Used by European royalty and nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries, velvet furniture had a reputation for being at the height of great wealth and luxury. Today, velvet fabric has been modernized to be more versatile, comfortable and easy to clean. Velvet is quickly becoming a multi-seasonal fabric choice in interior design, and there are many alternative fabric options that offer a similar velvety soft look and feel.

Whether you want to adorn your house in luxury or add a simple touch of textile, velvet and velvet-like fabrics are great upholstery choices. If you have your eyes set on a larger piece, such as a gorgeous tufted velvet sofa or accent armchair, incorporating simple window treatments and other décor can make your velvet couch feel highlighted. For a small yet elegant impact, toss a warm velvet throw and matching pillows on your neutral loveseat or sofa. No matter how you choose to incorporate velvety fabrics into your home, the luscious, soft look and feel will keep your space feeling elegant year-round. Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of this velvet-inspired furniture and décor craze.

How to Decorate with Velvet

Real velvet furniture and home decor is an investment in quality and beauty that you can enjoy for years, starting with a stunning velvet sofa that is sure to be the star of your living room or other living area. There are also affordable and versatile velvet and velvet-like options, such as cotton velvets and synthetics. If you love the look and feel of velvet, but aren’t ready to commit to a new piece of furniture, you can update the pieces you already have with some soft and fresh accessories. Simply purchase a few velvet pillows that pair well with your tried and true sofa or accent chair. You may also choose a neutral sofa that pops with included throw pillows in velvety soft textures.

In regard to color, any type of velvet or velvet-like fabric you choose will add a stunning element and pop to your space. Velvets like teals, greens and deep blues can create a cozy and inviting feel. Light colors, such as pretty pinks, purples, yellows and light greys, can help to open and lighten up any area of your home. When adding the rich feel of velvet to a room, textures and fabrics that will complement your space, like taffeta and linen, are essential parts of the design whole.

How can I incorporate velvet into my home?

You can make a big statement with velvet, or just add a touch of luxury to your space. Listed below are some ideas of simple ways you can incorporate velvety fabrics into your lush oasis.

Velvet Sofa

A larger piece that might take more of a commitment is a velvet sofa, or a sofa upholstered with a similar, super soft fabric. Composed of crisp lines and sophisticated curves, velvet or velvet-like sofas are certainly statement pieces. Choose from versatile colors and materials. For instance, true velvet material is soft and luxurious while other velvety upholstery materials can bring similar visual benefits to your room. Often featuring a classic design with traditional elements such as deep button tufting, scrolled arms, and nail head accents, a velvet sofa can change the whole look of your living room. There are also many sleek and modern velvety soft sofa designs available to suit more contemporary aesthetics.

Of course, velvet isn’t all about the curb appeal. It’s also about comfort. A velvet-inspired sofa is the perfect spot for you and your guests to sit and chat over coffee or curl up for a movie marathon.

Velvet Chairs

Inviting a velvet chair into your living room, whether it has a classic or contemporary design, will punch up your design and give guests a comfy spot to sit. A velvet accent chair, upholstered in smooth velvet with a subtle pop of color, pair beautifully with any accent pillow of your choice. Whether you're enjoying your favorite book or catching up in conversation with a loved one, this chair is perfect for yourself and your guests to relax in.

If you’d like to add texture and elegance to your dining room space, a velvet chair set is the perfect way to add a pop of color and a sophisticated look that’s sure to impress at dinner parties, yet versatile enough for everyday dining. For timeless appeal, you can choose a classic design which includes upholstered velvet with an exposed wood frame, perfect to complete the formal dining room of your dreams.

Velvet Ottomans

An ottoman, being the unappreciated living room staple it is, is quite frankly a multipurpose gem. This versatile piece can be wheeled around the room for extra seating, extra storage or even a place to set your personal buffet of snacks during your movie marathon. Easy to clean, a velvet ottoman or an ottoman covered in a similar fabric is perfect for a living room that’s looking for some texture.

Velvet Pillows and Throws

Velvet pillows and velvet throws are the easiest and most affordable way to add these luxurious, on-trend fabrics to your home. Add some oomph to your sofa or accent chairs with plush velvet pillows. Bright colors such as blue or green make a neutral sofa or chair pop, while velvet finishes add the perfect touch of texture. Drape a cozy printed velvet throw on the back of your sofa to effortlessly bring a touch of color and texture to your space.

Velvet Care

While choosing a type of furniture, it's good to know what care comes with it. Although this fabric is stunning with its soft sheen look, light colored velvet furniture often has a demanding upkeep. A lighter velvet will make stains or discoloration more visible, but taking care of your furniture in these easy ways will maintain the aesthetic of these beautiful pieces longer. For basic maintenance of your velvet piece and many similar materials, vacuum regularly by using an upholstery attachment of the vacuum. After vacuuming, a dry brush with soft bristles can be used to remove any leftover dust or fuzz. When treating the accidental spill or stain, as with any furniture, you will want to make sure to treat them as soon as possible. Gently press an absorbent cloth or paper towel over the spill. For messier spills, a baking soda and lemon juice mixture may be necessary. Of course, you should consult manufacturer’s directions before applying any type of cleaner to your velvet furniture, and take advantage of available warranties.

The next time you are looking to refresh a bit of your home, adding elegant velvet or velvet-inspired fabric, through either big or small pieces, will do the trick. Velvet never goes out of style and always keeps your space looking and feeling stylish. Take your time in picking out your piece and enjoy the divine look and creamy feel of velvet and velvet like fabrics.