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How to Use Our Flatwoven Braids as Decorative Trimmings

6th November 2024

From curtains and blinds to upholstered furniture and soft furnishings, our decorative trimmings are guaranteed to add the most beautiful finishing touch to any interior project. Whether you’re trying to create something totally bespoke or simply add colour and texture, here are various ways you can use our flatwoven braids and trims around the home.

Contour flatwoven fabric braids and trims - decorative trimmings

Create one-of-a-kind Curtains and Blinds.

It really is all about the details if you’re looking to create statement curtains or blinds brimming with personal style. For a contemporary window treatment idea, consider edging your curtains or blinds with decorative trimming – it will not only inject colour, pattern and texture into your scheme but also create a talking point for you and your guests. If you’re not brave enough to experiment with bold patterns, then using a plain fabric with a contrasting trim will add interest and make your drapes look and feel more luxurious.

Ian Mankin curtian with decorative trimming in blue
Image: Ian Mankin 1485 Collection in association with The Landmark Trust

Enhance The Shape of Your Upholstered Furniture

Even the subtlest of trimmings, like our Fracture Braid in Bluestone on this striped ottoman in our Opal Stripe Bluestone Fabric, can work wonders when highlighting the shape of this living room staple. If you want to draw attention to the shape of a new or preloved upholstered sofa, chair, ottoman, stool or headboard while introducing another colour into a scheme, decorative trimming is an absolute must!

Ian Mankin ottoman with decorative trimming

Add a Decorative Touch to Cushions and Throws

Cushions and throws are a fantastic way to instantly bring decorative trims into your home without spending a fortune. Soft furnishings are the best starting point if you aren’t 100% sure whether decorative trimmings will suit your interior. This rich textured braid in Winifred’s Stripe Russet builds up the layers of pattern in this rustic bedroom. It contrasts beautifully with the ochre and natural woven designs featured on the scatter cushions, balancing it perfectly. Remember that sometimes less is more; you don’t want to lose the impact of some of the more delicate trims by having too many different decorative trimmings on soft furnishings.

Ian Mankin bedroom with scatters cushions and rustic braid trim
Image: Ian Mankin 1485 Collection in association with The Landmark Trust

Adding a braid to a throw or bedspread is another great way to tie a room’s elements together. Look at how our Gatehouse Stripe Braid in Russet brings warmth and sophistication to this contemporary guest room.

Rustic bedroom featuring throw with decorative trimming
Image: Ian Mankin 1485 Collection in association with The Landmark Trust

Bring Colour and Texture to a Plain Lampshade

Never underestimate the power of a decorative lampshade. They can inject a touch of pizzazz into a room and bring personality while creating a more relaxed mood and cosy ambience as the shorter days draw in. Consider wrapping a bold-coloured, contrasting trim like our 1485 Herringbone Russet around a plain lampshade for a more personalised, textured look. According to World of Interiors, lampshades are a favoured choice for adding instant decorative flair.

Ian Mankin neutral lampsahde with decorative orange trim
Image: Ian Mankin 1485 Collection in association with The Landmark Trust

Add a Personal Touch to Your Table Setting

House and Garden suggest that trimmings serve a practical purpose far beyond upholstery – effectively bringing out the best of any fabric in any setting. Transforming your dining table might not be at the top of your to-do list, but look at how much impact they can make. Full of character and charm, they can help reinforce your colour scheme while encouraging a more elegant drape for a tablecloth because trimmings add structure and weight to the fabric.

Take entertaining to the next level by adding braids and trims to personalise your placemats, table runners and napkins – the options are endless!  

Ian Mankin chekced tablecloth with decorative trim
Image: Ian Mankin 1485 Collection in association with The Landmark Trust

If you have any leftover fabric or braids from your projects, consider reusing them to add a personal touch to your gifts. What’s even better is that fabric gift wrap and creative bows using braids and trims can be used time and time again. Explore ‘A Considered Christmas with Ian Mankin‘ for sustainable gift and decoration ideas.

Ian Mankin ticking fabrics and braids

Not sure which of our decorative trimmings best suits your home? You can order samples of all our flatwoven braids and fabrics online to discover your absolute favourites. Have fun playing with different colours, patterns and textures to add something extra to your scheme with trimmings.

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