Can you tell the difference between the two cornices in the above video?
While both have custom accents along the top and bottom edges...
the cornice on the left has a braided CORD trim with lip, while the cornice on the right has a WELT.
In our last blog post, we went over the differences between grand bands, flat trim, and the variety of trim accents available for your custom design.
In this post, we'll go over key differences between lip cord trim and welt.
But first, it's important to understand lip cord trim and how it compares to flat trim (and again, flat trim is described in our previous blog post linked above).
While braided cord or rope trim with lip are also considered "trim," they differ from flat & grosgrain trim in both their appearance and the way they are applied on the product.
Cord/braided/rope trim all have a rounded section, often called the CORD, which is attached to a small flat part along the side called the LIP. The lip is concealed in the seam of the fabric when the cord is applied onto the product.
See how lip cord trim brings a sleek finish to the tops of these custom valances below.
Lip cord trim is a great addition to ANY of our custom products, not just pillows or valances pictured above!
From accessories and bedding, to cornices, draperies, festoons, and shades...
Lip cord trim brings an eye-catching finishing edge to your design!
But how does CORD differ from WELT?
While both custom accents are applied similarly to our products, WELT is made from a fabric sent to our workroom, while CORD is readymade.
Welt is often paired with flat trim (as shown above), and can be made from the same face fabric used for the entire front part of the product, or a contrast fabric!
Welt made from the same fabric as the face is known as a self welt.
Certain products, like bolsters, throw pillows, bedspreads, and upholstered products like cornices and headboards, all include a welt in the base labor charge. You might choose a contrast fabric for your welt for an added pop of color!
Or, you might want to replace the welt with a lip cord trim!
Just be sure to specify this in the quoting stage, because material yardage for welt and lip cord are calculated quite differently.
And don't forget that additional layers of welt and/or trim as shown above will be an added customization on your quote, with the labor charge & yardage adjusted accordingly! Find the standard add-ons for welt and trim in our Price Catalog, available to download for active customers only.
The custom pillows below were made with NO welt. Some designers may request this look, also called a "knife edge," on certain designs for pillows or duvet covers.
A knife edge simply brings the front face and backing fabrics together with a seam instead of a welt or trim separating the two layers of fabric for a sleek look.
While a knife edge can be appropriate for certain styles, welt and lip cord are still a fabulous finishing touch for your custom design.
See how the added welt brings a look of completion to these custom cornices!
Keep in mind that because we make welt in our workroom, there are different sizes available, and different fabrics finish with varying thickness, depending on the material makeup of the fabric.
Standard welt will become especially thick when made with upholstery weight fabric. In addition, we typically use larger welt cord for larger upholstered products like headboards, but again, everything is customizable, and we will make your product to your exact specifications!
Understanding the differences between cord and welt is crucial for communicating your design accurately and efficiently, so we'll know exactly how to make your product in our workroom!
Our products are requested by designers across the country, up and down the East Coast, from Florida, to Georgia, South Carolina, and our home state North Carolina.
Our customers extend as far North as Northern Virginia, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and Maine, and as far West as Colorado and California.
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