Something popped out at me on Pinterest the other day. Nail heads. Thankfully not physically because that might have hurt. But I did get hit with inspiration.
This is an innovative use of nail heads on a door. These images were uploaded to Pinterest and I’m not finding them anywhere else online, but I think they are from Ashley Hicks:
From Ashley Hicks, similar brass nail head detailing:
These doors, again by Ashley Hicks, have coral handles and a scattering of upholstery nail heads in a circle shape – very creative use of the nails that reminds me of round Chinese door hardware:
Nail heads become elegant on this leather dresser from Dalton Design Shop (sold, no longer available):
Nail heads add interesting detail to a side table here. This was done for $6 with thumb tacks! Can you believe? It’s true, it’s by Mad in Crafts and you can see the DIY at Décor Hacks:
This festival of nail heads below inspired the above side table. It’s the Cabrillo Nailhead Chest from Bernhardt:
Here’s another Cabrillo nailhead dresser from Bernhardt, wrapped with linen:
Here’s a crazy gorgeous nail head trim pattern:
It was photographed by Cottage and Vine at a furniture market a few years ago.
As you can see already, nail head trim can be so versatile – patterns made with nail heads can be contemporary, global/tribal or southwestern which is a natural for nailheads.
How about this piece of work?! I don’t mean piece of work in a bad way. But surely this must have been work to create. I don’t know the original source of this, but it looks like nail heads on leather:
Via House Beautiful, nail heads make a pattern on a limed oak headboard:
From the Room Divider Store, nail head trim makes a diamond pattern on faux leather (this could be good DIY too if you want a different pattern and color):
By Aiveen Daly, all I can add is … wow:
You don’t need a bazillion nail heads to have a good pattern. See this ottoman by Shine by S.H.O:
Another simple example, nail head pattern on a sofa via studio|ten|25:
I have an old upholstered ottoman to refinish and this gives me the idea to try something like this:
Apparently this ottoman was at Neiman Marcus for about $2300. Because I already have the ottoman with the bun feet, I could probably pull this off for under $100. It’s covered in 80s mauve cotton and would need new fabric.
How about add nail head trim to a wide frame around a mirror. You could wrap wood with any fabric and do this. This mirror was found by postmodern hostess at a sample sale:
From Kelly and Olive, simple pattern on a small table:
I may be late to the nail head trim party. But I honestly don’t worry too much about trends. I think what you create with the nail heads will determine whether what you do is timeless or trendy.
Love these. Thanks for sharing. I love the wooden trunk that has a more tribal feel (natch). I think some of those would be incredibly difficult to get exactly right. Not a DIY for the faint-of-heart.
I agree. The well-done DIYs have nail heads that are all perfectly-spaced and lined up. I’m sure it’s not easy to do. Especially for more intricate patterns.
I am looking for a 2″ – 3″ decorative nailhead. Do you supply them in this size?
Thank you,
Joni Wait
Blackbird Interiors
Hi Joni,
I’m sorry I do not not supply nailhead. I just supply the inspirational photos! Deb
Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! A little creativity births such a BIG statement! I am so inspired!!!!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Robin! That makes me so happy to hear! That’s exactly why I blog, to inspire people, so it’s great to hear when it works! :) Deb