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Textiles & Patterns

Tassel Trim

Tassel trim consists of decorative ornaments formed by gathering bundled threads or cords at one end to create hanging embellishments, used individually or in series to adorn curtains, cushions, upholstery, and other soft furnishings. The tassel is one of humanity's oldest decorative elements, appearing in ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Chinese, and pre-Columbian American cultures as symbols of power, authority, and craftsmanship. In interior design, tassels provide distinctive finishing touches that add movement, color, and handcrafted personality to textile compositions. From the elaborate key tassels that hold back silk drapery in formal interiors to the simple cotton tassels dangling from bohemian throw pillows, these versatile ornaments scale across every style level. The gentle swaying motion of tassels adds a living quality to furnishings that creates visual interest and invites tactile interaction.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Bundled threads gathered at one end forming hanging ornament
  • ✓One of the oldest decorative textile elements in human history
  • ✓Adds movement, color, and personality to textiles
  • ✓Available from simple thread bundles to elaborate sculptural forms
  • ✓Functions as both singular accent and repeated trim element
  • ✓Invites tactile interaction and creates gentle movement

Types & Variations

Key tassel for curtain tiebacks and decorative hanging
Chair tassel for small accents on furniture corners
Tassel fringe with repeated small tassels on a header
Beaded tassel incorporating wooden or glass beads
Pom-pom tassel combining round and tassel forms

Common Materials

Silk for luxurious formal tassels with beautiful sheenCotton for casual, everyday tassel applicationsWool for warm, textured handmade tasselsRayon for affordable tassels with silk-like appearanceLeather for modern, unexpected tassel accentsMetallic threads for formal, gilded decorative tassels

Works Well With These Styles

TraditionalBohemianHollywood RegencyEclecticMoroccan

Placement & Usage Tips

Use key tassels on curtain tiebacks for classical elegance. Add tassel trim to pillow corners for simple but effective embellishment. Hang decorative tassels from drawer pulls and door handles for charming accent details throughout the home.

💡 Pro Tip

Making custom tassels from leftover yarn or thread is one of the simplest and most satisfying DIY trim projects. Handmade tassels in colors perfectly matched to your interior palette add a personal touch that ready-made options cannot replicate, and they cost virtually nothing to create.

Related Terms

Fringe Trim

A decorative textile edging consisting of loose threads or cords hanging from a bound or woven header, used to finish and embellish soft furnishings.

Passementerie

The collective term for elaborate decorative trimmings including braids, cords, gimps, rosettes, and ornamental edgings used to embellish textiles and upholstery.

Embroidery

The art of decorating fabric using needle and thread or yarn to create ornamental designs, textures, and imagery on a textile surface.

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