There’s something about velvet that is eternally alluring, especially at this time of year.
While once it embodied the free-spirited seventies – particularly when tied to clothing, like trousers and vests in rich jewel-tone hues – for interiors, the use of velvet is simply about bringing a desirable textural contrast to living spaces.
Smaller decorative elements like pillows are still in style, but focus has also shifted to include larger pieces of furniture with a longer life span, now the trend is well and truly here to stay. Curved and soft couches and armchairs with a sculptural-feel are hot property.
Clockwise from top L: Olive Velvet Eiderdown from Notting Hill Interiors; Nolan Chair from A & C Home; Velvet Cushion Cover from Citta; Zurich Occasional Chair from Coco Republic; Vermont Sofa from Coco Republic
Velvet doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic either – muted tones of mushroom, blush and sage are big right now and embody the ‘quiet luxury’ trend that has infused decor this year.
Deeper tones can be used as accents, like in throw pillows, while velvet drapery makes a more dominant statement and works well in larger airy spaces as well as cosy rooms with darker walls.
Velvet is a fantastic fabric to bring warmth to an otherwise start or cold room.
Clockwise from top L: Velvet cushion from Sheet Society; Sarah Ellison Float chair from Slow Store; Kea Armchair from Corcovado; Cooper Counter Stools from Trenzseater; Salamanca Sofa from Bo Concept
Choosing velvet accents in a similar light colour tones to other furnishings can also deliver a contemporary look that is rich texturally but clean visually. It can also be used in a busier room to provide a clean block of colour.
One of the benefits of velvet upholstery is that it wears well and doesn’t tend to show up aging or stains like other fabrics. Traditionally made from silk and cotton involving a complex manufacturing process, velvet was once considered a premium fabric of great expense. However, with an increase in hard-wearing man-made velvets such as poly-cotton, it is within easier reach these days.
Velvet best suits spaces where you are typically at rest, like the living room, or bedroom, but can be used to make other spaces like an office or reading nook feel more welcoming.
