily for the exceedingly wealthy since it was only used on leather. The nailheads were traditionally hand made by a blacksmith and nailed into the upholstery at the seams or at the arm fronts and/or around the bottom to help hide the seams. Today, leather has become so affordable, so the masses are buying sofas that have leather on them with nailhead trim. That being said, the nailheads are made by machine now and are also very affordable. Nailheads are now found on chairs, sofas, love seats, dining chairs, ottomans and upholstered headboards as well. Who says that classic can’t be a trend or craze? Joyce Cockrell, Joyce Cockrell Interior Design.
“This one can go both ways. On the right piece and applied properly, a classic. The application in vogue at the moment, a craze. They have become classics. But be careful and practice discretion!” David Kent Richardson, DKR Interiors.
