Passementerie

And all the Trimmings

Designers rely on trims, tassels, ribbons, braids, and bullions to underscore and emphasize the shape, structure, and detail of a room's soft furnishings. Draperies, upholstered seating, pillows, and throws made with beautiful fabrics are further accentuated by the addition of elegant enhancements such as bullion, rope, braid, beadwork, rosettes, and tassels.

Passementerie

Decorative hand-sewn trimmings were originally designed to disguise the seams and edges of wall hangings, bed hangings and draperies. In the 15th and 16th centuries hand made trims were popular in Italy, though they were rarely used elsewhere. By the 17th century, the court of Louis XIV discovered the allure of decorative textile enrichments and passement (the French term) became fashionable among the nobility. As the middle classes became familiar with these adornments the demand for affordable versions increased. Soon a proliferation of intricate trimmings was available throughout Europe and later, in the United States and Canada.

Language of Trim

Reid & Lyons Decorative Trimmings is a premier supplier of trims to the trade and public for more than 20 years. The small showroom boasts an inventory that includes thousands of yards of European trims, from tassels to braids, bullion fringe to cord, in virtually every conceivable colour and textile combination. "Variety is not in short supply when it comes to trimmings," says Randi Weiner, manager of the Designer's Walk location. "Sometimes the choice is overwhelming, especially for homeowners who are unsure of each trim's function or capability." The definitions below may be helpful.

• Braid: A braid is a type of woven ribbon used to accent the edges of window shades or blinds; trim pillows or cushions, highlight the edge of a lampshade, and disguise tacks in upholstery. There are a variety of braids including gimp, which is flat; ribbed, which has raised edges; as well as embossed or printed braid. Initially this industrious trim was employed to hide the seams and raw edges of wall hangings during the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Bullion: Bullion refers to long silky fringes made of twisted rope. Bullion fringe is typically used in more traditional settings and its length is determined by the required use. A 2 1/2" fringe might be used to follow the lines of a sumptuous drapery swag, whereas a 12" fringe would be used as skirting on upholstered sofas and chairs.
• Cord: Decorative cord consists of a mixture of yarns, solid or multi-coloured, which have been twisted to form a rope. This decorative rope is then used as piping around edges of upholstered furniture, or as accent to other soft furnishings. Cord comes in a number of different widths from 3/16" - 1" or more, depending on the application. It's also used to finish the edges of upholstered walls.
• Rosette: A decorative medallion that is used to provide interest.
• Tassel: A tassel is the bobble or fringe that is gathered near the top allowing the bottom fringe to hang or dangle. Sometimes the tassel comes at the end of a long cord in which case it might be used as a drapery tieback, or it will have a small loop at the top, allowing it to be hung from a doorknob or from a furniture key.
• Bead Trim: Beaded trims are a true fashion accessory, providing a dash of couture to draperies, pillows, throws, and lampshades. Bead trim is fashioned from a length of braid, which is enhanced by hanging drops made of luxurious materials such as crystal, glass, metal, or wood.

Why add trims

"The importance of trimmings is often overlooked," says Weiner. "It's easy to spend the bulk of our budgets on great fabrics and furnishings and the addition of a trim or braid can seem like an extravagance. However, great trimmings give decorative schemes a truly professional edge, in the same way a strand of pearls completes the simple black dress."

Traditional Accents

In general, most elaborate trims are reserved for formal, traditional interiors. A braided cord in one or more colors might embellish a decorative pillow, or outline the curves in a favorite chair. This is an excellent technique when you want to augment or call attention to the shape of a piece of furniture. Deeply fringed bullion can add a flirty, feminine touch to the apron of a curvaceous armchair or emphasize the solidity of a long sofa. A flat braid is the perfect finishing touch for lining the face of roman shades or running down the full length of draperies that puddle on the floor. Tassels can be used to tie back elegant draperies made of silk, damask, brocade, or linen, as well as adorn sensuous down-filled pillows, or even hang from a key on the face of an armoire or desk.

Contemporary Accents

As a rule, contemporary interiors work best with simpler trimmings. A cord or braid in the same color as the fabric adds subtle interest to clean lined furnishings and fabrics. Exceptional materials such as feathers, colored glass, crystal droplets and wooden beads can also enhance more modern decors.

Resources

Department of Interiors - 1977 Avenue Rd., Toronto 416-322-7277

Designer Fabric Outlet - 1360 Queen West, Toronto 416-531-2810

BB Bargoon's (3 locations in the GTA):

• 2784 Yonge Street, Toronto 416-481-5273
• 8201 Keele Street, Vaughan, 905-761-5065
• 2575 Dundas St. West, Mississauga 905-828-2022

King Textiles - 445 Richmond St. West, Toronto 416-504-0600

MacFab - 600 Queen Street West, Toronto 416-534-3940

Reid & Lyons - 354 Davenport Road, Toronto 416-966-4311