Velvet sofa

Get To Know Velvet – Materials Guide

The word velvet instantly makes you think lush

Let’s face it, any piece of furniture made from velvet screams luxury, and it’s no surprise considering how smooth and shiny it is and its overall aesthetic.

In this post, we’ll dig deep into the history of this fabric and how it’s become one of the most popular materials worldwide. We’ll also touch on what makes velvet a luxury fabric and why it could be the right choice for your decor. 

A Brief History Of Velvet 

Velvet has quite an interesting backstory that stretches around many corners of the globe. 

When we say “velvet”, we’re talking about the fabric’s shape and not the actual fibres. Humans have taken wool and other soft fabrics for centuries and woven them using special looms for better fashion and more comfortable items. 

Due to their complexities, these items are often closely associated with royalty. Historians claim that the Egyptians made woven fabrics similar to modern velvet over 4000 years ago. Cairo was the central fashion hub for manufacturing in the region for several decades. 

It then made its way to the far East, building a presence with the Qin Dynasty around 200 BCE. Once the Europeans got their first feel for the fabric, it was one of the most traded fashion items on the Silk Road. The Europeans were one of the largest markets throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.  

The famous Medici family garnered its wealth from the textile industry. Even Leonardo DaVinci spent time studying fashion in a special loom. 

Once the industrial revolution hit, velvet became more affordable and available to the masses.

What Makes Velvet A Good Material?

silver velvet sofa
A Luxurious Silver Velvet Sofa

Velvet’s beauty and pristine quality aren’t the only attributes that make it a top choice for sofas, pillows, curtains, and more. 

There are numerous reasons why it’s an excellent fabric for the home. Keep reading to learn more.

It’s Extremely Durable

Since it is always associated with higher society, many people believe it’s delicate and fragile. But this fabric is built to last, making it an excellent material to use in your home.

Even when it ruffles up after sitting on it, the material will eventually work its way back to its natural condition. 

What’s more, velvet (like leather and other fine materials) often become more valuable as they age. 

It’s Versatile

Although it is softer and higher quality than other synthetic and natural fabrics, it is surprisingly versatile. 

Since it comes in various shapes and sizes, there are virtually no limits to what you can do. For example, you can use it for plush pillows on your bed or sofa, or even use larger sections for curtains. 

If you don’t know how to fit velvet in your home, consider speaking with an interior decorator for some inspiration. Whichever room you feel needs more beauty and elegance, it can do the trick.

The Way It’s Made

Linen and velvet fabric are quite different based on how they’re made. 

Linen is a flat-woven cloth, and velvet requires multiple streams of yarn, larger piles, and generally takes a lot longer to produce. To make it, the yarn has to be woven using a loom. The yarn goes between two separate layers of backing textile, creating two identical pieces (piles). 

The two backing fabrics, along with yarn, is what gives it its soft and identifiable touch. While traditional fabrics were woven with silk, modern manufacturers use various cloths and synthetic fibres, such as cotton, wool, and even linen.  

It’s Easy To Clean 

One thing that typically prevents people from adding luxury fabrics to their homes is maintenance. 

But, surprisingly, it’s incredibly easy to clean when it’s on furniture. 

To clean the piles, all you have to do is use a brush or vacuum to clean the surface. That said, it can stain quite easily, so be quick to clean up any spills. 

Different Types Of Velvet

green velvet sofa
A Green Velvet Sofa In A Modern Interior Home

Velvet comes in several varieties. 

Above, we mention that manufacturers blend it with a wide range of fabrics, such as cotton, silk, and other synthetic fibres. They can also manipulate the pile size to enhance the softness. 

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of velvet:

  • Silk — Silk velvet is a unique type because it’s incredibly soft and glossy. You can easily recognise the silk if the velvet caresses your hand as soon as you touch it.
  • Stretch — Stretch velvet (also known as polyester velvet) uses spandex and smaller piles to achieve its stretchy texture. The reason why polyester fabric is so popular is that you can make it in numerous shapes and sizes.
  • Crushed — Hence the name, crushed velvet crushes when you touch it. This type of cloth is incredibly shiny and has beautiful aesthetics.
  • Embossed — Embossed velvet is one of the most visually appealing choices for interior design. It’s smooth and mixes well with numerous other materials.
  • Velveteen — Velveteen uses a smaller pile of threads. The piles reach up to around 3mm, making them smooth and pleasant to touch. The smaller pile threads make velveteen an excellent choice for sofas and pillows.
  • Velour — Velour is incredibly similar to velveteen but is more common in the clothing industry.

Still Unsure? Browse Chill Sofas’ Velvet Options Today

No doubt, velvet is an excellent choice if you want to take the appearance of your home to the next level. 

It has deep historical roots associated with luxury and is exceptionally durable and easy to maintain. Remember to check out all our sofa options to see which one is most fashionable for your dwelling. Chill Sofas has loads of quality options to choose from, and we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you’re after.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X
Add to cart