Gimp is a flat decorative trim or braid that conceals upholstery fastening points, such as staples or tacks, and it was almost never the trim chosen by mid-century designers. Instead, they favored less fussy piping, double welt cord or no trim at all.
 |
| Scroll gimp fabricfarms.com |
 |
| French gimp bandmupholstery.com |
 |
| Gimp application modhomeec.com |
 |
| Piping flickr.com - Michael's Upholstery |
 |
| Double welt cord flickr.com - Michael's Upholstery |
gimp?!! is too feminine for me.I like the piping anytime
ReplyDelete@Sudha: I'm with you. I don't like anything remotely fussy, so piping or unadorned seams are my choice. Even double welt cord is more trim than I normally would choose. In my opinion, nothing says "My upholsterer only likes Victorian" as much as gimp does...LOL
ReplyDeleteBefore the Victorian lovers hang me in effigy (or worse), let me assure you I've seen beautiful Victorian homes...and my last home had a feel of New Orleans at the turn of the century. All I'm saying is that gimp is not in keeping with the original look of a mid-century piece. So will you put down those feathers and douse the fire under the tar? :)
ReplyDeleteFor the record - and we're not ashamed to say this - we don't like gimp/braid, whatever. Even on period furniture. There, we said it!
ReplyDeleteI always learn so much from your blog. Check out my new post, maybe you know something my new artwork...
ReplyDeleteDana, I totally agree with you abut pretty victorian homes...though laces, doilies and gimp seem to be a little over the top for me.
ReplyDelete@LeAnn: I didn't know much about your art, but I did share with you some things I do know about what I think may be similar pieces.
ReplyDeleteI think my new chair has some gimp underneath it!
ReplyDelete@Angelica: Where???
ReplyDeleteIn our experience, the 80's refurbs of mid-century furniture that use gimp are usually hiding bad upholstery. (insider information)!
ReplyDelete@flourish and blume: Yes, I'm sure a lot of the gimp application occurred in the 70s and 80s, when mid-century pieces were starting to get worn and were considered out of style and in need of "modernizing."
ReplyDelete