What is velvet?
Velvet is one of the best-loved fabrics on the market, and with good reason!
Velvet is a beautiful, sleek fabric, which is made in a pile weave by combining silk, cotton, or similar synthetic fibres. It is well known for its unique and soft texture, which is formed by clipped yarns and creates a shimmering effect on the surface of the fabric. One of the biggest benefits of velvet is that it feels as good as it looks! This makes it perfect for a multi-sensory, dynamic home decor experience.
Image source: www.solidstonefabrics.com
How is velvet different from other fabrics?
The main differences between velvet and other popular fabrics is texture and appearance. Velvet is a soft, luxurious fabric, characterised by its smooth, buttery texture and is particularly favourable for interior products such as cushions, curtains and sofas. Because of its heavy, luxurious qualities, velvet drapes beautifully and has a unique shiny appearance because of its short pile fibres, adding style and sophistication to any room.
Image source: www.fabric-online.co.uk
How do I style velvet?
Back when velvet first made an appearance in 18th century interior design, the rule of thumb was the darker and more dramatic, the better! Though this was all the rage back then, and deep red and purple velvets have remained hugely popular since, this might not be the best place to start if you are unsure on how to style velvet in your home. On the one hand, if you are looking to ease yourself into this trend, why not start by choosing velvets in a softer colour palette. This is the perfect way to incorporate the fabric into your interior design, and can create a beautiful contrast with other textures, such as faux fur, metallic and PU.
On the other hand however, if you are an advocate for the dark interiors trend, one of the most effective ways to incorporate texture and drama into your interior is by adding plush velvet into your home! Dark walls are extremely on-trend at the moment, however can sometimes leave a room feeling smaller, and therefore adding plush colours will brighten up your space, creating an overall versatile and dynamic look.
Styling velvet is really about personal preference. If you are unsure on how best to make the most of your room, try mixing different textiles together, and varying dark and light colours to give your room organic depth and flow!
Image source: @miss_mustard_design (Instagram)
Why choose velvet?
So, why go for velvet? Velvet seems to be a popular choice for anyone looking to add some chic, stylish sophistication into their home. The material is thick and heavy, meaning it is a strong and durable option for anyone looking to make a long term investment, and has a beautiful, almost shimmering texture, sure to catch the eye. If you are a fan of glamorous, luxurious interior style, but do not want to compromise on quality longevity, then velvet is the perfect option for your cushions, Roman blinds or luxurious made-to-measure curtains!