In the world of furniture, upholstery treatment is what turns a simple couch or armchair into a timeless piece of art. The techniques used to craft each piece can range from simple to complex, but one of the most important steps to ensuring that each corner looks flawless is choosing the right upholstery corner for the job. Here’s a look at some common types of upholstery corners, from the elegant look of a Knife-Edge to the timeless beauty of a Waterfall.
Types of Upholstery Corners
When it comes to the craft of upholstery, there are a variety of finishing touches that add a unique touch of style to each piece. One of the most important of these finishing touches is the type of corner used for the piece. From the traditional box corner to the more modern, contemporary look of the waterfall corner, each of these corners bring something special to the table. In this section, we will explore the different types of upholstery corners and discuss the pros and cons of each one.
Boxed Corners
Boxed corners are an upholstery technique characterized by a boxed, stitched lining along the edges of the cushions. This technique creates a rounded, polished look that completes the piece of furniture, creating a serene, sophisticated look.
The technique requires a special fabric-covered box. The fabric is usually a neutral color that complements the rest of the fabric on the furniture; it can also be patterned to give the piece a textural look. The box is then placed over the corner of the cushions and stitched into place. This ensures the fabric remains in place and offers a finished look to the piece.
In terms of construction, boxed corners are fairly simple and require a minimal amount of sewing skill. However, they can be time consuming, as the corners must be measured accurately to fit the shape of the furniture.
In addition to offering a rounded, polished look to the furniture, boxed corners also offer durability and protection to the piece. The fabric protects the edges of the cushion from wear and tear, while the box acts as reinforcement to the corner to prevent fraying or damage.
Overall, boxed corners provide a unique, refined look to any piece of upholstered furniture. Not only do they make the piece look more polished and professional, but they also provide a durable and protective finish.
Welded Corners
Welded corners are a type of upholstery corner that use heat to weld two pieces of fabric together in order to achieve a smooth, unified look. This method gives the fabric a more substantial, sturdy look than other types of upholstery corners. The welding process leaves no raw edges, so the end result is a clean and seamless finish.
Welded corners are often used on furniture items such as chairs, couches, and ottomans. Welded corners also tend to be cost effective due to the lack of equipment and materials needed for fabrication. The process is simple and requires minimal manual labor.
In order to weld the fabric together, a welding tool is used on the heat-activated adhesive strips that join the fabrics. The heat is applied at a specific temperature, and the adhesive melts and bonds the fabrics together. After the fabric is welded together, it’s usually covered with a separate piece of fabric to add texture and detail.
Welded corners are a great option for upholstery projects as they allow for a smooth, seamless finish. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to achieve a professional look without spending a lot of money or time.
Piped Corners
Piped corners are a type of upholstery style that creates an elegant, finished look. The design utilizes a fabric cord trim sewn around the perimeter or in various internal areas of the frame. This type of trim, usually covered in contrast fabric, is called welting, cording, or piping. Piled corners can provide a subtle pop of color to an existing piece of upholstery or create a luxurious and timeless design.
When opting for piped corners on furniture, it’s important to keep in mind that the piping can add to the overall design in a big way. If a piece of furniture has single-welt corner treatment, opt for a neutral fabric cord trim for an understated look, or a vibrant option for an unexpected twist. For a more intricate look, multiple welting can also be used. This gives an extra level of detail.
When creating a more custom look, multiple styles of welting can be used, such as serpentine and flange welt. Both provide a unique look, depending on the size and style. In addition, with the help of a professional upholsterer, custom cording can be made to create the exact look you’re after.
Piped corners are a great way to add a classic, yet modern style to any pieces of upholstered furniture. With so many options to choose from, there’s something to suit every aesthetic. From modern to classic, and everything in between, piped corners offer a timeless way to give furniture extra visual interest.
Knife-Edge Corners
Knife-Edge Corners are a popular choice for upholstery projects due to their minimalistic look and simple construction. To create a knife edge corner, fabric is cut so that it is flush with the edge of the seat cushion. This creates a flat, smooth edge that gives the furniture a distinct, modern appearance. Knife-edge corners work best with smooth fabrics, as they can show off the shape of the cushion.
They are usually secured using staples or furniture tacks, and they are one of the easiest types of corners to create. When secured properly, the fabric should remain taught and not fray or sag. However, knife-edge corners require a bit more setup than other types of upholstery corners. For example, the fabric must be cut at a perfectly straight edge for a seamless finish. If the fabric isn’t cut perfectly, the corners may not look as clean as they should.
The main benefit of knife-edge corners is that they give furniture a modern, crisp look. This makes them a great choice for contemporary design aesthetics. They can also be quite a bit more affordable than other types of upholstery corners. Since there is less fabric used and less work involved, the materials and labor cost can be much lower than with more intricate designs.
Waterfall Corners
Waterfall corners are one of the most stylish upholstery corner designs. A waterfall corner is a smooth, angled diagonal that juts out from the cushion’s edge. The corner’s shape is created by a portion of the upholstered fabric that drapes the sides and front of the cushion. Waterfall corners are often used in high-end and more formal furniture, as they provide a more luxurious and sophisticated look.
An advantage of waterfall corners is that they often help reduce wear and tear on upholstery fabrics. This is because the angled design and soft drape of the fabric provides additional support and eliminates any sharp points that may cause the fabric to tear or fray. Also, the design usually works with more decorative fabrics, as the rounded edges help soften any patterns that the fabric may have.
Waterfall corners can be paired with different types of upholstery details, such as skirt detailing or elaborate tufting. Skirt detailing can be used to emphasize the design of the waterfall corner, while tufting can be used to create a more structured look. In addition, waterfall corners can be used in promotional pieces and presentations, as the unique design instantly grabs attention.
Overall, waterfall corners are an attractive and eye-catching option for upholstery. The design adds a unique, sophisticated touch to furniture that is sure to make a statement. Whether used for a formal setup or a more casual one, waterfall corners can provide just the right amount of flair to any piece of furniture.