The Devil is in the Detail

 

Smart design choices can turn a basic cushion into a true feature of your space. Let’s dive into some key upholstery detailing techniques that make cushions both beautiful and durable.

Upholstery detailing is what transforms a plain cushion into something special. Whether you love the crisp look of box cushions, the classic charm of piping, or the sleek sophistication of top -stitching, there’s a detail out there for every style. These finishing touches don’t just make your furniture look amazing—they also help it last longer, so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Try out some of these detailing techniques to add personality and polish to your furniture. Because at the end of the day, it’s the details that really make a difference!



BOXED CUSHIONS

Box cushions are a go-to classic. They have that nice structured look, thanks to their flat top and bottom panels with vertical sides that create a box-like shape. If you’re aiming for a polished and symmetrical feel, these are the way to go. 

Continuous, Seamed, or Integrated Boxing

"Boxing" refers to the strips of fabric that cover a cushion’s vertical sides. There are three main options, each with its own aesthetic and practical benefits:

  • CONTINUOUS BOXING This style uses a single strip of fabric that wraps around all sides of the cushion. With no seams at the corners, it creates a smooth, seamless appearance—perfect for a sleek, modern vibe.

  • SEAMED BOXING: Here, individual strips of fabric are cut for each side of the cushion and sewn together at the corners. This method is more labor-intensive but provides a tailored, classic look. It’s ideal if you want a more defined and structured aesthetic.                                          Both Styles above allow the usage of piping.

  • INTERGRATED BOXING: In this style, the boxing is part of the cushion’s top and/or bottom fabric plate, eliminating the need to cut and sew separate strips. While this option simplifies pattern matching, it doesn’t support piping, making it best suited for cushions with a minimalist, seamless design. Depending on dimensions this style can save the amount fabric required. 

Continuous boxing

Seamed boxed cushion



WRAP- AROUND CUSHIONS

Wrap-around cushions are a hallmark of seamless design, perfect for mid-century modern and contemporary furniture where flowing lines are key. In this style, the fabric panels wrap continuously from the back, over the top, down the front, and around the bottom.

This method offers a significant time-saving advantage during production, particularly with patterned fabrics, as the pattern remains uninterrupted without requiring meticulous matching between panels. However, this style has limitations based on fabric width.

Fabric Width Considerations:

  • If the cushion’s dimensions fit within the fabric’s standard width (typically 1.4m), this technique works beautifully. For example, a cushion measuring 50cm deep and 10cm high can be accommodated as follows: top and bottom panels (50cm each), front panel (10cm), and a zipper panel (approximately 16cm).

  • For larger cushions, such as one measuring 60cm deep and 15cm high, the required dimensions (60cm for top and bottom panels, 15cm for the front, and 20cm for the zipper panel) exceed the fabric width, making wrap-around styling unfeasible.





Wrap around with on a patterned fabric

Wrap around with a plain fabric- typically seen in MCD designs





PIPING OR NO PIPING?




Piping, or welt cord, is a decorative trim added to a cushion’s seams. It’s a flexible detail that can either blend in with the fabric for a subtle look or pop with a contrasting color for extra flair. Piping adds structure and helps define the cushion’s shape, whether you’re after understated elegance or a bold accent.

Continuous Boxed cushion with contrasting piping

Wrap around cushion with a continuous pattern flow and contrasting piping



TOP STITCH

Top stitching is a simple yet stylish way to reinforce seams while giving cushions a sleek finish. This technique involves running a visible stitch along the edges, creating a clean and modern look. It’s especially effective with leather or heavier fabrics, as it highlights the texture and craftsmanship beautifully.

Boxed Cushion with top stitch






BUDGET- FRIENDLY OPTIONS

If your budget determines the finishing touches, here’s what to consider:

  • Integrated Boxing and Wrap-Around Style are the most economical options for cushion covers. They save time in production but are only feasible when the cushion’s dimensions fit within the fabric width.

  • Piping and Top Stitch take longer to create but provide a defining detail and structural advantage that enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.











 
britta de laat