Piping Moves Furniture to the Head of the Line
Boldly defining upholstery lines, contrasting piping underscores the strength of a furniture piece's design
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Of the many trends spotted at the spring 2012 High Point Market, contrast piping made a particularly bold splash. It seems to be following the tail of the ever-popular bright colors that we’re seeing this season — piping on sofas, headboards and chairs proposes the perfect opportunity to sneak in yet another enticing shade.
Mixing and matching vibrant colors isn’t the only way to achieve this fun, dimensional look; simply adding black piping to a white couch gives it an entirely new, contemporary personality.
Mixing and matching vibrant colors isn’t the only way to achieve this fun, dimensional look; simply adding black piping to a white couch gives it an entirely new, contemporary personality.
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| A bright yellow couch creates a bold visual impact by itself, yet the definition that deep charcoal piping gives the piece is evident. Piping helps the couch to seem more grounded and definitely on the edge of contemporary style. |
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| An antique settee feels completely modern in bright blue velvet upholstery with magenta piping. Using the same color scheme on the throw pillows, only swapped, adds a playful component and helps the magenta pop. |
If bold colors are too over the top for you, no worries; this look is equally strong in neutrals or basics. A white chair feels fresh and current outlined with black piping.
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| For a subtle aesthetic that creates just the right amount of dimension, choose a contrasting piping in a slightly darker shade than the upholstery. |
When choosing piping, correlate with other aspects of the room so the furniture still feels cohesive. The black of this sofa’s piping is carried through this space by way of the chandelier, rug, throw pillows and artwork.
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| In this example, a chair with contrasting piping feels right against green drapery and accessories. |
Your wall color can help enhance your piping. This off-white piping, for instance, feels amplified against walls of a similar shade.
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| You can also create an overall connection by finishing more than one piece in the same fashion. A chair and bench with the same upholstery and contrasting piping help the space to feel unified. |
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| Edge several furnishings in the same color of piping to unify the pieces while achieving dimensional contrast. |
by Amoroso Design
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Edge patterned fabric with a color from the print for a bold highlight.
With the white pulled out of the print through piping, the geometric pattern on these headboards comes to life.
by Beach Dwellings
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Or choose a piping color unrelated to the pattern for a look all your own.
Ideabook published on May 28, 2012.
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I used this technique when I made a slipcover for a vintage 1950's chair. The fun details would have been lost under a more simple cover.