There's something about fringe and tassels that has stopped me in my tracks recently. Bear with me on this one.
Few decorative details have had as many lives as fringe. First used on garments and textiles in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to prevent fabric edges from unraveling, fringe quickly became a symbol of status and craftsmanship. By the 18th and 19th centuries it had taken over European interiors, layered onto everything from curtains to furniture, returning in the 1970s as a relaxed boho detail — before minimalism swept in and declared it too much. But fringe is back baby!
Latest example: the Garden Folly Room designed by Studio Enass, shown at this year’s WOW!house 2026. An emerald green fringed cocktail table at its center, fringe-trimmed cushions — and tassels hanging, unexpectedly, from the wall sconces.
The beauty of it all is the range — you can go as subtle or as extravagant as you like. A lounge chair with a tassel trim reads fun and flirty, fringe on top of a curtain adds a playful detail and tassels on lampshades are having a serious moment right now.
Tactile Tassels and Playful Fringe
1) Pele Table in Moiré Tissé by Claude Home 2) Francis No. 1 Parchment Sconce by Henrii 3) Bar with fringe detail at Gigi Val d’Isère by Hugo Toro
4) Cognac and Beige Bicolour Lilli Lounge 70 by Lorenza Bozzoli 5) Lantern Sconce by Workstead 6) Burwood Libertine Parfumerie by Tamsin Johnson
See…
In case you crave some calm before the Knicks game, tomorrow’s your last chance to see Jess Allen’s exhibition at Nino Mier Gallery in SoHo. Suspending Time explores people and shadow — her painted figures caught in quiet, fleeting moments. Simply beautiful.
Want…
The hand-blown Eldorado Pendant from Freaks NY's Full Dress lighting collection. The form looks like a flowy skirt caught mid-movement. And then there's the silk organza covered cord — someone get me this lamp asap!
Try…
Love Thy Neighbor is bringing a cavelike room to 55 Christopher Street, serving Japanese-inspired tapas and cocktails. The basement-level bar designed by Wild Form Design Studio follows one rule: no straight lines. The result is all soft tan curves and tucked alcoves. My favorite is the bathroom mirror that looks like it was carved from a geode (plus look at that sink!).
and it’s giving nostalgia!
Wow I also need to check out Love Thy Neighbor! Immediately made a res. Thanks for the recommendation!