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