Braid Trims

Braid Trim by the Yard

Braid trim is one of the most versatile and enduring passementerie elements in interior design — a flat, interlaced or woven decorative band applied along edges, seams, and outlines to add structure, colour, and a custom-finished quality to upholstery and drapery. Distinguished from cord by its flat profile and from border trim by its interwoven construction rather than embroidered or printed surface, braid occupies a unique position in the trim family — refined yet robust, decorative yet functional. At The WorkRoom, our braid trim collection spans soutache, military braid, ribbon braid, flat woven braid, and jacquard braid in a full range of colours and widths from leading luxury passementerie brands, sold by the yard with samples available for most styles.

Types of Braid Trim

Soutache braid is one of the most recognised braid forms — a narrow, rounded, two-ply interlaced braid traditionally used in military uniform decoration and now a refined finishing detail on upholstery seam lines, cushion edges, and decorative accessories. Its rounded cross-section sits cleanly on any edge without pulling or distorting the fabric. Flat woven braid offers a wider, flatter profile — ideal for covering seam lines on upholstered furniture and applying along the leading edge of drapery panels. Jacquard braid features woven pattern — geometric motifs, stripes, and decorative designs — worked directly into the braid structure, adding visual interest alongside edge definition. Ribbon braid provides a smooth, satin-like flat tape in a range of widths suitable for both upholstery finishing and decorative accessory work. Military-style braid with its characteristic herringbone or chevron weave structure brings a graphic, structured character to more formal applications.

Where Braid Trim Works Best

Braid trim is the most traditional and architecturally precise of all passementerie types. On upholstered furniture, braid applied along seam lines — particularly the top of a cushion border, along the front edge of an arm, or around the base of a piece — brings a custom workroom quality that elevates any fabric choice. Traditional and formal upholstery particularly benefits from braid, where it serves the dual purpose of covering staples and tacks while adding decorative finish. On drapery, braid along the leading edge or hem creates a tailored, structured frame for curtain panels. On decorative pillows, narrow soutache braid defines edges with quiet precision. On headboards, braid applied at the seam between the front panel and the welt adds a refined, hotel-quality finish.

Braid Trim vs Gimp Trim

Braid and gimp trim are closely related and sometimes used interchangeably, but they have a meaningful distinction. Gimp is typically a looped or scalloped narrow trim specifically designed to cover tacks and nail heads on traditional upholstery — its looped construction allows it to flex around curves and corners without puckering. Braid is generally flatter and more structured, better suited to straight edge applications and seam covering. For covering decorative nail heads on traditional furniture, gimp is the more appropriate choice. For seam definition and leading edge drapery finishing, braid is the more versatile option.

Coordinating Braid Trim with Fabric

Braid trim creates its greatest impact through carefully considered colour contrast or tonal coordination. A contrasting braid — navy on cream, black on ivory, gold on forest green — creates a graphic, tailored seam line that sharpens a piece and elevates its workmanship. A tonal braid in a slightly deeper or lighter shade of the base fabric creates a subtler, more sophisticated finish that reads as custom without competing for attention. For fabric coordination, explore our upholstery fabric, velvet fabric, and drapery fabric collections.

Also Explore

If you are shopping for braid trim you may also want to explore these closely related trim types. Gimp trim is the most direct alternative for traditional upholstery nail head and tack covering. Cord trim offers a rounded, twisted alternative to flat braid for edge definition on pillows and upholstery. Border trim provides a wider, more decorative flat band for applications where braid's width is insufficient. Tape trim offers the most understated flat finishing option for subtle seam coverage. For the full passementerie range by brand, explore our Schumacher trims, Kravet trims, and RM Coco trims collections.