Upholstery staples are typically covered using decorative elements like welting, especially along the edges and seams of furniture.
Understanding Upholstery Staples
Upholstery staples are essential fasteners used to secure fabric tightly to the frame of furniture pieces such as sofas, chairs, and headboards. While highly functional for holding fabric in place, exposed staples can look unfinished and potentially snag clothing or skin. Therefore, covering them is a standard practice to achieve a professional and aesthetically pleasing result.
The Primary Method: Utilizing Welting
A highly effective and common method for concealing upholstery staples is by using welting.
As described, welting is the decorative cording that is frequently applied along the perimeter of furniture pieces, including couches, cushions, and chairs.
When appropriately applied during the upholstery process, it serves to provide a smooth cover for the underlying upholstery staples. This creates a clean, defined edge that effectively hides the staples from view.
Beyond its functional purpose of concealment, adding welting also gives your furniture a dynamic, finished look, enhancing its overall design appeal.
How Welting Covers Staples
The process generally involves applying the main fabric, securing it with staples along the edge where the seam or trim is desired, and then applying the welting directly over the line of staples. The welting itself is then secured, often by sewing or sometimes with additional staples, which are hidden within the welting's fabric wrap or placed where they will be less visible.
Think of it as adding a decorative "pipe" or corded edge that sits precisely where the fabric is stapled, making the staples invisible and creating a polished seam.
Example Uses of Welting
Welting is versatile and can be found in many areas on upholstered furniture. Here's a simple table illustrating common placements:
| Furniture Type | Typical Placement for Welting | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Couches | Arm seams, back seams, cushion edges | Define shape, cover staples |
| Chairs | Seat edges, back seams, armrests | Aesthetic trim, hide staples |
| Cushions | Perimeter seams | Finish edge, conceal staples |
By strategically incorporating welting, upholsterers can create durable, attractive furniture pieces with neatly hidden staple lines.
