Upholstery details can be a mystery to people who are not familiar with the technical terms used to describe certain styles.
Once you familiarize yourself with these details, you'll be able to look specifically for the details you like and find the look you're hoping to achieve.
Tufting is an upholstery technique which produces a beautiful look.
The fabric is stretched over padding and then tied back down to the frame using buttons.
This is repeated in a pattern on the piece creating a stunning detail.
This is sometimes also referred to as button-tufting.
It is commonly seen on upholstered headboards and ottomans.
Welts are a fabric-covered cord which is used in between the seams of cushions or to cover places where upholstery meets a wood frame.
A self-welt is created when the welt material matches the material used on the body of the piece.
A contrast welt is an interesting detail where a different fabric or material is used for the welt.
A decorative cord may also be used in the same way.
Another method that is used to decoratively finish the place where upholstery meets a wood frame is nailhead trim.
Traditionally, round brass nails are used, but other shapes and finishes are available.
In another interesting variation, nailheads can also be nailed into the frame in a decorative pattern.
Upholstered pieces that have removable cushions are said to have loose backs or seats.
When the seat or back is smoothly upholstered without a cushion, the piece has a tight seat or back.
When a cushion appears to be loose but is in fact attached to the piece, it is called a semi-attached seat or back.
Slip seats are commonly found on dining and side chairs.
The seat is attached from underneath the frame with screws or nails and is easily removed to be covered with fabric.
The seat can also be attached from the top, sometimes called a drop-in seat.
One advantage to this type of treatment is the ease of recovering, which is done by simply wrapping the removed seat with a new material and then re-attaching it to the frame.
Stitching can be used in a number of ways as a decorative element in upholstered pieces.
A seam can be made to intentionally reveal the stitching on the top and is sometimes referred to as a baseball stitch due to its similarity to the stitching on the outside of a baseball.
This detail can be further emphasized by using a thread color which contrasts in color or texture to the fabric it is on.
Now that you're armed with some knowledge about upholstery terms, you can achieve the look you desire in your home!