Fringe Benefits: A Designer’s Guide to Adding Texture, Movement, and Personality

Fringe, or as the French call it - Passamenterie - has been making a comeback—and not just in the classic ways we’re used to seeing it. Designers are leaning into texture, movement, and those finishing touches that make a room feel complete. Just like jewelry can take a simple solid suit and make it fantastic, fringe is one of those details that can quietly elevate a space or make a bold, playful statement, depending on how you use it.

Lately, I’ve been sourcing fringe from some of my go-to trade-only resources like Samuel & Sons, Houles, and Scalamandre. Their collections have everything from traditional to modern including a new long hand-embroidered bullion fringe from Samuel and Sons, that I would absolutely love to use on our next project.  This fringe reminds me of the details on a BOHO flowing A-line skirt, and would be dreamy adorning a sheer or casement drapery fabric at one of our clients’ vacation homes.

Courtesy of Samuel & Sons AMANDARI BEADED BORDER 

Rest assured, the offerings we see today are not your grandmother’s trimmings—they’re modern, fresh, and super versatile. One of my favorite recent installs included a yellow-green crystal bead trim, that we used to accent the leading edge of a stationary drapery panel, for our client’s living room.  The way in which the sun hits the glass and refracts adds a modern touch to a more traditional space.  I love the eclectic vibe this creates.  

DCI Studio Courtesy of Mentis Studio Photography

Fringe on ottomans and the base of a sofa or chair is something I saw a lot of at High Point Market.  A long bullion fringe in a contrasting tone or color can turn a simple ottoman into a showstopper.

Courtesy of Coley Home - TEENY STOOL

I’ve also added subtle fringe around the back of a chair or outlining a sleek bench for a look that feels tailored but unexpected.

And then there are the really fun, out-of-the-box ideas. We’ve used a scalloped-edge trim to frame the edges of the shams for our client’s bed.

Primary Bedroom DCI Studio - Mentis Studio Photography

You don’t have to go bold with color, though sometimes a pop really works. Think coral fringe on a natural linen pillow, or olive green trim grounding cream drapery panels.

Courtesy of Pollack Fabrics   On The Fringe 6093/01 Discotheque

More often than not, I like using fringe in a tone-on-tone way—it keeps things elevated without stealing the spotlight.  The tassel trim on the ruched and scalloped valance, is complemented by a glass and silk pom pom fringe at the bottom of the sheer roman shade, for a touch of whimsy and subdued sparkle.

Library/Office DCI Studio - Mentis Studio Photography

Here is the true beauty of applying  fringe  - it can swing traditional or lean contemporary, depending on the application and allow the designer to customize a one of a kind piece for the client.   These are the details that make a space feel considered and layered, allowing the “passamenterie” to not only serve as an accent, but instead becomes part of the architecture of the room. It's the little things that make a big difference!

Phyllis Harbinger