Guide to Velvet Furniture

Velvet furniture is a luxurious and elegant addition to any home. With its soft and smooth texture, velvet can instantly elevate the aesthetics of a room. If you're considering incorporating velvet furniture into your space, here's a guide to help you make the most of it. 

Ways to Add Velvet to Your Home

Start by selecting the type of velvet furniture that suits your needs and space. Common options include sofas, armchairs, ottomans, and even velvet headboards for beds. Consider the size, shape, and style of the piece to ensure it fits well with your existing furniture and overall decor theme. 

If you don’t want to have bigger pieces in your home, you could start with touches of velvet throughout by adding in velvet cushions, curtains, or throw blankets. 

Choose the Perfect Colour

Velvet comes in a wide range of colours, from rich jewel tones to neutral shades. Consider the colour palette of your room and choose a velvet hue that complements or contrasts it effectively. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep purple can create a bold statement, while neutral tones like grey, beige, or blush pink offer a more subtle and versatile look.

Opt for Quality

When purchasing velvet furniture, pay attention to the quality of the fabric. Look for high-quality velvet that has a dense pile and feels plush to the touch. This will ensure longevity and durability, as well as enhance the overall luxurious feel.

Placement and Proportion

Think about where you'll place your velvet furniture in the room. Consider the size of the piece and ensure it fits comfortably without overwhelming the space. Large velvet sofas can serve as a focal point in the living room, while smaller pieces like armchairs or ottomans can be used to create cosy reading corners or add pops of colour.

How to Style Velvet Furniture

Velvet furniture can be beautifully enhanced when paired with contrasting elements. For example, if you have a vibrant jewel-toned velvet sofa, balance it with neutral or light-coloured walls and other furniture pieces. This contrast will help your velvet furniture stand out and make a strong visual impact.

What Fabric Goes With Velvet Furniture?

Velvet furniture can be paired with various fabric types to create a harmonious and visually appealing combination. This interplay of textures will add depth and dimension to your space.

 Some suitable fabric options include:

• Linen: The natural texture of linen complements the plushness of velvet, creating an interesting contrast.
• Silk: Silk fabrics can enhance the luxurious feel of velvet furniture. Consider using silk as accent pillows or drapery.
• Faux fur: Mixing velvet with faux fur adds warmth and texture to the overall design.
• Cotton: Cotton fabrics, especially those with interesting patterns or prints, can create a casual and eclectic look when combined with velvet.

Does Velvet Furniture Wear Well?

Velvet is generally a durable and long-lasting fabric, but the wearability of velvet furniture depends on several factors, including the quality of the velvet, the weave, and the maintenance. High-quality velvet with a tight weave tends to wear better over time. Regular maintenance and proper care can help maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Velvet is prone to fading when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. To preserve the fabric's colour and prevent damage, avoid placing velvet furniture in areas that receive direct sunlight. If it's not possible to avoid sunlight completely, consider using curtains or blinds to filter the light.

How Do You Clean Velvet Furniture?

Velvet furniture requires regular care to keep it looking its best. Before purchasing, check the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Some velvet fabrics may require professional cleaning, while others can be spot-cleaned or gently vacuumed. 

• Vacuum: Use a soft brush attachment or a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove loose dirt and debris.
• Spot cleaning: For small stains, use a clean cloth slightly dampened with water and blot the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as it can cause the stain to spread.
• Professional cleaning: For larger or more stubborn stains, it's best to consult a professional upholstery cleaner who specialises in cleaning velvet. They will have the necessary expertise and equipment to handle the job properly.

How to Clean Swyft Sofas

Our range of Swyft Sofas uses fabric where each of the threads is stain resistant, making it durable and resilient. If someone spills a drink on your sofa or smears food onto the seats, you only need to wipe away the stain with a wet cloth. 

Do Cats Scratch Velvet Furniture?

Cats have the potential to scratch any type of furniture, including velvet. However, the texture of velvet may make it less appealing for scratching compared to other materials like leather or woven fabrics. 

To protect your velvet furniture from cat scratches, you can provide alternative scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or pads, and discourage your cat from scratching the furniture by using deterrents or providing positive reinforcement when they use appropriate scratching surfaces.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully incorporate velvet furniture into your home decor and create a luxurious and stylish atmosphere. Enjoy the comfort and beauty of your velvet pieces for years to come!