Finishing: The Final Layer of Upholstery
Finishing is what closes the piece. It protects the work underneath, covers the raw edges of the fabric, and defines the overall look of the finished upholstery. It is also the last opportunity to make a statement, or to ruin everything with a poorly applied trim.
There are several ways to finish an upholstered piece, and choosing the right one is part of the craft. Braid, gimp, double welting, piping, decorative nails: each has its place, its technique and its visual logic. This page gives you an overview and links to the full step-by-step tutorials inside the membership.
Overview: the different ways to finish an upholstered seat
What Is Finishing in Upholstery?
Finishing is the last stage of an upholstery project, after covering. It hides the staples or tacks that hold the fabric, protects the edges, and gives the piece its final character. The choice of finish depends on the style of the piece, the fabric and the look you want: discreet and modern, or rich and traditional.
How to Apply Decorative Nails
Decorative nails are one of the most visible finishing details, and one of the most unforgiving. A line that is not perfectly straight, evenly spaced and seated flush with the fabric draws the eye immediately. Done well, they add structure, rhythm and a distinctly professional quality. Done badly, they look worse than no finish at all.
Three separate skills are involved: applying nails in a straight line, contouring them cleanly around curves, and ending a nail run so the last nail sits as cleanly as the first.
- Full tutorial: how to apply decorative nails
- Full tutorial: nailing tips, contouring with decorative nails
- Full tutorial: how to end a decorative nail run properly
Nails can also finish a pleat: see the tulip pleat with decorative nails in the Covering techniques.
How to Apply Braid and Gimp
Braid is the classic way to hide the fixings along the show wood of a French chair. It needs a clean start, a straight line, smooth curves and an invisible join.
Double Welting
The Bottom Cloth
The bottom cloth, or dust cover, closes the underside of the seat. It is the last thing fitted, the first thing a professional looks at when turning a chair over.
Finishing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between braid and double welting?
Braid is a woven decorative trim, often in a contrasting colour, typical of French period chairs. Double welting is made from the upholstery fabric itself, for a more tailored, discreet finish.
How do I keep decorative nails in a straight line?
Mark a guide line first, place the nails at regular intervals before driving them fully, and check the line from a distance as you go. Contouring curves and ending the run each have their own method.
Braid, welting or nails: which finish should I choose?
Look at the style of the piece: braid or nails for French period chairs, double welting for a tailored modern look. The fabric also matters, and a heavy textured fabric often looks better with a simple, discreet finish.
Not sure about a term? See passementerie in the glossary.
What Comes Next?
→ Projects
See finishing in context, on complete pieces from frame to last nail.
→ Covering
Seats, backs, arms, corners and pleats: everything that comes before the finish.
Want the whole sequence? See all the steps in Guide 2: Core Upholstery Techniques.
Your Upholstery Journey in 3 clear guides
Start simple, learn the right techniques, then move to real projects. A clear method, built to last.
All of these techniques, and many more, are available in full detail inside the Hammer Club. Every tutorial is filmed step by step in my workshop, on real pieces, so you can follow along at your own pace, pause, rewind, and come back whenever you need a refresher.