Tassels Tie a Refined Window Look Together
Embellish your drapes in opulent fashion using the ornaments that fascinated wealthy Europeans of old
I'm a Houzz Contributor, interior decorator (http://www.elementsofstyle.com.au) and associate member of the Design Institute of Australia, living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Our homes reflect how we see ourselves, so I strive to make each of my client's spaces balanced and harmonious for them.
I'm a Houzz Contributor, interior decorator (http://www.elementsofstyle.com.au)... More »
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A lot of effort goes into deciding on just the right window treatments. And tassels, one kind of tieback, are important finishing touches that need just as much careful thought. With a design history rooted in a centuries-old craft, tassels are a lot more than just ornaments — they help invite lovely light into our rooms, frame a beautiful view or emphasize our favorite French doors. Use this ancient accent to add charm and decoration to your interiors.
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The First Tassels
Tassels are technically part of the trim family. However, "trim" always seems too simple of a word for such exuberant accessories, which is why I prefer the French word "passementerie" to describe these fanciful embellishments. "Passementerie" originates from the word "passement," which describes gold or silver lace and braiding.
Tassels are technically part of the trim family. However, "trim" always seems too simple of a word for such exuberant accessories, which is why I prefer the French word "passementerie" to describe these fanciful embellishments. "Passementerie" originates from the word "passement," which describes gold or silver lace and braiding.
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The first tassel was documented thousands of years ago as a weaving knot used to tie off garments and rugs. The embellishment then developed through the work of artisans in ancient Rome, Persia and Greece.
In Roman times, tassels on the clergy's garments distinguished their status within the church hierarchy. Basket carriers during religious processions, called cannofori, were the only ones allowed to wear tassels.
In Roman times, tassels on the clergy's garments distinguished their status within the church hierarchy. Basket carriers during religious processions, called cannofori, were the only ones allowed to wear tassels.
by Julianne Kelly
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Tassels in the 17th Century
France dominated the art of the tassel in the 17th century. One tassel was often composed of up to six carved and covered wooden forms in a flat, faceted, dome or pear shape. These tassels incorporated ornaments and several different varieties of fringe, including inch, gimp, trellis, butterfly, tufted and swagged.
Even a simple French tassel during this time had at least 300 threads. This beautiful Nobilis-Fontan tassel would have found a home in any 17th-century sitting room.
France dominated the art of the tassel in the 17th century. One tassel was often composed of up to six carved and covered wooden forms in a flat, faceted, dome or pear shape. These tassels incorporated ornaments and several different varieties of fringe, including inch, gimp, trellis, butterfly, tufted and swagged.
Even a simple French tassel during this time had at least 300 threads. This beautiful Nobilis-Fontan tassel would have found a home in any 17th-century sitting room.
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Tassels in the 18th Century
By the late 1800s, members of the wealthy European merchant class were decorating homes with a particular refinement. They followed popular trends of the time that promoted style and elegance.
Tassels of silk, cotton and wool were in abundance, trimming everything from furniture and draperies to ladies' shoes.
By the late 1800s, members of the wealthy European merchant class were decorating homes with a particular refinement. They followed popular trends of the time that promoted style and elegance.
Tassels of silk, cotton and wool were in abundance, trimming everything from furniture and draperies to ladies' shoes.
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| Tassels in the Early 20th Century The early 20th century saw simpler, less-adorned tassels, shunning the earlier excess of Victorian designs. |
Rayon materials and geometric shapes began to be used in the art deco era, and only two colors at a time. Vibrant colors like orange, blue, black and green became the go-to colors.
Just like on this smart Roman shade, key tassels were used as an adornment on soft furnishings in the early 20th century. They were an inexpensive way to add color and interest.
Just like on this smart Roman shade, key tassels were used as an adornment on soft furnishings in the early 20th century. They were an inexpensive way to add color and interest.
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Contemporary Tassels
The art deco era was followed by a period of more minimalism in passementerie. As architecture changed, wood, glass and metal became fashionable materials, and tassel manufacturing dropped dramatically.
In the early 1900s, Paris had more than 70 manufacturers of tassels, with only a third surviving the industrial revolution. Now only a handful of manufacturers still operate — including Passementerie Nouvelle, run by five generations of the Declercq family.
The striking chrome tassel in this picture is actually a chain taken from a light fixture used with a tieback.
The art deco era was followed by a period of more minimalism in passementerie. As architecture changed, wood, glass and metal became fashionable materials, and tassel manufacturing dropped dramatically.
In the early 1900s, Paris had more than 70 manufacturers of tassels, with only a third surviving the industrial revolution. Now only a handful of manufacturers still operate — including Passementerie Nouvelle, run by five generations of the Declercq family.
The striking chrome tassel in this picture is actually a chain taken from a light fixture used with a tieback.
Comments
morgana44 What a wonderful and informative ideabook. My home is English Country in style and I have tassels in the several rooms. They add a touch of elegance to a room.
4 months ago · Like
grandlady passementerie elevates every room, bathrooms included. I add to my tassel collection whenever I find something special, and even embellish them to suit my taste.
4 months ago · Like
cookingistherapy I love the look of tassels. The issue I always wrestle with it how high to place them. Any advice? Thanks!
4 months ago · Like
Christy Dillard Kratzer Nice to be included in your ideabook. Thanks!
4 months ago · Like
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Design & Decor By Shelley What a beautiful and elegant post..Thanks for sharing..
4 months ago · Like
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Lady Dianne's Custom Window & Bed Treatments @cookingistherapy - the rule of thumb on where to place your tiebacks is about a third of the way up from the floor. But depending on the look you want, you can go up or down from there - Lower is more formal, Higher is more casual. I usually start at about a third and then move it up or down from there to see what looks best in the room. Remember that your tassels will hang much lower than where your hook will be, so judge by the tassels not the hook. If possible, have someone hold the tieback up for you (around your panel), so you can see what it will look like. Then you'll easily be able to see where you would like it! 
4 months ago · Like
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Elements of Style thanks for all the comments. Great advice on hanging heights for tassels.
4 months ago · Like
ranizeb Love. It
3 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Jan. 23, 2013.
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