At our Design Studio, we love to celebrate the finer details that give furniture its own unique character. One technique we often return to is studding with nail heads. What might seem like a small detail is, in fact, a centuries-old tradition that brings both craftsmanship and personality to a piece. Historically, nail heads were used in upholstery as a practical way to secure fabric to frames. Over time, they became decorative in their own right. Today, we treat them as miniature jewels, tracing the lines of a chair, ottoman or headboard to highlight its shape and proportion.
One of our favourite ways to use studding is to draw attention to the silhouette. Outlining the curves of a scalloped headboard or the crisp edge of a dining chair transforms the furniture into something more sculptural. Studs add rhythm and punctuation, almost like a delicate trim, but with a strength and permanence that stands the test of time. We particularly love adding studs to our headboards, available in five distinct styles. Whether the design is bold and oversized or playful and scalloped, the addition of studs enhances the outline and gives each shape its own personality.
We also enjoy experimenting with scale and finish. Large, burnished brass studs feel bold and graphic, while smaller nickel or pewter versions add a refined shimmer. Against richly coloured fabrics or leather, the contrast becomes a focal point, creating an interplay of texture, light and detail. Even the smallest touches can have impact. A cluster of studs at the corner of a chair or a neat line along its legs adds subtle definition without overpowering the piece, allowing the shape and materials to take centre stage.
Studding can also change character depending on how it is applied. Closed studding, with small nails placed side by side, feels classic and tailored. Enlarging the studs and leaving space between them creates a lighter, more contemporary rhythm, particularly when tracing the outline of an oversized headboard or running neatly along the edge of a table. A double row of studs introduces a sense of drama, while also framing a piece beautifully and even separating two different fabrics in a way that feels almost artistic.
Studding, much like piping or fringing, is one of those details that elevates a design from the ordinary to the exceptional. It celebrates craftsmanship and proves that, in interiors, the smallest accents often have the greatest impact.
We hope this inspires you to see the magic in these intricate details that bring character, depth and individuality to every piece.