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Expert Tips on Why you Need to Buy Into Velvet
This tactile fabric brings a luxurious and sophisticated edge to your rooms
Niki Bruce
2 April 2019
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
Velvet furniture is on-trend
If you keep up with interior trends, you will have noticed an increase in colourful styles that feature luxe velvet sofas and chairs in jewel tones like emerald green and cobalt blue.
If you keep up with interior trends, you will have noticed an increase in colourful styles that feature luxe velvet sofas and chairs in jewel tones like emerald green and cobalt blue.
The trend for jewel tones combined with dark walls and gold or chrome accessories is part of a movement away from white minimalist and Scandinavian interiors.
“Velvet immediately adds a sense of luxury to a space. It brings a warmth and softness which can make a room feel welcoming too,” explains Nikki Hunt from Singapore interior design firm Design Intervention.
“Velvet immediately adds a sense of luxury to a space. It brings a warmth and softness which can make a room feel welcoming too,” explains Nikki Hunt from Singapore interior design firm Design Intervention.
Choosing velvet
According to Hunt, you do need to take care and choose the right velvet as not all velvets are the same.
“There are a lot of cheap polyester velvets out there. Polyester is a manmade fibre and can be quite warm to sit on if you are not in an air conditioned environment.
“If you do not plan on having the air-conditioning blasting 24/7, viscose or cotton velvets will be better alternatives. These are natural fibres and will feel much cooler in our humid climate,” she advises.
According to Hunt, you do need to take care and choose the right velvet as not all velvets are the same.
“There are a lot of cheap polyester velvets out there. Polyester is a manmade fibre and can be quite warm to sit on if you are not in an air conditioned environment.
“If you do not plan on having the air-conditioning blasting 24/7, viscose or cotton velvets will be better alternatives. These are natural fibres and will feel much cooler in our humid climate,” she advises.
“Silk and viscose velvets will have a sheen that gives a richer look but can be more difficult to clean than cotton. Cotton can be tougher and there are even some washable cotton velvets.
“Mohair velvet is particularly durable. It is often used commercially in theatres and concert halls and is a very hardy material,” says Hunt.
Discover the value of velvet for your sofa
“Mohair velvet is particularly durable. It is often used commercially in theatres and concert halls and is a very hardy material,” says Hunt.
Discover the value of velvet for your sofa
“Because of the pile of velvet, the colour can look different depending upon the angle from which it is viewed so make sure you check it out in situ before confirming your colour choice”, explains Hunt.
“Another problem with velvet is that the pile will often ruffle under pressure and this can lead to a patchy, uneven appearance after use. This ‘bruising’ is not a flaw but an inherent quality of the material,” she says.
“The pile can easily be brushed or steamed back into place but for those who like a pristine, uniform look, a deep pile velvet sofa is not for you.”
Hunt also says that you should push against the pile gently with your hand and see how the colour changes when choosing. Some velvets will have a more obvious change in colour than others.
“Another problem with velvet is that the pile will often ruffle under pressure and this can lead to a patchy, uneven appearance after use. This ‘bruising’ is not a flaw but an inherent quality of the material,” she says.
“The pile can easily be brushed or steamed back into place but for those who like a pristine, uniform look, a deep pile velvet sofa is not for you.”
Hunt also says that you should push against the pile gently with your hand and see how the colour changes when choosing. Some velvets will have a more obvious change in colour than others.
Where to buy
Hunt prefers bespoke furniture but if budget is a concern, there are lots of places to buy readymade velvet sofas, accent chairs and dining chairs.
You can also pickup a second-hand piece and have it reupholstered in your choice of velvet fabric.
Hunt prefers bespoke furniture but if budget is a concern, there are lots of places to buy readymade velvet sofas, accent chairs and dining chairs.
You can also pickup a second-hand piece and have it reupholstered in your choice of velvet fabric.
Get the look: Velvet furniture doesn’t have to be over the top; these grey velvet covered dining chairs are a great example.
Get the look: The bedroom is place that deserves the softness that velvet brings.
Get the look: Even one stunning velvet occasional chair can make a luxe statement in your space.
Get the look: The colour velvet brings – especially when in a deep tone – is one that gives heft and texture.
Get the look: A single piece in velvet makes a low-key statement like this banquette.
TELL US
Will you decide to choose a velvet sofa or chair? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
Will you decide to choose a velvet sofa or chair? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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