Upholstery studs that are used for practical or decorative purpose. Called either studs or nails, any significant difference between the two is lost in colloquial speech, although studs tend to be larger and are for show. Folded or raw edges are often finished with a choice of passementerie (gimp, braid) or studs.
As a traditional upholstery finish, studding should always be kept on original pieces, but for contemporary use–even for copies of an original–any option goes so long as it is in keeping with the overall idea. Studs can be a refreshing option for the softer textiles, their hard surface and the odd glint of light reflecting from their domed tops providing a bit of contrast and life.
The lower edges and arms of traditional show wooden chairs are often studded, as are screens, shutters, ottomans, bedheads and footboards.
Studding, the look of studs, its effectiveness and to some extent the technique goes in and out of fashion. Currently well spaced larger studs look good to us, perhaps in brighter metals and shiny finishes. They are, however, purely decorative as spaced studs require the soft material to be fixed by another invisible means.
Decorative studding can be positioned wherever the designer likes to see them. When covering raw edges, studding must be continuous and always at the same distance from the edge to avoid any frayed threads from peeping through.