Everything you need to know about velvet furnishing fabrics

August 30th, 2023

Definition: Velvet furnishing fabrics are soft fabrics that are widely used in upholstery and drapery. Velvet is characterised by its densely woven pile, which gives it a unique, plush texture.

Velvet furnishing fabrics are known for their luxurious look and feel.

Velvet fabrics were originally crafted from silk, but advancements in textile manufacturing have resulted in the use of other materials such as cotton, linen, wool, mohair, and synthetic fibres to produce velvet. This broader range of fabric options has made velvet more affordable.

Velvet’s sumptuous appearance make it an ideal choice for upholstery fabric, curtains, pillows, and various other decorative elements. Whether used in formal settings or as an accent in contemporary designs, velvet adds a touch of elegance and refinement to any space.

The history of velvet fabrics

As we mentioned, velvet fabrics were initially exclusively crafted from silk, resulting in steep prices that contained their availability to the wealthiest members of society. Pure silk velvet is so expensive to produce that even today most velvet labelled as ‘silk velvet’ combines silk with a synthetic fibre named rayon.

The start of velvet production dates to approximately 750 A.D. in Baghdad, but its reach expanded as the fabric began to be distributed throughout Europe via the Mediterranean.

However, during the Renaissance era, advancements in loom technology revolutionised the manufacturing process. This radically reduced production costs of velvet fabrics. This shift allowed velvet to become more available to a wider range of people, rising above its connection with the elite classes.

Related read: What is chenille upholstery fabric?

How is velvet made?

Velvet is created using a special kind of loom called a double cloth, which produces two velvet pieces at once. One of the distinctive features of velvet is its evenly cut pile, which is typically shorter than half a centimetre.

Modern velvet is often made from a mixture of synthetic and natural fibres. Modern velvet fabrics can be crafted from materials like polyester, nylon, viscose, or rayon.

Types of Velvet Furnishing Fabrics

There are several different velvet fabric types, as the fabric can be woven from a variety of different materials using a variety of methods. Here are some of the most popular.

Plain velvet: Also known as cotton velvet, this is a type of fabric made from cotton, characterised by its dense and weighty texture. Unlike other types of velvet produced from silk or synthetic fibres, plain velvet does not possess a shiny appearance. Additionally, it has minimal elasticity or stretch. Cotton velvet is a popular choice for upholstery and drapery due to its durability and versatility. It has a natural sheen and is available in a wide range of vibrant colours.
Silk Velvet: Considered the epitome of luxury, silk velvet is crafted from silk fibres. It has a lustrous appearance and an incredibly smooth feel. This type of velvet is often used in high-end upholstery and drapery projects.
Polyester Velvet: Polyester velvet is an affordable alternative to silk velvet. It is resistant to wrinkling and fading, making it a practical choice for furniture pieces that receive heavy use. Polyester velvet is available in various colours and can mimic the look of silk or cotton velvet.
Pile-On-Pile Velvet: A specific kind of velvet that features piles (the raised fibres) of different lengths, arranged in a pattern. This type of velvet is commonly used in upholstery fabrics for furniture.
Embossed Velvet refers to a type of fabric that is designed through a printing process using a heated stamp. This stamp applies pressure to the velvet, resulting in the compression of its plush fibres to form a pattern. Embossed velvet is particularly ideal for upholstery materials used in home decor and design.

Using Velvet in Upholstery

Velvet furnishing fabrics are highly sought after for upholstery projects, thanks to their plush and luxurious feel. The dense pile of velvet adds a touch of elegance to furniture.

Velvet is commonly used for upholstering chairs, sofas, ottomans, and headboards.

Using Velvet in Drapery

The rich texture and sheen of velvet bring an opulent touch to drapery curtains and window treatments. Velvet drapes not only provide privacy but also insulate the room, blocking out light and sound. They are commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, and theatres to create a cozy, dramatic ambiance.

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