Let me state at the outset that I’m biased. I love tufted furniture – it’s timeless, tailored and exudes elegance. Tufting is incredibly popular right now as we continue our fascination with earlier styles. But wait, let’s go back and learn more before we look at some gorgeous tufted pieces…

History. Furniture tufting began in the late 1800s in Victorian England, as much as 100 years after Philip Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, commissioned the first piece that would take his name. Tufting actually coincided with the advent of the coiled spring and plushier sofas as a means to hold the horsehair stuffing in place. How it’s evolved since then!

What is Tufting? Tufting involves tightly pulling upholstery back and anchoring it with a knot or button. The buttons can be close or farther apart, but are always uniformly placed, usually creating a diamond pattern over the fabric. Typically the buttons match or are covered in the main fabric, but can be in a contrasting colour for more punch.

What are the Advantages? Tufting does anchor a sofa’s stuffing, but its primary function is aesthetic. It creates a very ‘buttoned-down’ traditional look that is wonderfully appealing. It adds depth and visual interest, the indentations creating shadows that highlight the texture of the upholstery – think of velvets or leathers. Never slouchy, tufted furniture has a genteel quality – but also very comfortable.

What’s Available? A tufted sofa is attention getting and usually becomes the focal point of a room, but it’s easily integrated. There are so many styles available – from a very traditional gentlemen’s leather chesterfield to contemporary pieces with minimal tufting. There are scrolled backs, straight backs, squared arms or rolled arms – and of course, every colour, fabric and pattern imaginable, including leathers and suedes. The legs are a great guide to determining the style of a tufted sofa and how well it will fit in your space. Metal, tapered or taller legs are typically more modern while stubbier or balled legs, or a skirt, are definitely traditional. You can mix and match modern pieces with a traditional tufted sofa, but do find a commonality in colour or pattern to ground everything.

Beyond Sofas. We associate tufting with sofas, but there are many other options too. Accent chairs, dining chairs, ottomans (great as a coffee table!) and headboards are often tufted. I especially love tufted headboards – what else could possibly add so much old world Hollywood glamour to a bedroom.

Tufting is incredibly popular right now, but it’s not a trend – it’s a true classic. Invest in a tufted piece and it will bring elegance to your home for years and years to come.

Tags: decor, design tips, Furniture, sofas, trends