Velvet 101 - How to Choose the Best Velvet

 

Velvet is a fabric we're immediately drawn to when making selections for our interior design projects. Our Calgary clients, love it's warmth, softness and luxurious feel. When selecting velvet, there are several factors to take into consideration before deciding on whether it's the right choice. Application, durability requirements, personality and tolerance are all things to take to heart before deciding if velvet is the right fabric for you. 

We're giving a crash course with all you need to know about velvets! The content options as well as pros and cons to all, complete with suggestions as to the best fit for each type of velvet in your home.  

Polyester Velvet $

PROS

  • the most practical

  • family friendly

  • high performance

  • maintenance friendly

CONS

  • colours appear flat and less vibrant

  • less luxurious in look and feel

BEST FOR

  • sofas & chairs

  • sectionals

  • dining chairs

The velvet on the left is a cotton blend, the velvet on the right is 100% cotton velvet. You can see the difference in colour saturation and depth!

Cotton Velvet $$

PROS

  • better colour saturation, richer feel when 100% cotton (see right vs. left above)

  • less sheen

  • can be treated with a fibre protector (eco friendly)

CONS

  • has a "hand" when moving across the fabric

  • will show spots/ marks

  • must be comfortable with imperfections

  • additional costs to treat for stain resistance

BEST FOR

  • occasional furniture

  • headboards

  • accent pillows

  • larger pieces of furniture IF TREATED

The DARK side.

The LIGHT side.

Silk Velvet $$$

PROS

  • more patina/ crushing over time

  • light reflective - offers lustre and sheen, will also have a dark and light side (as shown above with the same fabric)

  • luxurious

  • extremely strong

  • ages well - gets better with time

  • able to treat for stain resistance

CONS

  • more patina/ crushing over time

  • costly

  • must be ok with imperfections

  • will permanently stain

  • additional cost to treat for stain resistance

BEST FOR

  • accent pillows

  • headboard

  • occasional furniture

  • larger pieces of furniture IF TREATED

Patterned Velvet $$$ - $$$$

PROS

  • luxurious

  • usually a blend of fibres; cotton, poly, viscose, silk

  • cotton pile options can be cleaned

  • wow factor results

  • ultimate in fashion, design and aesthetic

  • durable when treated

CONS

  • costly

  • risk of damage and stains if pile is 100% viscose

  • liquids will soak in and stain with viscose and rayon blended velvets, unless treated

  • additional costs associated with treating velvet for stain resistance

BEST FOR

  • accent pillows

  • occasional furniture

  • larger pieces of furniture IF TREATED

The above shows an untreated viscose velvet on the right, and a treated viscose velvet on the left which highlights it's repellant abilities and stain resistance. Well worth it if velvet is the look you're after!

The cost of treating furniture pieces varies from approximately $100 for a dining chair to $300 for a sofa. 

While there is a lot to consider when choosing fabrics, velvet is a beautiful choice regardless of application! 

💛

Fabrics by the following vendors via Stewart Drummond Studios: Romo Black Edition | Fabricut | JF Fabrics | Verrain | Schumaker | Studio Line

 
Let's LearnDavid Paddockhow to choose the best velvet, what type of velvet is best, Calgary Interior Designer, velvet 101, qualities of velvet, velvet is best for, why choose velvet, interior design, details, fabric, what is the best fabric for my sofa, family friendly fabrics, furniture, best