Creative Ways to Cover and Trim Furniture Seams

Furniture seams can be obvious and unsightly, especially if cushions and other areas were damaged. When ugly staples, raw edges and stitched areas show, they can be covered in stylish new ways to create a more finished appearance. Materials from braids to beads can be used to cover and trim furniture seams and edges. Even wooden stools can be beautifully trimmed in creative and unique new ways.

Repair Damaged Corners

I have a deep blue microfiber loveseat that needed new trim. Less than an hour after it was purchased it fell out of a pickup truck and onto the pavement below. Surprisingly it was not severely damaged, but one corner had slightly split along the seam. I had to find a creative way to cover and trim the damaged corner. My solution made it look as good as new. Find out how I was able to successfully cover and trim the microfiber loveseat and how I updated a few other furnishings in need of finishing touches.

Use Upholstery Tacks to Repair Seams Along Wooden Frames

When one corner of my microfiber loveseat was damaged, I was able to successfully cover and trim the ripped seam with a decorative upholstery tack. To make the trim appear as if it was an original part of the loveseat, I pushed a decorative tack into the other corner as well. As the photo shows, I was able to repair and cover the tear with the decorative trim. It looks great, and in addition to repairing the tear, the tacks provide protection for the corners.

Cover Seams and Edges with Rickrack Trim

Rickrack can be used to cover and trim the seams of upholstered furniture. Visit a sewing supply store or search online for decorative options. It comes in many different styles and virtually every color of the rainbow, and if the covers of cushions can be removed, it can be machine stitched into place. Alternately, it can be attached with strong fabric glue or sewn on by hand. It can also be used to beautifully trim the edges of plain wooden stools.

Embellish Ordinary Stools

I had plain wooden stools that were $9.99 each, and they were not stylish or decorative. They provided sturdy seating at the countertop bar that separated the kitchen from the dining room, but I was not happy with their appearance. They looked very cheap. I purchased rickrack in two shades of blue, and I used it to trim and cover the edges of the stools. I attached the deep blue rickrack first using hot glue. After the glue dried, I finished the project by attaching the light blue rickrack. It slightly overlapped the dark blue trim, and the results looked phenomenal.

Many other materials can be used to trim and cover the edges and seams of ordinary furnishings. Strips of leather, strings of beads and even rows of buttons can be used to trim and cover plain furnishings. Consider the style and color of furnishings before deciding on the trim. You will end up with unique and decorative stools, sofas, chairs and more.

Source: Personal and Professional Home Design, Decorating and Crafting Experience