Add Nail Head Trim to Furniture

Bring a high-end look to an upholstered piece of furniture by adding nail head trim.
Green Pillow on Transitional Neutral Chair With Nailhead Trim

Transitional Taupe Upholstered Chair With Nailhead Trim

Bring a high-end look to an upholstered piece of furniture by adding nailhead trim.

By: Janell Beals

Materials Needed:

  • chair or other upholstered piece of furniture
  • nail head trim
  • tape measure
  • hammer

Select Upholstered Piece of Furniture

Choose an upholstered piece of furniture to add nail head trim detailing.

Transitional Taupe Upholstered Chair

Select Upholstered Chair

Choose an upholstered piece of furniture to add nail head trim detailing.

Determine Nail Head Placement

Determine what lines of the chair to accent with nail head trim. Tip: Select area of chair with a solid foundation to secure nails to.

Close-Up of Transitional Taupe Upholstered Chair

Determine Nail Head Placement

Determine what lines of the chair to accent with nail head trim. Tip: Select area of chair with a solid foundation to secure nails to.

Select Nail Head Trim Style

Choose style and size of nail head trim to complement chair design and fabric.

Bowl of Nail Heads

Select Nail Head Trim Style

Choose style and size of nail head trim to complement chair design and fabric.

Position Nail Head Trim

Attach nail head trim at start of line to be covered with trim. Place first nail by pushing into frame.

One Nail Head on Corner of Upholstered Chair

Begin Placing Nail Head Trim

Attach nail head trim at start of line to be covered with trim. Place first nail by pushing into frame.

Continue Line of Nail Head Trim

Continue placing nail head trim along line, positioning nails an equal distance from one another.

Vertical Nailhead Trim on Bottom of Taupe Upholstered Chair

Continue Line of Nail Head Trim on Chair

Continue placing nail head trim along line, positioning nails an equal distance from one another.

Position at Even Intervals

Place nail head trim at even intervals, approximately 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch from nail center to center, depending on size of nail head trim. Use tape measure as a guide. Tip: Space nail head trim to touch or with a space in-between.

Measuring Space Between Nail Heads With Tape Measure

Position Nail Heads at Even Intervals

Place nail head trim at even intervals, approximately 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch from nail center to center, depending on size of nail head trim. Use tape measure as a guide. Tip: Space nail head trim to touch or with a space in-between.

Hammer Nail Head Trim

Secure nail head trim into chair foundation with hammer. Tip: Trim can also be applied along bottom edge of chair as an alternative design.

Hammer Nailing Nail Heads Into Chair to Create Trim

Hammer Nail Head Trim

Secure nail head trim into chair foundation with hammer. Tip:Trim can also be applied along bottom edge of chair as an alternative design.

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