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Sometimes, it’s the smallest accents that have the biggest impact in design. From the way light bounces off a glazed zellige tile to the soft glow a diffused lampshade lends, these subtle choices can mean the difference between a room that feels ho-hum and one that reads as layered and multidimensional. It’s the reason many people love digging into design trends year after year — not just for the high-impact choices pros are loving (we see you, soapstone countertops!) but also for the smaller, more nuanced details that’ll eventually trickle down into almost every corner of the market.
In this year’s 2025 State of Home Design survey, Apartment Therapy polled 154 designers to get the intel on the products, trends, and finishes that we’ll be seeing everywhere soon — and some surprisingly playful ideas made their way to the forefront of the conversation. One of my favorites? The return of tassels and similar decorative trimmings.
A mainstay of maximalism design, tassels and decorative tassel trims are seeking a new moment in the spotlight as pros and homeowners aim to create rooms that reinforce the power of texture and speak to all five senses. Once a staple in historic and traditional interiors, these fun, fringed accents are now fully integrated into the maximalist movement, which embraces bold patterns, rich textures, and layers of personality.
“Maximalism is making a strong return, and I expect to see many living rooms layered with coordinating wallpaper, window treatments, trim, and pillows galore,” says designer Paige Dick of Paige Designs.
A Brief History of Tassels in Design
Tassels have a long history in design, with origins that can be traced back to royalty. First used as decorative elements in garment textiles, they eventually found their way into European design, where they were used to adorn elaborate drapery and furniture. In her 2020 book, Fringe, Frog and Tassel: The Art of the Trimmings-Maker in Interior Decoration, author and textile historian Annabel Westman chronicles the history of tassels and trims back at least as far as 1320 in England and Ireland, making these design details, as we know them, at least 700 years old.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, interior design became even more focused on opulence, with tassels used as a popular finishing touch in the homes of the wealthy. There, they were seen as the epitome of luxury and refinement and often used to accentuate curtains, cushions, and lampshades.
In the centuries and decades since, tassels have evolved from a status symbol to a playful, accessible accessory, adapting easily to the tastes and personalities of different eras. Today, tassels are no longer reserved for the elite but are celebrated as a fun and versatile way to add texture, color, and a bit of whimsy to any space.
Credit: Photo: Provoke Studios; Design: Kalu Interiors Credit: Photo: Provoke Studios; Design: Kalu Interiors
How Designers Are Using Tassels in Design
When asked what trend she wanted to stick around for 2025, designer Juliana Ghani of G.Atelier Design Studio referenced the “old-school, traditional, decorator aesthetic” and specifically called out “dramatic fringes and trims” as part of her list of examples of the look. “They’re all so back, and I’m here for it,” she added. So back — and also more accessible than ever.
The barrier of entry is low for a trend of this nature, making it fun to incorporate fringe even if you’re not in the market for a brand-new custom couch or pair of armchairs (though, FWIW, you can DIY your own!).
From throw pillows to statement lampshades, tassels are popping up in nearly every corner of the home. Designers are using them to soften the edges of clean-lined furniture, add flair to minimalist pieces, and even make a statement on drapery or bedding.
The beauty of tassels lies in their versatility — while they’re often most closely associated with a maximalist or “grandmillennial” vibe, you can really find an iteration that works with whatever design scheme you prefer, even if boho style is more your speed. Looking for a two-minute upgrade that lets you dip your toe into the trend? Hang a tassel on the handle of a closet door or knob of a dresser for a bespoke touch, just like designer Phyllis Lui from Kalu Interiors did in the hallway area shown just above.
As more people embrace maximalism’s “more is more” approach, tassels provide the perfect opportunity to express creativity and add texture, movement, and charm. They can transform a plain chair into a statement piece or give a traditional room a more playful edge. In a world of neutral tones and minimalist spaces, tassels offer a vibrant way to show that decorating with joy and personality is not only back — it’s in full swing.
Further Reading
I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)
We Asked 5 Contractors Which Kitchen Reno Trend Homeowners Regret Most, and They Basically All Agreed
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
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