FURNITURE TREND: Tufted Furniture Gets All Buttoned Up
By TheHomeTufting is no longer just seen on vintage upholstery. This classic detail is re-emerging with new shapes and contemporary styling.
Originally employed to secure cushioning to the backs and seats of upholstered furniture, tufting today is also more for visual interest than practicality. Tufting adds dimension and drama to upholstery because it highlights the fabric and casts shadows in the tufts. When tufted, each type of fabric has a distinct look - velvets seem soft and billowy, metallic fabrics shimmer, and leathers look rich and supple.
Whether tufts are used from top to bottom or more strategically placed, the design will attract notice. Fabrics can be folded under the tufts or piping can be stretched from button to button to emphasize the detail. Contrasting buttons or piping creates a unique look, drawing attention to the furniture’s shape. From antique-inspired pieces to the most contemporary design, tufting accessorizes all kinds of upholstery with sophistication and style.
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ModHomeEcTeacher
Maybe. I remember someone saying to me once that I'd get tired of something (carpet, I think) before it would wear out. Maybe the new generation of tufting fans won't have the piece long enough for dust to collect. Ha! I have a little paperback book written in the 1950's teaching tufting techniques.
Ken Hoyt
When tufting was invented it had to do with comfort as much as style... also if you could afford such glamorous furniture you probably also had live-in help.
I'm guessing that the sale of these goods will be followed by a revival of slipcovers...
DIY Maven
Ken is absolutely correct...belly buttons on furniture are a pain. Everything finds their way into them. I'll take clean, smooth and tailored anyday.
ModHomeEcTeacher
Deep tufting and small buttons make for lots of hiding places for dust. You can't stop the wave, people are loving it right now.
Ken Hoyt
Take it from me: We have two matching, gorgeous, cordovan-colored leather Chesterfield sofa. Love the look. But on cleaning day each one of the indented button-holes needs to be cleaned individually. Vacuuming isn't effective. I use a microfiber cloth. It's the war of the belly-buttons each week... It's not a deal-killer but it is a pain-in-the-neck.
ModHomeEcTeacher
Thanks for the great intro to tufting. I'm working on a beginners' tufting tutorial right now.
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