How to use Velvet in Your Home Design
It’s my favorite time of year. Of course because of the holidays, time spent with family, cookies and fudge and the smell of snow; but, also because this is a high time in the design industry. Designers are forecasting the biggest trends and styles for the upcoming year and taking note in their own personal proposals. From the Pantone Color of the Year (read our latest blog post about it here) to what hits the runways, us designers relish in November and December because we get to take a sneak peak at what’s to come. And this year, we are in love with what we see. 2018 will be a bright, luxe year with VELVET owning the stage.
Most folks know what velvet is but don’t really know a lot about it. It is a type of woven fabric made on a special loom that weaves together two materials at the same time. Once together, the thread is then cut apart which creates a pile effect, giving velvet it’s distinctly soft feel. Traditionally made from silk in conjunction with its complicated weave, velvet is most often associated with notability and wealth. But today, as velvet becomes easier to manufacturer with upgrading technologies and the addition of other textiles to the design, velvet fabrics are more common and more affordable, accessible to us all. Not just for the high and mighty anymore, velvet is a beautiful addition to most interior design styles.
Here we recommend 6 different tips and ways to incorporate velvet into your own space to make it feel more luxurious.
USE IT SPARINGLY
These days, velvet may be more reasonable for purchase but that doesn’t mean you want to decorate your entire house with the material. Remember that less is more. Use it sparingly if you aim for a relaxed and comfortable yet fashionable design. Too much velvet and you’ll feel like you’ve entered Oompa Loompa land. Aim for 1-3 velvet adorned pieces in each room. More if they are small, fewer if you have larger velvet items like chaises and sofas.
ADD FOR THE COLOR POP
Don’t be afraid of color when it comes to using velvet in your home. The textile really does come in thousands of different shades and can fit nearly any design but some of the most fashionable and cozy rooms we see use pops of color in their velvet pillows and throws. We’ve personally used olive green velvet pillows against a grey sofa and dark brown armchairs and couldn’t be happier with the results. Try a burnt orange version against a white sofa or even the favorite plum next to a steel gray design.
IN THE BEDROOM
Because of its unusual softness, velvet is by far one of the finest fabrics to add into your bedroom footprint. Create a warm atmosphere and use a velvet throw atop your bed or simply add in the alluring fabric by replacing the customary throw pillows that come with the comforter sets. Place three to five velvet pillows of varying shapes on your bed for a glamorous, inviting appearance. Another way to incorporate velvet into your room design is to do so in the furniture itself. If you have never seen a velvet tufted headboard, you are in for a real treat when you do. We even love when velvet is incorporated in by way of bedside night stands or as an upholstered stool under a bedroom vanity.
LIVING ROOM ACCENTS
By far one of the easiest places to incorporate velvet into your home is in the living room. There are so many options. Should you love the fabric, make a splash and purchase a velvet upholstered sofa. We’ve seen them in elaborate plums, forest greens and serene blues. For the modern design lovers, a cream-colored velvet sofa may just be what you want. For the less inclined, incorporate a few throw pillows on the side chairs and sofas in the rich textile for depth. Or, match a linen winged back side chair with a light sky-blue velvet ottoman for a charming reading nook.
DINING ROOM MASTER PIECES
Nothing says a regal eatery than that which is adorned with velvet dining chairs. Design your room with all matching velvet chairs or simply add in the textile in your two end chairs while keeping the rest a hard wood. The super soft fabric will be inviting to your guests and make meal time more comfortable. If that is too much velvet for you in one shot, discreetly add in a simple, understated table runner. Use atop your table when you aren’t eating or use on your buffet table amongst all your other décor items.
DRAPERY
While not usually everyone’s go to window treatment fabric, velvet makes incredibly stunning drapery. Because of its dense feel, it is perfect for libraries, dens or theater rooms. For those who love their sleep or whom live by busy streets, the fabric also works well in bedrooms for its light and sound blocking properties. Hang full-bodied so the drapes puddle at the base if you have hard woods (and love the posher style) or so they barely graze the floor when in a room with carpet.
