20 Easy Ways to Add Fringe to Your Home

This is not your grandmother’s fringe! Designers share fresh takes on this emerging home trend.

dining room with fringe tablecloth and mural wallpaper
Photo:

Courtesy of Kristina Phillipos / Jane Beiles

Fringe was a popular feature on the spring 2024 fashion runways, from colorful denim fringe on bags to metallic fringe on skirts to beaded fringe on blazers. Since home trends often follow fashion, it’s not surprising fringe is also trending in home decor.

“Fringe has a unique ability to add texture, depth, and movement to any space,” says Marie Cloud, owner + principal designer at Indigo Pruitt Design Studio. “I love how it bridges the gap between traditional decor and contemporary flair.”

“I think the recent upswing in the use of fringe reflects the desire to bring modern elegance and glamour into interior spaces,” notes Christine Carney, the director of design at Blackberry Farm Design. “After years of minimally designed style, there’s a new focus on ornamentation, embellishment, maximalism, and romance.”

From a delicate eyelash to bold bullion, there's a fringe for every home style. Ahead, top designers share the unexpected ways they plan to incorporate fringe this spring.

fringe ottoman in bathroom with penny tile walls and floor

Courtesy of Jason Salt / Shannon Dupre

1. Ottomans

An ottoman adorned with fringe adds a layer of texture and visual interest to a room, while also serving as a functional seating or a footrest moment. “Ottomans are relatively small pieces of furniture, making them an ideal canvas for experimenting with fringe,” says Francesca Grace, a designer and founder of Francesca Grace. Stephanie Gamble, a principal designer at Stephanie Gamble Interiors, says she uses long leather fringe to elevate an otherwise standard ottoman and make it the focal point of a room.

2. Room Dividers

In an open floor plan, semi-transparent fringe can provide a sense of separation without completely closing off an area. “The use of fringe as a room divider adds a fluid, architectural element to an interior while offering privacy and preserving the open feel,” says Cloud. It can be hung from the ceiling to the floor using a mounted track for flexibility, a fixed panel for permanence, or a tension rod for an adaptable solution. “I like using beaded or metal fringe for a touch of glamour, natural fiber fringes for an earthy, organic touch, and soft materials like silk or velvet to add elegance,” adds Cloud.

fringe lampshade and fringe velvet chair

Courtesy of Sarah Stacey / Avery Nicole

3. Lighting

Materials like glass, metal, or beaded fringe on a lighting fixture can double as art in a room. Emma Kemper, principal designer at Emma Beryl Interiors, loves seeing fringe in different colors, thicknesses, and materials on a statement chandelier while Bandman appreciates fringe trim on a lampshade. “It adds a touch of the unexpected and makes the lighting feel purposeful, elevating its importance in the room,” she says. Adding a pom-pom fringe to a lampshade or drum chandelier can introduce a whimsical flair and a finishing detail, especially if done in a contrasting color, says Kristina Phillips the founder of Kristina Phillips Interior Design.

Applying fringe to a lampshade or pendant can also create a stunning interplay of light and shadow, resulting in a cozy ambiance. “It merges functionality with decorative appeal, casting intriguing patterns and softening the room's overall lighting,” says Cloud. “Fringe can beautifully diffuse light, creating an ambiance that’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or reading nooks,” adds Grace.

4. Wallpaper

Like an applied wood molding, a decorative fringe on wallpaper creates a beautiful architectural detail. “I like to dress up a grasscloth wallcovering by creating a panel-like border out of fringe,” says Lucy Penfield, founder + principal at Lucy Interior Design. “Simply measure the area and use a metal straight edge to create framing on the wall, then cut the decorative trim and apply it using a premium fabric gel.”

fringe curtains in bedroom with floral wallpaper

Courtesy of Dina Bandman Interiors / Christopher Stark Photography 

5. Window Treatments

Elevating an ordinary window treatment with fringe detailing can introduce a layer of softness, whether you prefer a subtle trim or something more dramatic. “Consider a small fringe at the bottom of a roman shade or along the edge of a drapery,” says Gamble.

“Tassel fringe, with its endless color options, is an ideal look for traditional window treatments as it adds visual interest and acts as a bridge between the different hues in a room,” says Dina Bandman, principal and founder, Dina Bandman Interiors. You can add fringe tie back tassels to your drapery as an easy and inexpensive way to get started, suggests Kate Spiro, interior designer, Kate Spiro Interiors.

6. Mirrors

“My favorite place to add fringe is on a mirror!” says Beth Diana Smith, a designer and HomeGoods ambassador. "Any mirror with a unique shape and textured frame looks good with fringe.” Kemper likes to wrap a leather framed mirror in a long fringe that drapes down either side. “It’s a simple yet so chic look,” she says.

fringe pillows

Courtesy of Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography 

7. Pillows

“Fringe takes what can be an ordinary pillow and turn it into a piece of art,” says Lisa Gilmore, CEO and principal designer at Lisa Gilmore Design, who notes it’s a great way to incorporate the trend without a big commitment. 

“Many of my clients want their furniture to stand the test of time, meaning they don’t want anything too trendy. Having a fringe trim on pillows can keep a space looking classic yet update the vibe to something more current,” says Kristin Harrison, designer/owner of Bungalow 10 Interiors.

Sarah Stacey, a principal designer at Sarah Stacey Interior Design, loves to add a brush or tassel fringe in a contrasting color to throw pillows to create texture, while Marika Meyer, owner of Marika Meyer Studio, prefers caterpillar fringe on a pillow’s edge. “It has a bit of a wild feel and is great for spaces like children's bedrooms and playrooms,” she says. 

8. Ceiling Accents

Fringe as a decorative ceiling accent can add an unexpected touch of sophistication. “This application brings warmth and texture, enhancing the room’s overall ambiance,” says Cloud, who suggests draping fringe along the lower edge of a beam for a soft effect or wrapping it around the beam for a more cohesive look. “I love using luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet for an elegant look, a textured fringe like wool for a cozy vibe, or a metallic or beaded fringe for a dramatic, light-reflecting effect,” she says. To secure, use a strong adhesive or discreet hooks.

fringe sofa with ottomans and statement chandelier

Courtesy of Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography

9. Sofas

Bullion fringe on a sofa is a chic and timeless way to add trim to a room while also hiding furniture legs. “The widths and colors can vary, but a sofa will always look and feel more special and custom with fringe,” says Jason Saft, founder + CEO of Staged to Sell Home. Gilmore loves using brush fringe on a sofa. “It’s a great way to add some pizzaz to a frame,” she says. 

10. End Tables

“I recently stumbled upon the sweetest side table skirted in trim,” says Kristine Renee, a principal at Design Alchemy. “The octagonal top was covered in a patterned fabric and fringe was adhered to the sides.” With end tables, you’ll want to mount the trim at the edge of the tabletop. “Any sort of fringe will work as long as it hangs down past the edge of the table’s top and has some movement,” Renee says.

fringe bedspread in bedroom with lemon wallpaper

Courtesy of Sarah Stacey / Avery Nicole

11. Bedding

Fringe can be used in countless ways on bedding, from skirts to pillowcases to canopy treatments. “A classic bedspread with long, exaggerated fringe creates a focal point in a room,” says Gamble. Penfield likes to add a decorative bobble trim to a bed canopy, while Grace often transforms the often-neglected lower edge of a bed frame with fringe. “With its ability to draw in the eye, fringe turns an ordinary bed frame into an extraordinary statement piece, anchoring the room and adding a touch of luxury,” she says.

12. Throw Blankets

If you're not sure where to start, or you don’t want to invest a lot of resources, a throw blanket is an easy way to work fringe into your existing space. “Fringe adds movement and texture to a standard blanket and looks great draped over an armchair, sofa or bed,” says Jenny Reimold, a designer and HomeGoods ambassador. It’s all about introducing texture so the blanket doesn’t feel flat, adds Harrison.

dining room with fringe tablecloth and mural wallpaper

Courtesy of Kristina Phillipos / Jane Beiles

13. Tablescape Pieces

Tapletops are having a fringe moment as well, with trim finding its way onto runners, placemats, and cloth napkins. “For those seeking a less permanent way of incorporating fringe, a tablecloth with trim detailing is an easy way to experiment with different styles and colors to suit various occasions or seasons,” says Grace.

14. Shelving Accents

A slim brush fringe applied to the edge of a shelf can add a soft touch, contrasting the hard lines of books on a ledge. “This nice detail can tie the colors of a room together,” says Phillips. Because it adds a bit of whimsy, it looks great on built-ins in a playroom or children's bedroom. “Just make sure the fringe is the same width as the shelf. For example, adhere a 2" grosgrain trim along the edges of a 2” shelf, using a clear adhesive,” notes Phillips.

nursery with tasseled fringe drawer pulls

Courtesy of Dina Bandman Interiors / Christopher Stark Photography

15. Drawer Hardware

Trim and tassels on drawer hardware add a layer of luxury and texture to a space. “It’s also a wonderful way to accentuate a particular color in the room,” says Bandman, who suggests adding tassels to a chest of drawers or knobs on a nightstand for a little extra pizazz. “Hanging a tassel on an interior door knob is another beautiful way to incorporate this trend home, particularly a bedroom door where it elevates the boudoir feel,” she adds.   

16. Rugs and Runners

Fringed rugs are a simple way to refresh a space and add a trendy element without having to do a major revamp. “They blend traditional charm with a modern aesthetic,” says Cloud. “Opt for shorter fringe in high-traffic areas to minimize maintenance and choose colors and patterns that complement your existing decor.” A fringed runner not only elongates a space, but it can also take a dull, dated kitchen and turn it into a more current space in your home, adds Harrison.

banquette with fringe and round dining table

Courtesy of Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography

17. Banquettes

A heavyweight bullion or roped fringe can make a built-in banquette your kitchen focal point. “In most cases, I would apply the trim to the base perimeter, especially if I’m using a long bullion-style fringe,” says Gilmore. “You can also glue welt trims to the edging of a banquette for contrasting color and a bit of pop.”

18. Wall Hangings

“Fringe as art has made its mark on so many eras and design styles, from retro to boho to art deco,” says Ursula Carmona, a designer and HomeGoods ambassador. It can transform wall art, offering a three-dimensional texture that engages its viewer. “Whether on a tapestry or a framed piece of art, fringe adds a layer of depth and serves as a tactile invitation to explore a space more intimately,” says Cloud.

chair with fringe

Courtesy of Christine Carney

19. Chairs

A fringed skirt can elevate a chair from basic to one-of-a-kind glamorous. “A bullion fringe always looks classic when added to an upholstered chair,” says Kemper. “You can use the same material as the chair or juxtapose it with something in a different color or texture.” Meyer loves adding tassel fringe to the bottom of a dining or side chair, where she’ll mount it just below the seat so it brushes up against the legs. 

“If you have chairs that could use a facelift, reupholstering and adding fringe to their bottoms is a great way to give them a fresh look,” notes Harrison. If you don’t want to fully commit to a chair, consider elevating a cushion with fringe, which will turn a simple silhouette into something special, adds Renee.

20. Staircase

Designers suggest embellishing the edges of a staircase with fringe to create a dramatic and tactile feature. “This can be done on the risers or alongside the banister for an eye-catching design moment,” says Phillips, who likes to apply an 8" bullion fringe using metal grommets for extra detail.

With its colorful and unique appeal, fringe provides a new level of DIY fun. “Simply purchase some gorgeous fringe online, grab your glue gun, and get fringing!” shares Bandman. “Fringe applications on draperies may require sewing skills, however, hot glue or Velcro is all you need if you want to add trim to a drum shade, tablecloth, or the base of a piece of furniture.” Grace’s favorite spot for a DIY fringe project is along the bottom edge of a sofa, chair, or bed frame. “I love that you can easily and instantly transform seating and sleeping areas into stylish focal points in a room,” she says.

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