When you think pillows, bedding, or blankets, nailheads probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. Our favorite designers, on the other hand, are proving that these studded pieces are a growing trend.
This year, Eastern Accents is showcasing how these pops of metal can be exactly what elevates your home decor–even the softest items. The luxury home textile brand is renowned for their pillows, bedding sets, fabrics, and more. Based in Chicago, their expert craftspeople are leaders in cutting edge design. We met with Eastern Accents’ designers to explore why they love nailheads and some unique ways to design with them.
Nailheads: a home decor history
But first, what are nailheads, and why do designers use them? Nailheads have been in use as home decor for hundreds of years, though their purpose was not always decorative. In the 17th century, French furniture makers used brass studs to attach fabric to chair or settee frames, effectively hiding the seams where the upholstery was tacked.
As designs evolved, nail trim remained closely associated with traditional styles, popular in classic pieces such as Chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs. Today, decorative studs can be found in a wide range of design styles, from glam to modern to retro, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
Made in America
Eastern Accents manufactures bedding and upholstery in-house in Chicago, allowing for the utmost attention to detail. Onsite manufacturing allows for precise quality control and community building, while supporting skilled artisanry in the local area.
While many other workrooms have switched to using a strip of nailheads, the textile leader is proud to do it all by hand. With the strip, there’s a much larger margin of error, and the studs are often placed crookedly or unevenly. Eastern Accents’ expert craftspeople carefully apply each nail individually to preserve excellent quality.
First, the designers carefully choose each fabric to make sure it can hold a studded design: the right material, thickness, and patterns make a big difference. Once their craftspeople determine where each one will go, nailheads are then pierced through the fabric and securely fastened.
Decorative nailheads in furniture
So, how is Eastern Accents using nailheads to make a statement? Since all of their furniture is made to order, customers are uniquely able to customize pieces to their exact liking. This is where the team sees the nailhead trend in action. Polished nailheads can frame a headboard. They can accent a bench. They can even add flare to an ottoman.
The Tilda Ottoman, for instance, is upholstered in a real leather cow hide and printed with metallic design. This textured leather is complemented by their brushed nickel nailheads, studded in a triangle design on the bottom corners. It’s not uncommon to see Eastern Accents’ ottomans adorned with decorative nails along the bottom. Not only is this design visually appealing, but, they revealed it also protects the base from damage from shoes, pets, and more.
Using nailheads in other home decor
While some may associate nailheads with furniture, Eastern Accents demonstrates that there’s a place for these studs even in the softest of goods. A few well-placed nailheads can add the perfect touch of texture and shine to a pillow, or even a duvet.
With the textile expert’s varying options, there’s also room to explore different colors and metal types. Their Hendrix duvet cover features a tonal design using materials in varying shades of gray. Here, silver studs compliment the fabrics. The opposite is true with the lusciously colored Gustav bolster pillow. Brushed gold studs work well, contrasting the plush orange velvet.
Some even chose to make nailheads the focal point of their home design. The Zelda and Zac luxury bedding collections find creative ways to turn individual nails into patterns that span an entire pillow. A little edgier, these studs can go from interesting accents to the star of the show. Or, like on the Zac Decorative Pillow, the expert production team can incorporate both studding and laser-cutting, creating a uniquely modern and textural design.
Decorative nailheads trending now
Still not sure how to decorate with nailheads? Eastern Accents’ Cristobal collection is a helpful guide when it comes to using a nailhead motif. Tailored with style, the collection features warm colors, velvets, plaids, and leathers. It’s distinguished and rich, with polished metal touches at the seams. New for Spring/Summer 2025, this collection shows how a classic of traditional furniture design can be reinvigorated for the 21st century.
With detailed and glamorous displays, these Windy City experts are mastering the nailhead trend—and you can too. For just the right kind of elegance and flair, these metal accents can be all you need to nail the perfect design.
Eastern Accents is a luxury home textiles brand, proudly based in Chicago. Learn more at www.easternaccents.com.
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