Few fabrics are so revered that they’ve woven themselves into the English language. Describe someone’s skin as velvety and instantly a luxurious, sensuous softness springs to mind – so evocative are its qualities.
Velvet brings a depth and richness that few materials can match, keeping it safe from the vagaries of fashion and securing its place as a staple of elegant interior design. With its unique combination of texture, light-play and enduring appeal, velvet is one of the most expressive upholstery fabrics you can bring into a home.
Here, we share an essential guide to choosing and using velvet with confidence.
Modern Velvets
Velvet has been made for centuries from natural fibres such as linen, mohair, cotton and silk. Today, modern weaving techniques and the introduction of polyester, viscose and nylon mean most velvets combine natural and synthetic fibres to deliver superior softness, sheen and durability. This blend also makes them exceptionally practical for busy homes.
Expect the Unexpected
As an upholstery fabric, velvet delivers an immediate design presence – bold, tactile and full of personality – yet it remains surprisingly adaptable. A soft rose velvet on a sculpted headboard feels romantically 18th century, while a contemporary pattern on a mid-century modern chair can feel sharp, witty and fresh.
Our Omega Prints range (above), both stain resistant and inherently fire retardant, spans 50 colourways across 16 designs. From delicate florals to confident geometrics, with hues ranging from cornflower and olive to vibrant corals, pinks and electric blue, it offers a design-language for every mood board. By contrast, our Tango Velvet collection delivers timeless plains with a deep, sensuous pile – perfect for layering tone on tone or introducing subtle shifts in sheen and texture. Used together, patterned and plain velvets create a beautifully nuanced interior palette.
Playing with light
One of velvet’s most beguiling qualities is the way its nap catches the light. Morning light can reveal a fresh, luminous glow; by evening, the pile takes on a richer, moodier depth. Jewel tones intensify this effect, making them ideal for statement pieces.
Linwood’s Italian-woven Omega IV collection (above) is a standout choice for velvet upholstery: a durable polyester velvet engineered to look and feel like an expensive cotton pile. Its fluid movement makes it equally suited to curtains – where it forms graceful, waterfall folds – and to chairs or footstools, where it enhances the curves and character of a piece. With a 100,000 Martindale rub count, Omega IV is exceptionally hardwearing, making it suitable for both residential and contract interiors.
Velvet also ages beautifully. A gentle patina, subtle shading or lightly worn patch only adds to its vintage charm, contributing to the fabric’s enduring appeal.
Small and Perfectly Formed
You don’t need a full velvet sofa to enjoy its magic. Even small additions can transform a scheme. A scattering of velvet cushions across a linen sofa adds depth and playfulness, softening hard surfaces and introducing a touch of indulgence. For a casual introduction, try throws or accent cushions – ideal for bringing the sensory appeal of velvet into a room without committing to a major piece.
For something more expressive, consider chintz-patterned velvet in unexpected, acid-bright tones, backed with silk or a heavy woven linen. Pieces like these invite touch; guests will find themselves absentmindedly stroking them – the surest sign that velvet is doing precisely what it does best.
Whether introduced sparingly or embraced wholeheartedly, velvet brings a timeless sophistication to any interior — a rare blend of comfort, character and quiet luxury. Choose well, and it becomes one of the most rewarding fabrics in your decorating repertoire.
Explore Linwood’s full velvet collection and discover designs crafted to bring depth, colour and artistry into every room.