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Design 101
A Guide to Tufted Furniture, From Traditional to Modern Styles
December 12, 2024
Tufting is a timeless look that continues to pop up in every room of the house. These delightful dimples create dimension and definition. The technique can be applied heavily throughout or used sparingly to punctuate upholstered furnishing for a range of looks, from traditional to stunningly modern.
Choosing the right tufted furniture will elevate any space. This guide covers popular types of tufting, the best tufted materials, and strategies for incorporating tufted pieces into your designs.
What Is Tufted Furniture?
Tufting involves applying anchoring stitches or buttons to keep cushioning and upholstery fitted snugly in place and secured to the piece’s frame. The final appearance has an appealing look that showcases the plushness of the padding and fabric.
Tufted furniture has a long history that stretches back to the Victorian era. Furniture manufacturers use tufting on all kinds of upholstered pieces, including benches, chairs, headboards, ottomans, and sofas.
Tufted furniture offers many benefits, including:
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Added texture
Engage your visual and tactile senses with tufted furniture. These pieces add more depth and variety to your design.
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Greater versatility
You can easily adapt tufted pieces for any design style, from contemporary to rustic. That way, you won’t have to invest in new furniture whenever you refresh your space.
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Increased comfort
Tufting keeps upholstery plush and soft for many years, making it more durable and comfortable over the years.
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More inviting atmosphere
The adorable dimples on tufted upholstery are a warm and welcoming counterpoint to modern furniture’s smooth surfaces and sleek lines.
Types of Tufting
Diamond tufting
As the name implies, diamond tufting has staggered dimples that create a diamond-shaped pattern on the piece. It is the most popular and traditional type of tufted furniture. This tufting pattern can be executed with or without buttons. The diamond shape can be accentuated with pleated folds or seamed panels.
Every diamond-shaped tuft has extra padding embedded within the furniture, so it’s more comfortable and durable than other styles. The diamonds also stand out more than classic button tufting, creating a striking appearance.
Biscuit tufting
Biscuit tufting uses a square pattern, resulting in a more linear and often modern look. Like diamond tufting, this look can be achieved with or without buttons and utilizing pleats or seamed panels.
The geometric shapes created by biscuit tufting allow your furniture to blend seamlessly into contemporary designs.
Channel tufting and horizontal channel tufting
Channel tufting uses rows of long stitched lines or seams rather than dimples. The term channel tufting usually implies that the stitched channels are vertical. The directionality is typically indicated if the piece’s channels are horizontal.
Channel-tufted furniture has a sleeker and more contemporary appearance than more traditional styles. It fits many design styles, including art deco, industrial, and eclectic homes.
Tufting Finishes
Furniture manufacturers use many approaches to create tufted upholstery. These are the two finishing techniques to consider.
Button tufting
Button tufting involves sewing buttons or knots into upholstery to create evenly spaced dimples. Manufacturers can use several methods to attach the buttons.
Hand-folded buttons tufting is a technique where a professional upholsterer manually folds and sews the fabric around the buttons to create beautiful, handcrafted pieces. Pulled-in buttons tufting is an affordable technique that involves sewing the buttons into the fabric and pulling them tight to create deep dimples.
Blind tufting
Blind tufting has no buttons. This style is most often achieved with stitched seam panels, providing a strong place for the binding thread or twine to be attached.
This type of tufted furniture offers a more minimal look that is popular with contemporary and modern pieces. Blind tufting can also be a better choice for families with kids or pets who expect more rambunctious use of the furniture.
What Materials Look Best Tufted?
Manufacturers can tuft a wide variety of upholstered furniture, but these materials tend to work best:
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Cotton
Cotton tufted furniture is generally easy to clean and maintain.
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Leather
A leather accent chair or sofa tufted with buttons or channels looks traditional and stately.
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Suede
Add more texture to your room by pairing velvety suede with deep tufting.
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Velvet
Tufting makes this luxurious fabric look even more elegant and refined.
What Furniture Looks Best Tufted?
Certain furniture pieces with tufting truly stand out thanks to the depth and character it adds. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular tufted furniture options and why they work so well.
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Tufted ottoman
Tufted ottomans are functional, decorative, and versatile. They can be used in any room, whether you need extra seating, a footrest, or a coffee table with a tray for stability. The tufting adds texture and enhances the ottoman’s look while keeping it plush. Round ottomans work well in smaller spaces because they create a soft visual flow, while rectangular or square ottomans can anchor a seating area. In a living room, a tufted ottoman can replace a coffee table or be positioned in front of a sofa to complete a seating arrangement. In a bedroom, a smaller ottoman works well at the foot of the bed or in a reading corner for added function and style.
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Tufted beds
Tufted headboards establish a soft, inviting focal point in a bedroom, bringing warmth and elegance. Depending on the fabric and color, they work well in rooms with traditional, glam, or even contemporary styles. Velvet tufted headboards add a luxurious look and feel, especially in rich colors like navy or emerald. Leather can create a modern or industrial vibe, while linen gives a softer, casual look. When adding a tufted bed, keep surrounding elements simple to let the headboard stand out. Tufted beds look best when they’re the main feature in the room, with minimal wall art or large furniture nearby to prevent the space from feeling cluttered.
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Tufted sofas
Tufted sofas are a classic choice, often associated with Chesterfield styles, but they also come in modern designs to suit a variety of interiors. Tufted sofas bring a tailored look that complements everything from traditional to mid-century decor. Diamond tufting, commonly seen on Chesterfield sofas, adds a classic and elegant feel, while channel tufting creates a more contemporary look. Button tufting is versatile, suiting both traditional and modern interiors. Tufted leather sofas are durable and develop a rich patina over time, which makes them ideal for a vintage or industrial look. Linen or cotton offers a more relaxed feel for family rooms or casual spaces. Velvet tufted sofas add a touch of luxury and color to formal living areas.
Shop nowFitting Tufted Pieces Into Your Interior Design
Tufted furniture can add character, but it’s important to balance it with the rest of your decor. If your style is modern or minimal, choose tufted pieces with clean lines and neutral colors to keep the space from feeling overly formal. A tufted sofa paired with a sleek, minimalist coffee table and contemporary lighting can create a refined look without overwhelming the room.
To add depth and variety, try pairing tufted furniture with contrasting textures like wood, metal, or woven fabrics. The choice of fabric for your tufted pieces also plays a significant role in achieving the right look.
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Tufted velvet or plush upholstery can add a touch of glamour, ideal for a chic or upscale setting.
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Tufted linen works beautifully in rustic or farmhouse-style rooms.
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Tufted leather pieces give a room an industrial or mid century edge, making them highly adaptable to mixed-style spaces.
How To Clean Tufted Furniture
Tufted furniture requires special care to maintain its texture and appearance. Here is some guidance on effectively cleaning and maintaining different types of tufted furniture.
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Regularly use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust from tufted areas, as dirt can get trapped around the buttons or channels. Gently vacuuming once a week can keep the fabric fresh and prevent buildup.
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For spills, quickly blot with a clean cloth to absorb moisture. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to use a mild fabric cleaner suited for your upholstery type (velvet, leather, or linen). Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first before applying it to a larger and more prominent part of the furniture.
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To reduce wear, rotate and fluff cushions regularly.
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To guard against stains and spills, apply a fabric protector to velvet and other delicate fabrics. Leather pieces can benefit from occasional conditioning to prevent cracks and dryness.
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Periodically check tufted furniture for loose buttons or threads. Tightening any loose areas early can help keep your furniture in great shape.
Choose one or two tufted pieces per room to avoid overwhelming the space with too much texture.
Refine Your Space With Tufted Furniture
Tufted furniture has remained popular for hundreds of years, and for good reason. These pieces add drama and refinement to any space. They’re also comfortable and last many years with proper maintenance, making them a smart investment. If you’re ready to embrace tufted furniture, get started by exploring sofas and sectionals.
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