In Praise of: Velvet
Image via Abode Living UK
Contrary to popular belief, velvet is a great choice year round and in many forms. Indeed, velvet may be one of the most versatile textures that you can incorporate into your space or event design. Equal parts tactile, sumptuous, luscious, and opulent yet livable, velvet is a “trend” that is here to stay.
Image via Darlings of Chelsea
While velvet is typically associated with Western royalty, it is actually believed to have originated in Eastern culture with pile weaves, woven using silk and linen, around 2000 BCE in Egypt. Italy was the first European country to have a robust velvet industry, and production included upholstered furniture, curtains, and high-end clothing for the wealthy elite. The production of velvet was at its peak during the Renaissance, between 1400 and 1600.
During the Industrial Revolution, the production of velvet became more streamlined and thus more widely available to a broader swath of the population. Examples of velvet products from chaise lounges to dining chairs, gowns to suits, can be found in Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco culture. Look to the 1970s for examples of everything from bell bottoms to kimonos manufactured in velvet in all shades of the rainbow. Does anyone remember the crushed velvet trend of the 1990s!? I absolutely owned a lilac colored crushed velvet t-shirt that I wore all the time. While velvet is certainly on trend today, it has been a mainstay in fashion, design, and decor, for (literally) centuries- and for good reason!
Image via digsdigs
Due to its weightiness and popularity around the holidays, velvet is often misconstrued as a material that is only appropriate to use during the Winter months. I’m here to tell you to just go for it- use those gorgeous sea foam green velvet runners at your June wedding! No matter what month of the year, velvet is a great choice to anchor your table set and serve as a stunning focal point. I particularly like to use velvet in larger venues, where tables really need to stand up to the open space and make a statement.
Image via Party Crush Studio
Velvet is also a great choice for upholstered items, such as chairs or sofas, at your event or in your home. Velvet is one of those chameleon materials that feels both completely timeless yet modern all at once. Yes, purchasing well-crafted velvet upholstered pieces for your home will be an investment, but ultimately it will be worth it!
Anthropologie Abner Armchair
This chair would make a breathtaking choice for an intimate wedding, soiree, or dinner party. Just make sure to measure carefully to ensure that you have enough room around the table to accommodate your guest count.
I’m obsessed with the shape and retro burnt sienna color of this ottoman. Although it exudes major ‘70s vibes, it would be at home in any modern interior. While some may shy away from orange, it does play nice with a variety of tones on the color wheel! Lean into that retro aesthetic by pairing it with olive green and mahogany.
How cute would this bumblee pouch be as a bridesmaid gift or wedding favor?
Anthropologie Edlyn Bench
You absolutely don’t have to go overboard when introducing velvet into your home. Adding smaller stand alone elements such as throw pillows, ottomans, or benches is a great way to elevate your space and create visual and tactile interest. Make sure that you do your research about the care and upkeep of your velvet pieces prior to purchasing (especially if you’ve invested in a higher price point item such as a sofa).
Pro tip- if your piece is going to get a lot of wear and tear (I know you kick your feet up on that ottoman while also balancing a glass of red wine and your laptop in your hands), consider a synthetic velvet. Easier to care for than its cotton counterpart, synthetic velvet doesn’t absorb stains as deeply, and is also less likely to fade in direct sunlight.
Image via digsdigs
Had a spill? Simply soak up the liquid with a clean cloth or paper towel, avoid rubbing as this will push the liquid deeper into the fibers. After, mix a drop or two of liquid detergent into one cup of room temperature water, shake to create frothy bubbles, and dip your cloth or paper towel into just the sudsy bubbles. Lightly blot the stain with the sudsy cloth until as much of the stain as possible is removed. For those who are more serious about furniture upkeep, consider steaming your velvet pieces on a low temperature setting regularly, which will discourage fabric compression.
Image via the French Bedroom Company