Velvet is a popular trend in home decor right now and one with a long life. Often when we see velvet used in interior decorating, we associate the fabric with richness and grandeur. This makes sense because velvet has largely been associated with nobility throughout history. With an expensive production cost as well, as an unusual softness and texture, it’s still a luxurious fabric and one that tends to come with a higher price tag. But like linen or leather fabrics, velvet gets even better with age, so is usually well worth the investment.

Velvet is woven on a special loom that weaves two thicknesses of the material at the same time. The ends are then split apart to create a dense pile. Because of its dense pile, velvet beautifully reflects and changes with the light like no other fabric. Whether you’re a fan of this lavish textile or not, there’s no denying it’s a material that can create major visual impact in a space.

While we typically associate velvet with deep rich colours like navy or red, we’re seeing a major trend towards soft pastels like blush and aqua these days. Velvets made in these softer colours feel a little fresher, less heavy and come with a quieter glamour.

Interested in trying out this luxe material in your space? Here are a few tips for using velvet in your home:

1. Balance textures

Velvet works nicely with lighter fabrics like linens and silks. When decorating with velvet in your space, be sure to mix other textures and fabrics in to create balance and visual interest.

2. Try it in different rooms

If you really love velvet, don’t be afraid to use the material in multiple rooms. Try a cushion on the back of a chair in the office, an upholstered velvet headboard in the bedroom, a statement velvet chair in the living room, or velvet drapery panels in the dining room.

3. Up the glamour

When decorating your home with velvet, look to similarly alluring finishes like modern brass-accented furniture and lighting fixtures. Incorporating other luxe finishes will add even more glamour to the space.

4. If you’re nervous, test it out

There’s no need to jump in head first with a velvet sofa. Start small with some velvet accent cushions in the living room. If you’re a fan, feel confident investing in larger statement pieces.

4. Maintain it

Vacuum your velvet upholstery regularly. If matted areas appear in the fabric from frequent pressure, use a steamer on the reverse side of the fabric to help rid of these. Don’t stress over patinas that may occur over time – we love how these add character to a piece.

Photography by Stacey Brandford (1), A Plus Creative (2)