Piping Moves Furniture to the Head of the Line
Boldly defining upholstery lines, contrasting piping underscores the strength of a furniture piece's design
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Edge several furnishings in the same color of piping to unify the pieces while achieving dimensional contrast.
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.
Or choose a piping color unrelated to the pattern for a look all your own.