Diamonds are a girls best friend

One particular design feature/motif that I particularly like, and one that I never seem to tire of, is diamond buttoning on upholstery. I'm not sure what it is about it that I like so much - maybe its the fact that it seems to give a piece instant history (or suggested history), or maybe its the fact that it makes furniture look so plump, comfortable and therefore inviting. I found plenty of images around of old and current examples, so I decided to do some reading about the history of diamond buttoning. My trusty library very rarely fails:

"Diamond buttoning has been used since the Victorian era (circa early 1800's) to fix and decorate fabrics into chair seats and backs. During the 1950's buttoning became fashionable again, partly as a decorative feature, and also as a method of holding fabrics into a compound shaped piece". - from 'The Upholsterer's pocket reference book', by David James.

A few recent examples I found were from the new collections of Poltrona Frau, and the Spanish designer Jamie Hayon. I love their interpretation of a modern take on a traditional style.

Poltrona Frau - Regina chair

Jamie Hayon sofa for BD Showtime collection

These images show the resurgence of diamond buttoning as a decorative feature and as a method of attaching fabric to curved shapes, dating from the 1920's to 1950's. I particularly love the Edward Wormley slipper chairs and the headboard. Such timeless designs.

Edward Wormley slipper chairs, from 1st Dibs

1960's Slipper chairs from 1st Dibs

James Mont armchair from 1st Dibs

Tufted settee (source unknown)

French Canape from 1st Dibs

Andre Arbus Dining chair from William Switzer


Ottoman (source unknown)





1920's leather settee from 1st Dibs



1940's silk headboard from 1st Dibs

Diamond buttoning as a motif has gained so much popularity that textiles and wallpaper designs have been produced with a faux-buttoning design, I'm guessing mainly as a buget option for a look that can be labour intensive, and therefore not cheap. I love the wallpaper. I saw a photo of it used in a very girly boutique in Sydney, and it looked fabulous.

Fabric from Kravet (pattern 9091)


"Harlow" wallpaper from Evans & Brown

These interior shots, to me, prove that diamond buttoning never goes out of style. Miles Redd is the master, of course!

Interior image from Beach Studios



Interior by Nicholas Haslam



Image from Kor Hotel group



Interior of Miles Redd's Living room