Simply, tufting is passing a thread through a base, like a cushion, to make a depression. When done with thread only, this is often referred to as blind tufting. But the practice of adding a button to the depression is--you guessed it--button tufting.
Because it is without any ornamentation, blind tufting lends a more contemporary, sleek sense to furniture, especially if it is done in a grid pattern, like this sofa below.
But buttons can be unobtrusive and blend in with a mid-century modern look as well...
...this button tufted single row, below, unmistakably references mid-century modern.
On the other hand, a diamond tufted pattern really feels a lot more luxurious and traditional. It can look great on a camel back sofa...
...or on a classic Chesterfield!
Then there is another type of tufting that is executed in a row called channel tufting. This detail can speak to a few different time periods like Art Deco...
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| Pavel Vozmischev/Getty Images |
...or the 70s!
Happy designing!
