Pillow Edges 101

You can raise your interior design IQ by learning the language of the trade. Let’s start with pillow edges. Three of the most common pillow edges are flange, knife edge, and welted (or corded). According to LUCKY Textiles owner and interior designer Janet Gust, each finish enhances and emphasizes a particular interior design aesthetic.  

Pillows with a knife edge are Janet’s go-to style. With a single invisible seam, the sleek lines and no adornments speak her language: minimalist modern art. LUCKY Textiles designer fabrics are curated personally by Janet Gust; the knife edge style allows those incredible Kelly Wearstler and Donghia textiles to take centerstage. 

The flange edge is a fabric frame around the pillow, extending from the main pillow seam. The flange can be narrow or wide, in complementary or the same fabric. Bed shams often are detailed with a flange edge. The butterfly flange is a flirty, wing-like fold on each corner of the pillow. Flanged pillows can express a sense of casual ease and comfort.

A welted or corded edge is a polished, structured finish for a room with refined styling. The self-welt is made in the same fabric as the pillow. Cording, or micro-cording, adds a braided cord to the pillow edge. These color-matched or complementary cords come in various materials and a range of sizes.

You can get extra fancy with your pillow designs by adding trim to the edge. Janet has a new-found affinity for tassels, fringe and pom-poms. The inspiration to add adornments to some of her stylings came from a recent visit to Paris where design studios and interiors shops featured layers upon layers of rich and luxurious European influences.

Planning a pillow refresh or designing a new room? Ask Janet what pillow edge she suggests for you.