Trim is one way to truly take curtains—and a space overall—to the next level. “Trim is one of those clues in a room that conveys a designer’s touch,” says Kevin O’Gara of Kevin Francis Design. “It’s an essential custom detail that brings a level of tailored polish to a curtain design.” Note that there are many trim types to choose from. “The house and the space always speak to the drapery and trim,” notes Taylor Simon, a designer at Thomas Guy Interiors. It is therefore important to consider the overall aesthetic of a room—and determine the style of fabric you’ll use—before deciding whether to opt for tassels, pom poms, rick rack, or bands, all popular types of trim. Read on to learn more about these four common options and how they are best used.
Rick Rack
With its squiggly, playful shape, rick rack is a popular choice for kids’ spaces but can be styled for adult areas, too. The designers at Toledo Geller envision rick rack trim applied to look like a scalloped edge, which could be quite chic in grownup spaces.
Tassels
With traditional British interiors surging in popularity, tassels are having a major moment. Tassels can be styled to look fun and festive but can also be incorporated into more formal spaces, state Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller behind the design firm Toledo Geller. O’Gara finds that tassels can also look quite elegant in a living room or dining room.
Pom Poms
It’s soft, it’s sweet, it’s irresistible. We love pom pom trim for cozy spaces, especially a bedroom or nursery. These are also great for peppier, color-forward spaces. Pom poms are whimsical and can prevent a space from appearing too serious or stuffy.
Bands
The designers at Toledo Geller enjoy working with banded curtains, too. “A plain band is a great trick to introduce a color or tie back to another color in the room without being too literal or matchy-matchy,” they comment. However, bands can also be a great way to play with various neutral shades, too. “A neutral textured banding on the leading edges of plain white drapery panels instantly adds a subtle, sophisticated layer,” says Emily Wallace Wood of Wallace Wood Interiors
Customizing your curtains with trim is a fun way to invoke personality all throughout your home. If you’re feeling stumped and need some assistance with your curtain project, we’re always happy to help via our free design consultation service. Still weighing different prints? Note that you can always order swatches directly to your home to best determine which pattern supports your overall vision.