Velvet furniture was once prized but is now durable and affordable: How to style it

From the rooms of Venetian palaces to the drawing rooms of British country houses, velvet has played a leading role in our homes for centuries.

But our love affair with fabric is changing. Originally made of silk, velvet has gone from expensive and high-maintenance to just the job for a family sofa, thanks to the introduction of tough, spill- and soil-resistant materials by furniture specialists.

The Prime Minister’s wife, Akshata Murty, is a fan and has reportedly introduced jewel-coloured velvet sofas to 10 Downing Street.

“Velvet is an instant classic because it brings luxury and texture to any living space,” says Emma Deterding of Kelling Designs.

“It’s versatile enough to dress up for a more traditional, formal look, or dress down for a relaxed, casual look. Opt for inky deep blues and vibrant forest greens for impact, or even taupes and warm neutrals for understated luxury.

style and substance

Please note that not all velvets are created equal.

The most luxurious of its kind is woven from silk, but it is more delicate and requires greater care.

Performance velours, like those from Perennials, are a good choice for dirty paws or small children.

They are often made from 100% polyester, or a blend of cotton and polyester, and replicate the prized soft qualities of silk velvets. They are also stain, water and odor resistant.

For lovers of natural fibers, mohair velvets, made from Angora goat hair, are durable and resist dirt and crushing, yet retain their elegance and texture.

Cotton velvets are more delicate, but if the thread is well woven, they can withstand wear and tear.

“When you sit on velvet furniture, especially cotton, the pile becomes ruffled, and over time this wear and tear will create a bruise,” says interior designer Roby Baldan. “But this should be considered a patina, which gives your velvet character and beauty.”

Fortunately, velvet’s durability doesn’t require compromising softness.

“Quality velvets are commonly chosen for high-use commercial settings such as theaters and restaurants, indicating their strength,” says King Living’s Sebastian Nash.

“They’re incredibly soft to the touch and are often considered a luxury option for upholstered seats.”

Velvet sofas are a classic addition to a living room, adding comfort and warmth, especially when in jewel tones like cobalt blue or mustard.

“All of our velvets feature a special coating that prevents accidental spills or stains from soaking into the fabric too quickly,” says sofa.com’s Patricia Gibbons, whose Patrick Unbuttoned three-seater sofa in Amber Smart Velvet, £2,995, features the model of this season thick curves.

Cozy yet luxurious looking, this is a material that works just as well in contemporary minimalist furniture shapes as it does traditional curved or button-back sofas for classic appeal.

Also note that velvet is available in multiple finishes.

Crushed velvet, created by pressing the pile in different directions, has a shiny look (which can be less forgiving); embossed is a printed fabric that incorporates pattern through a heat seal; ciselé achieves a similar effect by using various lengths of thread to create patterns; Stretch velvet incorporates spandex for flexibility, while smooth velvet has less shine but sophisticated appeal.

How to design velvet in YOUR home

Look for creative ways to use this traditional fabric. Headboards can be upholstered in velvet – pair the look with an end-of-bed bench in the same finish, or simply velvet piping for a stylish note.

“I’m seeing a lot of unusual ways to present this fabric,” says Emma Deterding. “We used velvet wallpaper in one of our projects and often use velvet for window dressing for instant drama.

‘On a practical note, never lean against velvet with wet hair, as you can damage the pile. Use a soft brush to clean it regularly, while scrubbing with a rubber gloved hand easily removes dust and lint.’

Velvet shades are an easy way to add luxury, but keep in mind that the darker the color, the dimmer the light your lamp will cast, so choose moody shades to create atmosphere in rooms used for more. the night.

For an on-trend look that works just as well during the day, try Pooky’s 30cm Tapered Shadow in Posh Pink Velvet, £50.

“Introducing velvets into cushions and lampshades is an easy way to incorporate this trendy material, and pairs well with darker woods, boucle and marbles that are proving popular for spring,” says Sarah O’Sullivan, interior designer at John Lewis.

Try adding their Velvet Patchwork cushion in Multi, £20, to bring a touch of life to a neutral armchair or sofa.

Otherwise, rich chocolate, orange, and terracotta tones make the headlines.

Other clever ways with this classic material include upholstering a window seat in a rich hue for a pop of color, or even framing a collection of different-colored velvets, cut to identical sizes.

Complete with a thick white border and frame to inject instant geometric appeal.