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The good news is that we’re more than half way through January; the bad news is that there is still some way to go before we see the back of this dull, gray month.
Either way, now is a great time to pick up a new interior design trend: tassels and fringe, which can bring some much-needed color and coziness to our home.
Tassels were originally knots used to prevent threads from coming loose, especially at the ends of woven fabric. Over time, they acquired a stronger meaning.
Cheerful: Oka’s Tarma range has detachable tassels. The prints on the sofas and armchairs are inspired by rugs, so there are tassels on the bottom edge – attached with Velcro
Tassels were worn in ancient times by Egyptians and priests to ward off evil spirits. Pharaoh Tutankhamen was found in his tomb wearing them around his neck.
But it was the French in more modern times who made tassels a fashionable trend.
“Today’s fringe will be much more styled and less casual, serving as a great way to soften your interior,” says Andrew Dunning, design director at London Contemporary.
“Many homes can be full of hard surfaces and upholstery finishes are needed to make them more livable.”
If you decide to go with the trend through accessories, use pillows and fabrics with tassels.
For a bold and colorful look, try cushions from the M&S X Fired Earth Casablanca collection, such as the Kubba in ocher (£35). Or choose an elongated soft velor cushion in one of the rich hues including plum purple and bottle green (£14, Next).
If you’ve already gone town on color schemes for walls or couch fabric, try more muted tones.
The Kerala Soft Coral Tassel Pillow (£36, French Connection) or the Rust Roux Pillow (£130, Soho Home) will do the trick.
Dunelm’s Fiesta Rattan Tassel Shade (£28, dunelm.com)
You also often see fringes on lighting fixtures. “It will soften them up,” Dunning adds. “Tigermoth Lighting does a great range of fringed metal.” Tigermoth uses rows of chain strands, in bronze, nickel or gold metalwork (from £594).
If you want to stick to fabric, Tinker & Tallulah’s Mable fringe lampshade in leopard print with scalloped trim and extra-long neon pink fringe and decadent braid (from £205, Wolf & Badger) is a conversation piece.
On a budget? Try Dunelm’s playful Fiesta Rattan Pendant Lamp (£28) or the Ero Velvet Pendant Lamp (£65, Oliver Bonas).
If you dare, check out Pooky’s flapper lampshade in acanthus blue or gobling green, both with fabric from the Sanderson archive (from £44).
You can even dress up your windows with playful tassels. The Mindra curtains stand out with a block color and contrasting clear tassel trim (from £176 a pair, Anthropologie). A single voile panel with a tassel makes for a nice feature (£22, Dunelm).
Designers also add tassels to chairs. Go for a fringed border in a bright, contrasting color around the bottom of a sofa, armchair or dining room chair.
The Tarma range at Oka features colourful, detachable tassels. The prints on the sofas and armchairs are inspired by carpets, which is why tassels have been added to the bottom – fastened with Velcro.
Sue Jones, co-founder of Oka, said: ‘Fringing is a great way to give something simple a bold design edge. Tassels and embellishments can add a playful edge.
“We made them detachable so people have a choice. Brushes are not always practical in homes with pets or children. This way your sofa can decorate its “party skirt” when it suits you and it can be removed for understated or practical moments.’
A standout style features soft charcoal stripes and metal studs edged with bold red tassels (£2,395 Oka).
A statement chair from the new artisan collection by KD Loves could make your head spin. Each limited edition piece is handcrafted by British artisans, using fabrics from the finest artisans around the world.
The Kelling chair has Indian fabric with multicolored tassels around the base (£1,500).
If you’re not shopping for new chairs, cheat by draping a tassel bedspread over a couch or chair. Try the Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Cabin throw in rust or ivory (£148) or a Poppy Field throw in pink or blue (£46, French Connection).
Emma Deterding, creative director of Kelling Designs and KD Loves, says, “Not only can bobbins be used to introduce color, but it’s also a look that helps bring movement and personality into your home.”