No interior design project would be complete without the right furnishings. From curtains and blinds to sofas and bedding, every single choice you make matters. While there are plenty of beautiful fabric options to explore, nothing quite beats the splendour and elegance of velvet.
Renowned for its beautiful texture and rich colours, velvet is perfect for creating luxurious living environments.
Sure, it’s one of the older fabrics, but we think it’s a must-have for interior designers who want to add a touch of opulence to their creations.
Find out why we’re massive advocates for velvet fabric in this guide.
The interesting history of velvet
While velvet is traditionally associated with European royalty, it actually dates back to the Far East and Ancient Egypt. For thousands of years, velvet was exclusively reserved for the rich and royal due to its rarity and expensive production process.
By the European Renaissance, velvet was more accessible but still exclusively reserved for royalty and the homes of the nobility. That all changed during the Industrial Revolution, when modern machinery was able to streamline the velvet production process.
Today, velvet retains its grandeur, but it’s also one of the more accessible fabric choices.
What makes velvet so unique?
All materials have special qualities that make them popular with homeowners and designers, but velvet stands out for several features. Let’s take a look at them:
- Its Texture: Velvet’s texture is its defining feature, with a soft and tactile surface that feels incredible to touch. Few other materials can replicate this texture. For example, while silk also has a smooth feel, it lacks the depth and warmth of velvet.
- Rich Colours: While you can find velvet in a variety of colours, nothing quite beats the natural reds, blues, and purples that make it famous. If you want to add a touch of splendour to neutral rooms, velvet always delivers.
- Elegance: Despite its age, velvet never goes out of style. It’s basically the George Clooney of the fabric world, adding instant glamour without going over the top. Plus, you can easily pair it with other materials.
How to use velvet in interior design
Velvet fabric is ultra-versatile, and there’s so much you can do with it - so don't be afraid to get creative. However, before we dive into some creative uses, let’s cover the traditional ones first. After all, velvet’s all about luxury.
Velvet upholstery
Nothing quite beats sitting on a soft velvet sofa or chair; you can go traditional or add a modern twist. For example, a grand Chesterfield sofa will look incredible in classic homes, while modern armchairs add elegance to a minimalistic living room.
No matter what your colour preferences are, we have a variety of beautiful velvet upholstery fabrics to choose between.
Velvet curtains and blinds
Velvet curtains are a definition of luxury, but they’re also highly practical. The thickness of velvet means they’re ideal for blocking out excess light and sound, but they’ll also retain indoor temperatures.
If you have a contemporary home and aren’t keen on the traditional aesthetic of velvet curtain fabrics, you can also create blinds which offer the same features but won’t take over the room.
Cushions
Nothing turns a room into a home like a velvet cushion. They’re perfect for relaxation while also adding a touch of character. You can choose to keep it traditional with red fabrics or opt for patterns.
There’s a lot you can do with cushions, and we have a variety of velvet fabrics that can bring your design vision to life.
Velvet bedding
Don’t forget that velvet is also perfect for elevating bedroom designs. From creating luxurious bedding ideal for winter to headboards that turn standard beds into statement pieces, you can use velvet fabrics to create beautiful rooms.
Unique design ideas:
- Velvet Wall Panels: Wall panels are fantastic features, and velvet can transform them into showstoppers. For example, you can turn a full wall into a statement feature or create a relaxing reading nook. Choosing rich tones such as ruby, purple, and emerald creates a unique statement.
- Velvet Table Runners: Restaurants and hotels aiming to create upscale dining experiences for guests can use velvet fabrics to create table runners or centrepieces.
- Accent Details: Velvet is also ideal for ottomans, dining chairs, and panel inserts. Although these may seem like small details, they enhance the entire room and create a lasting statement.
Which design style is velvet perfect for?
Velvet’s versatility is known throughout the world, and it adapts to different trends. Whether you’re interested in following classic designs or want to experiment, velvet fabric has a place.
So, here’s some ideas to get you started:
- Modern Luxe: Modern design is all about metallic accents, minimalist lines, and the use of glass surfaces. Adding velvet furniture offers a luxe statement.
- Bohemian Glam: Bohemian design adds a quirky tone to any interior, but adding crushed velvet injects glamour.
- Scandi-Chic: Scandinavian design is all about clean lines and minimalism, but introducing velvet can breathe new life into it.
Is velvet hard to maintain and care for?
Some people worry that velvet is a high-maintenance material, but that’s not the case. Sure, it requires some ongoing care, but velvet is highly durable and can last for years. Here’s how to ensure it retains its natural beauty:
- Vacuum: When vacuuming, use the soft brush attachment to avoid damage. You can also use a soft brush to sweep the material if you want to avoid vacuuming too often.
- Spot Clean: Never soak velvet fabric. Instead, use a damp cloth and blot any stains rather than scrubbing them.
- Professional Cleaning: Heavy stains can be challenging to treat, so using professional services is a good idea, as it avoids damaging them.
The bottom line
OK, velvet isn’t the cheapest material, but its long-term durability and natural beauty make it ideal for interior designs. Whether you’re a professional looking for design inspiration or are renovating your home, there’s so much you can do with velvet.
The Yorkshire Fabric Shop offers a variety of velvet fabrics at all price points. We source our materials from around the world and adhere to strict quality standards.
Plus, you can benefit from affordable samples that allow you to test different fabrics before making a decision. If you need any advice, please contact our helpful specialists today.