Welt, Piping, Cord, and Gimp in Upholstery: What’s the Difference

Ever noticed how a well-tailored chair or cushion looks polished? That’s the magic of welting, piping, cording, and gimp. Small details with a big impact.

February 21, 2025/
Elegant outdoor seating with welt fabric details.

There’s something oddly satisfying about a well finished edge on an upholstered piece. It’s subtle, sure, but it makes a big difference. It’s the kind of thing that can make a chair or sofa look custom even if most people wouldn’t notice right away. If you’re ordering custom furniture or trying out upholstery for the first time, someone’s probably going to ask, “How do you want the edges finished?” And yeah, it’s one of those questions that sounds simple but kind of isn’t. Welting, piping, cording, gimp. They all sound the same until you start digging into the details.

What is Welting?

Source: Vintage Tall

Welted fabric is popular in high-quality upholstery. Basically, it’s a cord wrapped in fabric that’s stitched into seams to give structure and a neat look. If you’ve ever wondered what is welting, it’s that defining detail you’ll spot around cushions following the shape of an armchair or bordering the edge of a pillow.

At Mallery Hall, we make everything from modern pieces to heirloom-quality reproductions. Fabric welting often defines our work. On a French bergère, it highlights the frame’s elegant curve. On a contemporary sofa, a welted edge gives a sharp architectural look.

What is Piping?

People often use piping and welting to mean the same thing, but piping is typically a thinner more subtle version. You’ll see it a lot on sofa cushions, throw pillows, bedding, and light upholstery.

Welting vs. Piping: What’s the Difference?

At this point, welting and piping mean the same thing, you’ll often see both terms used interchangeably in tutorials and product listings (think: “welting/piping cord”).

Originally, welting referred to a sturdier structural trim in furniture, while piping was a finer detail used in pillows, bedding, and clothing. But today, even experts mix the terms.

  • DIYers: Don’t overthink it, just choose the right size and material for your project.
  • Custom Orders: If in doubt, show your upholsterer a reference photo to ensure you get the look you want.

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Welt vs. No Welt

Welting and piping create a neat finished edge. Without it, seams feel softer and more casual, better for relaxed overstuffed styles.

This French style chaise has no piping on the cushions, but welting along the frame and arms.

The same chaise, now with welting/piping on the cushions, giving it a more tailored appearance.

What is Cording?

White cording in different thicknesses, used as the core for welting and piping in upholstery projects.
Decorative cording in various colors and styles, used for upholstery and trim detailing.
Pillows with cording detail. The pillows have braided cording and tassels with satin fabric.
Upholstered stool with cording along the cushion edge. It also has a carved wooden frame.

The term cording can refer to two different things in upholstery, which is why it often causes confusion.

 

  • Cording as the Core Material – When making welting or piping, the material inside is called cording. This core is wrapped in fabric and then sewn into seams to create a finished edge. When you shop for supplies, you’ll often see “welting cord” or “piping cord” and both refer to the same essential material used to create these trims.

 

  • Cording as a Decorative Trim – Cording can also be used on its own as an uncovered, decorative detail. Unlike welting, which is covered and stitched into seams, decorative cording is applied on top of upholstery, often seen outlining seat cushions, pillows, chair frames, or even drapery.

What is Gimp Trim?

Gimp trim stands out as the unsung hero in upholstery. It differs from welting, piping or cording as a flat, woven braid. People often use it to cover tacks or raw fabric edges. You’ll spot it on many antique-style seats where the wood frames meet fabric.

Ribbon-back dining chairs with upholstered seats, accented with gold gimp trim.

Welting vs. Piping vs. Cording vs. Gimp

These trims each play a distinct role. Let’s break it down:

Welting Fabric-covered cord sewn into seams Furniture edges, cushions
Piping Smaller, delicate version of welting Pillows, bedding, cushions, clothing
Cording Core material used in welting and piping covered in fabric and sewn into seams or used decoratively without a fabric covering. Framing furniture edges, accents, pillows
Gimp Flat woven trim Traditional upholstery, antique seating

Single vs. Double Welt

A single welt or piping adds a quiet touch of refinement to a well-made piece. Double welt, in contrast makes a strong intentional impression, you’ll often see it on traditional or formal furniture. It works well to hide exposed staples or tacks in custom upholstery projects.

 

  • Single Welt: One row of welt cord for a clean, classic finish.
  • Double Welt: Two parallel rows of welt cord, often used in high-end or traditional upholstery.

Upholstered round side chair with single welt trim, carved wood frame, and a classic round back design.

French carved dining chair with double welt trim. It's upholstered in soft blue fabric, with an intricately carved wood frame.

Contrast Welt, Piping, and Cording

A contrasting welt or piping can change a piece. Picture a crisp white sofa with navy welt or a velvet chair with gold cording, these tiny details create a deliberate ritzy look.

We always think about this: contrast trim works best when it highlights the shape of the piece instead of overwhelming it.

Modern aqua velvet sofa with contrast welting/piping in white.

Retro-style blue sofa with contrast welting/piping in white and matching bolster pillows.

Welting vs. Self-Welting

Welting has the potential to be crafted from any fabric. But self-welting means it’s made from the same material as the upholstery. 

 

  • Welting: May be made from any fabric, including a contrasting color.
  • Self-Welting: Made from the same fabric as the main upholstery. This creates a matching look.
  • Self-Welting Gimp: A flat trim without a cord, used for a decorative edge that matches the upholstery fabric.

Louis XV velvet daybed with self welting/piping.

Louis XVI rattan dining chair with double self welt trim.

Gimp & Nailheads: A Classic Combination

For those who enjoy that historical feel, gimp paired with nailheads stands as a classic pick. Gimp covers up fabric edges, while nailheads add a classy organized touch. You’ll often spot this look on replicas of antiques bringing a hint of history.

Tuscan Rémy scrolled arm dining chairs with gimp trim and nailheads.

French upholstered dining chairs with gimp trim and nailheads.

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Final Thoughts

Edge treatments are the subtle touches that give an upholstered piece a custom-made feel. Whether you pick welt, piping, or gimp, each has a specific job, one that combines practicality and craftsmanship.

At Mallery Hall, we use traditional construction techniques for quality upholstery while adapting each design to match the character of its surroundings. After all, the appeal of made-to-order furniture is in the little things, and the right trim can transform a piece.

Related: 26 Types of Furniture Legs | Antique & Modern Styles

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