Velvet fabrics

You recognise velvet fabrics straight away by their dense, short pile, which catches the light and shimmers darker or softer depending on the angle you view it from. It is exactly this lively play of depth and sheen that has given velvet a place in interiors where warmth and allure meet for centuries. At Selected Wallpapers you will find a carefully chosen selection of velvet for both upholstery and window dressing.

What makes velvet fabrics so special

The appeal of velvet lies in its pile: upright fibres that together form a softly napped surface. Brush with the nap and the colour looks deeper and more saturated; against the nap that same shade turns lighter and more silvery. As a result a velvet shifts with the daylight and the position of your lamps, something a flat, matte fabric never does. That texture gives a room instant weight and a tactile richness you want to reach out and touch.

Materials and finish of velvet fabrics

Velvet is not a single fibre but a weaving technique, and that is precisely where the variety lies. Cotton velvet feels matte and homely, viscose velvet has a fluid, almost liquid sheen, and a cotton-viscose blend brings both qualities together. Mohair velvet is exceptionally hard-wearing and resilient, while modern synthetic versions are often finished to resist stains and fading for everyday use. If you need a fabric for a heavily used sofa, check the Martindale rating; for curtains it is the drape and the way light grazes the pile that matter most. The exact composition and care advice differ per design, so always consult the product details or request a sample.

Colours that show velvet at its best

No material displays colour as intensely as velvet. Deep tones such as bottle green, ink blue, ochre and burgundy gain a velvety saturation through the pile that flat fabric can never reach. Restrained colours benefit too: a soft dusty pink, camel or greige instantly looks more luxurious and less flat in velvet. Because the shade shifts with the viewing angle, velvet works wonderfully in rooms with changing light, such as a living room that has an entirely different mood by day and by evening. For a calm base, pair a bold velvet tone with a smooth, even weave; take a look at our plain fabrics for that.

Velvet in curtains, furniture and cushions

At the window, velvet fabrics hang heavily and fall in generous folds, giving curtains a theatrical, enveloping presence that also dampens sound and keeps out draughts. On a sofa or armchair, velvet adds comfort and stature; choose a more tightly woven quality that can handle intensive seating. Anyone wanting to try the material on a smaller scale often starts with cushions: a few velvet pieces lift a neutral seating area straight away. Our curtain fabrics and luxury cushions follow on seamlessly, so you can coordinate window, furniture and accessories.

Combining velvet fabrics in your interior

Velvet loves contrast in texture. Beside the smooth, light-catching pile, rough and natural materials come into their own: a linen rug, rattan furniture or a wall with relief. If you want to carry that tactile line onto the wall, textile wallpaper makes a logical companion, because it shares the same warm, woven feel. Keep an eye on proportion as well: one large velvet object, such as a sofa or a set of curtains, gives a room character without making it feel heavy.

Ordering velvet fabrics and requesting samples

You only truly judge the colour and sheen of velvet once you hold the fabric in your hands and lay it in your own daylight. So always order a sample first and see how the pile responds to the light in your room, beside your floor and existing upholstery. Our interior specialists are happy to think along, from choosing a sample to working out the right amount for a sofa or window. For larger projects you can turn to our professional upholsterers and wallpaper hangers. International shipping, duties & taxes included.