Designers Say Tassels Are Replacing Skirted Furniture as the Cooler ‘Grandma’ Detail for 2026 – 16 Finds We Love

Designers and retailers are increasingly favoring tassels and fringe details over skirted furniture in home decor, marking a notable shift in interior design trends for 2026. This change reflects a retro revival, with prominent brands and high-end hotels embracing the tassel look, making it the new ‘grandma’ detail of choice.

At this year’s WOW!house, a leading interior design event, designers including Sara Cosgrove, Studio Enass, Zardi & Zardi, and Sean Symington overwhelmingly showcased tassels and fringe as the preferred decorative accents, replacing the previously popular skirted furniture styles. Shea McGee, a prominent figure in home decor, has already incorporated tassels into her latest collection for Target, featuring antique brass side tables and burl wood nightstands adorned with fringe details. Meanwhile, Anthropologie is expanding tassel options across various furniture and hardware pieces, from coffee tables to bathroom fixtures.

The trend’s influence extends beyond retail, with luxury hotels such as New York’s Hotel Chelsea and Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont historically favoring fringe accents, which are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity among mainstream and high-end consumers. This shift signifies a broader embrace of vintage-inspired decor elements, with tassels becoming a defining feature of 2026’s interior aesthetics.

Why Tassels Are the New Decor Must-Have

This trend indicates a shift in interior design preferences towards nostalgic, vintage-inspired details, which can influence consumer choices and retail offerings. The move away from skirted furniture towards tassels reflects a broader cultural interest in retro styles, blending old-school charm with modern sensibilities. For consumers, this means more options for adding personality and texture to their homes, while retailers and designers are capitalizing on the trend to differentiate their collections in a competitive market.

Retro Revival Drives Tassel Trend in 2026

Historically, fringe and tassels have been associated with luxury hotel decor and vintage furnishings. Their recent re-emergence at events like WOW!house and in retail collections signals a deliberate move by designers to incorporate nostalgic elements into contemporary interiors. The trend’s resurgence aligns with a broader cultural embrace of vintage aesthetics, which has been gaining momentum over the past few years, driven by social media and a desire for personalized, eclectic spaces.

“Designers including Sara Cosgrove, Studio Enass, Zardi & Zardi, and Sean Symington overwhelmingly favored fringe as their ‘grandma’ detail of choice, swapping last year’s skirt obsession for the new dated-detail-du-jour.”

— Homes & Gardens

What Aspects of the Tassel Trend Are Still Developing

It is not yet clear whether tassels will fully replace skirted furniture across all interior styles or remain primarily a feature of high-end and boutique decor. The longevity of this trend and its influence on mass-market furniture designs are still uncertain, as some industry observers suggest it could be a temporary revival rather than a lasting shift.

Upcoming Retail and Design Developments in Tassel Decor

Expect further integration of tassels and fringe details in mainstream furniture and home accessories throughout 2026 and into 2027. Retailers are likely to expand tassel offerings, and designers may experiment with new applications, including upholstery, lighting, and hardware. Monitoring major trade shows and retail collections will reveal whether tassels solidify as a defining trend or remain a seasonal accent.

Key Questions

Is the tassel trend replacing all skirted furniture?

While tassels are gaining popularity, it is not yet clear if they will fully replace skirted furniture across all styles. The trend appears to be more prominent in decorative accents and certain furniture pieces at this stage.

Which designers and brands are leading the tassel trend?

Designers at WOW!house including Sara Cosgrove, Studio Enass, Zardi & Zardi, and Sean Symington are leading the trend. Retailers like Target and Anthropologie are also incorporating tassels into their collections, along with high-end hotels like the Hotel Chelsea and Chateau Marmont.

Will tassels stay popular in the long term?

The longevity of the tassel trend remains uncertain. It is part of a broader retro revival, but whether it will become a permanent fixture or fade as a seasonal trend is still to be seen.

How can I incorporate tassels into my home decor?

Consumers can add tassels through decorative pillows, curtains, furniture accents, or hardware. Retailers are expanding tassel options, making it easy to incorporate this detail into various interior styles.

Source: Homes & Gardens