Flat braided or “banded” trim is a versatile decorative trim that can be used to embellish furniture, pillows, window treatments or just about any plush item for the home.

This SCL designed living room’s window treatments have a decorative flat braided trim to embellish them. 

A closer view of the decorative flat braided trim.

The flat braided trim is usually embroidered and runs along the inside hemline of drapery panels or table and upholstery skirts. It can also be used as a decorative treatment for pillows and throws. Flat braided trim can be simple with the thread creating the designs, or more elaborate by incorporating small beads, metallic threads or buttons into the weave.

This SCL designed master bedroom sitting room shows the flat braided trim along the hemline of the chairs and ottoman.

Detailed view of flat braided trim on chair and ottoman.

Window treatments designed by SCL with the flat braided trim on the lead edge.

Window treatments designed by SCL with contrast flat braided trim on the lead edge.

My favorite use of the flat braided trim is to run the band down the inside hemline of drapery panels. I typically inset the band 1″ – 2″ from the lead edge so it does not get “lost” when the panel turns in. For me, this treatment is like putting on mascara to define your eyes and make them “pop”. The trim adds definition and enhances the vertical line of the drapery panel.

A SCL designed window treatment with the flat braided trim inset 1″ – 2″ from the lead edge.

This SCL designed study’s window treatments have the flat braided trim to add definition.

This SCL designed family room’s window treatments have a contrast fabric band with a flat braided trim which enhance the vertical line of the drapery panel.