Create flair for your home accessories by using trims such as ribbons, appliques, beads, fringes, and buttons.

Whether stitched by hand or fused using fabric glue or an iron, trims such as ribbons, appliques, beads, fringes, and buttons add pops of colour and pattern to textiles.

Beads are the hottest fashion detail right now; they're also perfect for home accessories. Look for beads to stitch or glue in place, in every material from crystal to ceramic. Here a just a few ways to add pizzazz to home decor accessories:


- Use fringe or beaded trims to edge the rims of lampshades.

- Edge a duvet, sham, or curtain panel with two rows of ribbon sewn or glued in place.

- Punctuate a decorative pillow with two dynamite buttons that dent the centre - front and back.

- Snip pom-poms from their braided edging and tack them in a scattered pattern on a pillow or throw.

- For a little shimmer, drape beads along the top of a chandelier shade. Or slip faceted beads onto a throw's fringe ends and tie in place.

- Tack contrasting braid in a curlicue or letter design to the centre of a pillow or duvet.

- Turn a pillowcase into a sham by stitching wide ribbon ties to the open end.

- Stitch tassels every few centimetres along the edge of a duvet or comforter for a flirty touch.

- Edge the cuff of a top sheet or pillowcase with a row of buttons, ribbon bows, or beads.

- Add a beaded fringe to dress up a pillow edge or the sides of a table runner.

- Create a reversible place mat by stitching buttons and two mats together at the corners.

- Stitch or glue ribbon to a centre spot on a napkin where it can be used as a permanent napkin tie.

- Adhere fusible appliques to napkins, tablecloths, or place mats. Look for flowers and letters.

- Dress up a bottle or vase using a length of beads strung on a wire and twisted around the neck of the jar.

- Stitch oversize tassels to the corners of a tablecloth. For protection in a breeze, hide a weight in each tassel.

- Make a runner from several place mats connected in a line with ribbon strips or buttons and loops.

- Have fun by weaving ribbons along the edges of a place mat, napkin, or tablecloth.

- Use embroidery floss to add a colourful running stitch that creates a line or pattern on a solid textile.