Bullion Trim

Bullion Trim by the Yard

Bullion trim is among the most distinctive and historically significant forms of passementerie — a densely twisted, rope-like fringe in which individual strands of yarn are wound into tightly coiled, cylindrical tassels that hang in a row along a woven header. Where regular fringe creates soft, flowing movement, bullion creates a heavier, more structured skirt — a dense wall of twisted strands that brings extraordinary weight, depth, and formality to the pieces it finishes. At The WorkRoom, our bullion trim collection spans multiple depths and a comprehensive colour range from leading luxury passementerie brands including Brunschwig & Fils and RM Coco, sold by the yard with samples available for most styles.

What Is Bullion Trim?

Bullion trim takes its name from the twisted gold and silver wire braids historically used to ornament military uniforms and ecclesiastical vestments. In its modern passementerie form, bullion fringe replaces metal wire with tightly twisted yarn — typically wool, cotton, viscose, or silk — wound in individual strands that are knotted or looped onto a woven header tape. The characteristic appearance is a dense, even row of cylindrical twisted coils hanging from a flat band, ranging in depth from a modest 2" to a dramatic 8" or more. The texture is markedly different from straight-cut fringe or looped fringe — bullion has a three-dimensional, almost sculptural quality that makes it one of the most visually arresting trim types in the passementerie family.

Bullion Trim Depths and Scale

Depth is the defining selection criterion for bullion trim, and the right depth depends entirely on the scale of the piece being finished. Shallow bullion at 2"–4" — such as the RM Coco Wild Carnation 4" bullion — suits cushion edges, smaller upholstered pieces, and lower furniture skirts where a shorter fringe reads proportionally to the piece. Mid-depth bullion at 4"–6" is the most versatile range — suitable for full drapery hems, chair and sofa skirts, and decorative cushions on larger seating. Deep bullion at 6"–8.5" — such as the Brunschwig & Fils Coeur Bullion-L at a generous 8.5" — is reserved for the grandest applications: full-length formal drapery, sofa skirts in large reception rooms, and pieces where the trim itself is an intended focal point of the design.

Where Bullion Trim Works Best

Bullion trim is at its most powerful in formal, traditional, and maximalist interiors where decorative richness and historical craftsmanship are design priorities. On full-length drapery, a deep bullion hem creates the most opulent, traditional curtain finish — the densely twisted strands pooling slightly at the floor in the grandest treatments. On upholstered furniture with a fabric skirt, bullion applied along the lower hem of the skirt creates the classic skirted sofa finish of traditional American and European decorating. On decorative cushions, a shorter bullion edge adds a luxurious, jewellery-quality detail. On upholstered headboards, a bullion border along the base or sides creates a hotel-quality finish with extraordinary tactile depth.

Bullion Trim vs Fringe Trim

Bullion and fringe are closely related but meaningfully different. Fringe trim typically comprises straight, loose, or lightly twisted strands that hang freely and move with air currents — softer, lighter, and more casual in character. Bullion is more tightly wound, heavier, and more rigidly structured — the coiled strands hold their shape and create a denser, more formal visual effect. For the most traditional formal interiors, bullion is the more appropriate choice. For lighter, more relaxed, or more contemporary applications, fringe is the more versatile option. Many projects use both — bullion on drapery hems and fringe on cushions, for example — to balance formality and softness across a room.

Also Explore

If you are shopping for bullion trim, these related trim types and collections complete the passementerie picture. Fringe trim is the most direct alternative for softer, looser movement at drapery and cushion edges. Tassel trim — individual decorative tassels on a header — combines bullion-like density with a more individual, sculptural accent. Cord trim provides the most restrained, flat seam definition alongside bullion on the same piece. For bullion and passementerie by brand, explore our Brunschwig & Fils trim, Schumacher trims, and Kravet trims collections.