The Perennial Appeal of Velvet Upholstery Fabric: A Guide | Susi Bellamy
The Perennial Appeal of Velvet Upholstery Fabric: A Guide | Susi Bellamy
There's a reason I keep coming back to velvet. Not just as a designer, but as someone who genuinely loves living with beautiful things. It has this incredible ability to make a room feel considered - not overdone, not fussy, just quietly, unmistakably luxurious. And I think that's why it never really goes out of style
A brief (and rather wonderful) history
Velvet has been around for centuries, and the story of it is almost as rich as the fabric itself. It originated in the Far East and made its way to Europe via the silk trade routes, becoming the fabric of choice for royalty and the very wealthy from the medieval period onwards
What I love about velvet today is that it carries all of that history without being stiff or stuffy. When you bring it into a modern home, on a chair, a sofa or even a single statement cushion, you're connecting with something that has centuries of meaning behind it. That's rather special, don't you think?
Why velvet works so beautifully for upholstery
From a practical standpoint, velvet is one of the most rewarding fabrics to upholster with. A good quality velvet is surprisingly hardwearing, we print our designs on a polyester velvet which has a high rub count of 60,000
It also has a weight and a drape that other fabrics simply can't match. When you're having a chair or sofa reupholstered, the quality of the fabric is what you're really investing in, it's what you'll see and touch every single day. Velvet rewards that investment
Our velvet is made from high-quality polyester. It's incredibly practical, it resists fading, holds its shape beautifully over time and is far easier to care for than you might expect from a fabric that looks this luxurious. What I love most is the way it takes colour, we prioritise colour when we are designing any new product and the colours in our velvets are just beautiful
Above: Sofa upholstered in Blue Rose Marbled Velvet Fabric and Assieds-Toii Mushroom stool in Oak Mini Marbled Velvet Fabric
SHOP LUXURY VELVET UPHOLSTERY FABRICS
How to choose the right velvet for your project
For upholstery specifically, our velvet is a great option, with a martindale of 60,000, it means that your beautiful pieces will last a very long time. It is also 340gsm which gives that sumptuous, plush feel - perfect for sofas and armchairs that you really want to sink into
And finally, don't be afraid of pattern. Printed velvets bring together the tactile luxury of the fabric with the visual impact of a bold design, and the results are genuinely unlike anything else. A floral velvet on a bedroom chair. A geometric print on a window seat. It sounds maximalist but it doesn't have to be, done with intention, it's simply beautiful.
Above: Bergère sofa upholstered in Duck-Egg Bouquet with matching cushions
Caring for velvet upholstery
One question I get asked constantly is how to look after velvet, and I always say: it's more forgiving than you think. The most important thing is the pile direction. Velvet has a natural nap — run your hand one way and it's smooth, run it the other and it looks darker and slightly ruffled. When cleaning, always work with the pile, not against it
For day-to-day care, a soft brush or a soft cloth will do. For spills, blot (never rub) immediately, then allow to dry naturally before brushing back into place
Ready to try velvet in your home?
Whether you're reupholstering a beloved chair, sourcing fabric for a new piece of furniture or simply exploring what's possible, I'd love for you to see what we have in the studio right now!
Explore our full range of designer upholstery velvets - available by the metre, with samples available so you can see and feel them at home before you commit
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