The Old-Fashioned Decorating Detail We’re Seeing Everywhere – and It Makes Even Modern Rooms Feel More Welcoming

It's the small, easy-to-miss details that set a good interior apart from a truly great one. They might be passed off as minor, but characterful accents often work the hardest – and are what make a scheme feel truly cozy, lived-in, and welcoming.

Quietly working in the background, 'old-fashioned' decor details are officially back in style. Think tassels, skirting, and our favorite of the bunch: fringe. From fixtures with fringed trim to furniture donning a swooshing skirt, this history-rich, always characterful design trend is back – and it makes even the most modern rooms feel more welcoming.

'We custom-made this banquette for a beautiful, spacious dining room,' explains interior designer Elaina Darden. 'The idea was that it would serve as a lovely perch for a cocktail or conversation when entertaining. I also love being able to fit upholstery into a dining room, since it adds softness and detail to a room that otherwise has a lot of hard surfaces. The fringe plays up the formality of the piece, complementing the chinoiserie wallpaper and tonal blue color palette without introducing a new pattern.'

Much like the skirted furniture trend, fringed upholstery brings a real playful feel to a scheme. 'I think there is a longing for layers in interiors, with personality and customization being at the forefront of design at the moment,' Elaina adds. 'Pleating, skirting, and fringing really allow designers to get creative and deliver a product that is truly unique to each client. The smallest details all work together to make a space memorable and special.'

A fringed trim can always make a simple shape feel more special. It can also instantly elevate a preloved piece in need of a little love, as was the case in Sarah Vanrenen's living room. 'This is my sitting room at home,' explains Sarah Vanrenen of Vanrenen Hanbury. 'I collect antique and vintage textiles, and I fell in love with the color and texture of a dark aubergine Victorian chenille throw with this lattice fringe attached. The throw was very threadbare in the middle, so I just used the edges with the attached fringe to accentuate the sides of the ottoman and an antique suzani on the top.'

'I think that furniture trends tend to come and go, and in all honesty I think that there has always been a place for fringes which evoke more of a traditional, luxurious and detailed finish,' Sarah adds. 'I love the way this fringe hangs down and is more prominent in this instance, creating a more textured layer to this English country sitting room.'

While the banquette seating in this cozy living room would have been stylish without a generous sprinkling of fringe trim, the charming detail adds real whimsy and nostalgia. It brings a history-rich, collected feel to the room, and creates an instantly more layered look. 'There is nothing quite like a corner banquette to transform an underutilized room into a welcoming space,' says Molly Young of BY Interiors. 'Our clients wanted a true lounge, so we designed a custom piece that naturally created multiple, flexible seating zones.'

Living room furniture trends like this one always make communal spaces feel more inviting, and far more special. 'We love using bespoke touches, like delicate fringe, custom trim, and tailored skirting, to elevate a silhouette and give a special furniture piece that extra layer of polish,' adds Molly.

'This is our client’s music room,' explains interior designer Uns Hobbs, 'and we designed a bespoke corner bench seat where they could sit and play guitar or gather with friends when hosting. We wanted it to be comfortable and sociable, but with a touch of glamour too.'

'The fringing adds a bit of wow factor and makes the bench seat more of a focal point. We kept the rest of the room quite neutral so that the upholstery and its detailing could take center stage. It’s a relatively simple shape, but the fringe gives it personality. I think people are drawn to interiors that feel warm, comfortable, and full of character. These traditional details have a lovely familiarity to them, but changing the fabric, color or scale can make them feel fresh. A fringe or skirt is also a great way to turn a simple piece of furniture into something a little more special.'

A way to make a home feel more whimsical, fringing touches on the playfulness of the past. 'They are making a comeback, and I’m using them a lot in my projects,' adds Uns. 'I’ve always loved that slightly granny chic style, and details like pleating, fringing, and skirts bring softness and playfulness to a room.'

The Fringe Edit

For rooms that need a little more character, fringed pieces are perfect. Able to elevate tired furniture or add much-needed texture to a one-dimensional scheme, it's the playful decorating detail that's making a welcome return.

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