Velvet is a timeless classic that has been used to add a touch of luxury to homes for centuries. Its soft, plush texture and luxurious look have made it a popular choice for interior designers and homeowners alike.
But for those wondering ‘is velvet in style?’ The answer is a resounding yes! Velvet is absolutely in style in today’s modern home décor and below we will explain why.
What is Velvet?
Velvet is a type of fabric that is commonly used for clothing, upholstery, and other decorative purposes. It is made out of silk, cotton, wool, nylon, or a synthetic blend of fibres. It is known for its smooth, plush texture and lavish appearance.
This luxurious fabric typically comes in a variety of colours and patterns, ranging from solid colours to intricate designs. It is also available in different weights, from lightweight to heavy duty. The process of creating velvet happens by weaving two pieces of fabric together:
- The first piece of fabric is a backing fabric, usually made from cotton or linen, which gives the velvet its strength and durability.
- The second piece is the pile fabric, usually made from silk, wool, or a synthetic blend. This piece is woven into the backing with small, circular loops of thread.
These two steps are used to create velvet’s signature style.
The Benefits of Velvet Furniture
Made from short, densely packed fibres, velvet is known for its luxurious texture and lavish appearance. Velvet furniture, known for its softness, comfort, and durability, comes in a variety of colours and styles. Velvet is a versatile choice for any room in the house. Whether you’re looking to create a formal setting in your living room or add some comfort to your bedroom, velvet furniture is a great option.
Another reason that velvet furniture is so popular is its resilience. Velvet is a strong and long-lasting fabric, which means that velvet furniture can withstand regular use without showing signs of wear and tear. This is especially important in high-traffic areas of the home, such as the living room or family room.
Velvet Has Been in Style for Thousands of Years
The first-known use of velvet dates back to ancient Egypt, about 2000 BC. Velvet gained significant popularity in the Middle Ages when it was initially used for religious ceremonies and royalty. It was believed to have magical properties that would protect against evil. Velvet was usually reserved for the nobility and was a status symbol.
A vintage US-made velvet armchair from around 1870
Here are background facts about the use of velvet:
- Velvet has been used for furniture for centuries, with the earliest known uses dating back to Ancient Egypt.
- During the Renaissance period, velvet was used to make luxurious clothing and furniture for the wealthy.
- In the 18th century, velvet became popular among the aristocratic classes in Europe and North America.
- During the 19th century, velvet was used to make upholstery for chairs, sofas, and other furniture pieces.
- In the 20th century, velvet was used in high-end furniture and home decor, often seen in the homes of the wealthy and famous.
- In the 21st century, velvet furniture has become more accessible, making it a popular choice for home décor.
A velvet upholstered 15th century Lombard walnut chair
In recent years, velvet furniture has made a comeback, with more and more people choosing to incorporate it into their home decor. Its timeless elegance never goes out of style, and its smooth texture and rich colours make it a perfect choice for adding a touch of luxury to any space.
Popular Choices for Your Home
Velvet is considered to be perfect for adding a touch of opulence to any space and can be used to create a look that is both classic and modern. Here we explore some of the most common choices for using velvet in the home.
Upholstered furniture
Upholstered furniture is a great place to start if you are looking to add velvet to your home. Common types include velvet sofas and armchairs, and ottomans and footstools, as these can all be upholstered in velvet, creating a comfortable and inviting seating area.
For a more modern look, choose velvet furniture that has a sleek silhouette and minimal detailing. Add a few accent pillows in a contrasting velvet to complete the look.
Buying a velvet sofa is one way to experience the luxury of velvet
Dining chairs
Velvet dining chairs are a great way to add a touch of elegance to the dining room. Look for chairs with a timeless shape, such as a wingback, and upholster them in velvet for a classic look.
Headboards
If you want to add a touch of luxury to the bedroom, consider buying velvet-upholstered headboards and bed frames. They come in a variety of styles, from classic tufted headboards to more contemporary designs. They are a great way to add a touch of sophistication to the bedroom and make the bed the focal point of the room.
Occasional furniture
Velvet furniture is also well suited to occasional furniture, such as side tables and coffee tables. Look for pieces with a simple design and then upholster them in velvet for an elegant and lavish look. Accent chairs can also be upholstered in velvet, providing a comfortable and stylish seating option in any room.
Bedroom benches
Finally, velvet can be used to upholster bedroom benches. Benches can be used at the foot of the bed and provide additional seating, as well as an eye-catching accent piece. Choose a velvet fabric in a rich colour, such as burgundy or navy, for a luxurious look. Velvet furniture is a great way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.
Whether you are looking for a statement piece or a way to add a touch of opulence, velvet furniture is a great option. With its smooth texture and rich colours, velvet furniture is sure to add a luxe and comfortable feel to any room.
A typical example of a luxurious velvet bedroom bench
Factors to consider
If you’re thinking about adding velvet furniture to your home, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, consider the colour and style of your existing decor.
Velvet furniture can be a statement piece, so it’s important to choose an item that complements your existing decor. Also, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place your velvet furniture to ensure that it will fit comfortably.
Conclusion: Is Velvet in Style?
In conclusion, velvet furniture is a luxurious and versatile choice for any home. We hope this answers the question for those contemplating ‘is velvet in style’.
Its plush texture and durability make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their space. This is most likely the reason why velvet is not only in style now, but has been for thousands of years.
Whether you’re looking to create a formal or casual setting, velvet furniture is a great choice for adding style and comfort to your home.
