I finally tackled a DIY project I’ve been wanting to try for years: adding bullion fringe to a sofa.
This look isn’t for everyone, but if you love grandmillennial style or have a soft spot for “Grandma core,” it’s an easy, high-impact update worth trying.
Fringe instantly changes the character of a sofa. I recently bought a beautiful green velvet sofa for my office, but the base read a bit modern farmhouse — a lovely style, just not the one I wanted for this space. By attaching trim around the bottom, I transformed the look in about 15 minutes.
Related: Pottery Barn Sofa Review: What You Should Know Before Buying
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Supplies You Will Need
This is a straightforward project, but I’ll walk through it step by step so you can follow along.
- sofa of your choice
- tape measure
- bullion fringe trim in a length that matches the height from the sofa base to the floor
- fabric scissors
- straight pins or an upholstery staple gun
- Fray Check or another fray-preventing product
Related: Trend Alert: Bullion Fringe Furniture for All Budgets
What is bullion fringe?
Bullion fringe is a decorative trim made from twisted yarns that creates a rope-like, ornamental look. It was especially popular in the Victorian era and later enjoyed revivals during Art Deco and Hollywood Regency periods. Picture the glamorous interiors from classic films — this trim adds that same sense of drama.
In short, bullion fringe is a furniture detail that commands attention and adds old-world elegance to a piece.
Related: Top 10 Best Reclining Sofas With Modern Style
How to Add Fringe to Furniture
I used a temporary attachment method because I wanted the option to remove the trim later, but I’ll also explain a more permanent alternative.
Step 1 – Measure and Choose the Right Size Fringe
Start by measuring the height from the base of your sofa to the floor so you pick fringe that nearly reaches the floor without puddling. My sofa’s legs measured 9″, so I ordered 9″ bullion fringe. I also measured the sofa’s perimeter so I knew how many yards of trim I needed — my 84″ sofa took roughly 5 yards of fringe.
Fringe comes in many colors and styles — I chose a cream-colored trim for contrast, but pick whatever best fits your room.
Step 2 – Attach the Fringe
Begin at one corner and work your way around. Use straight pins to fasten the top header of the trim into the upholstery, angling each pin so it stays secure. You’ll use a lot of pins; I went through about 100. The benefit of this approach is that it’s fully reversible: if you decide the look isn’t for you, the pins can be removed without damaging the sofa.
Step 3 – Cut the Fringe and Seal the Edge
After pinning the fringe all the way around, trim the ends with fabric scissors. Apply Fray Check to the cut edges to prevent unraveling, then fold the trimmed header under and pin it neatly in place.
Permanent Attachment Alternative
If you prefer a long-term solution, use an upholstery staple gun to secure the trim more permanently. Upholstery glue is another option, but it can be messy and difficult to reverse, so staples are generally the cleaner, more secure choice.
That’s it — a quick update that makes a big statement. Designer fringe sofas can sell for thousands: some retail pieces are listed for $5,000–$11,000, but you can recreate the look for a fraction of that price by finding a well-kept sofa secondhand and adding trim yourself.
If you don’t want to DIY, there are also ready-made bullion fringe furniture options at varying price points.
Now my home office centers around this elegant, dramatic sofa and I couldn’t be happier. It’s comfortable and gives the room a polished, vintage-inspired vibe without the designer price tag.
Would you try the bullion fringe trend? It’s a bold choice, and not every room needs that level of drama — but for the right space, it’s a fast way to add personality and old-fashioned glamour.
Time needed: 15 minutes
How to Add Fringe Trim to a Sofa
- Measure and Choose the Right Size Fringe
Measure from the base of the sofa to the floor and measure the sofa’s perimeter so you buy the correct fringe length and total yards needed.
- Attach Fringe
Begin at a corner and pin the fringe header to the upholstery, angling pins for security. Continue around the sofa until the trim is fully attached.
- Cut Fringe Trim and Seal Frayed Edge
Trim the excess, apply a fray-preventing product to the cut edge, fold the header under, and pin or staple in place for a finished look.
More Quick DIY Decorating Ideas
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DIY Bobbin Frame for a Samsung Frame TV Bezel
Easy DIY No Sew Curtains With Trim: Step By Step Tutorial