Types Of Velvet And Tips For Using Them In Your Interior Design
By Ana Zuravliova
In our blog investigating the style and elegance of the 1970s, we fleetingly focused on types of velvet, but this fabric is well deserving of its own exploration and today, our blog will do just that. Welcome to the sumptuous world of velvet.
What is velvet and how is it made?
Velvet is one of the grandest materials people have ever had the privilege to enjoy. After all it’s even an adjective and nothing sounds bad when described as velvety!
With a history spanning centuries, it even recaptured the attention of the public’s eye recently when the Duke of Cambridge wore a striking racing green velvet jacket to the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony. While elegant, luxurious, and splendid, velvet isn’t only the preserve of the rich and powerful – we can all enjoy it, especially in our homes!
Velvet is a woven fabric that weaves two materials in tandem. The complex process undertaken makes velvet supremely soft and creates a shimmer effect that catches the light, and the eye. While velvet is often more expensive than other materials, it’s well worth the investment.
Why use different types of velvet in interior design?
The glorious benefits of velvet fall into two categories – its look, and its feel.
Making the most of velvet through light and colour
One of the best celebrated qualities of velvet is the way it interacts with light. Where the high points capture the shimmer and glitter, the deeper parts retain a darkness that combines to form a remarkably elegant contrast. This magical sparkle makes an outfit or room feel sophisticated and quality. It’s perhaps the most important reason why velvet has remained so popular for so long.
Velvet also holds colour well. Because of the contrast it creates within the material, dark, traditional tones have become a staple in homes around the world, but the same is true of more vibrant tones. Today, pink, green, and yellow velvet is just as fashionable as classic burgundies and bottle greens.
The feel of velvet
Beyond its appearance is the fabric’s feel. It is fantastic to hold and touch making it a perfect material for not only curtains and Roman blinds, but cushions too. Closing the curtains or repositioning a cushion will make buyers tingle when they feel the fabric’s softness.
What are the different types of velvet fabric?
Velvet isn’t just velvet, there are several different types which you can enjoy in your home. Whether it’s subtle and sophisticated, or bold and energetic, velvet will add drama and style into your space very easily. From the solid plain velvets of the Verona range to the luxurious pile velvet of the Manhattan range, you can find the perfect shimmering addition to enrich your décor, and magnify the homeliness of your space. Make sure you explore:
1. What is crushed velvet?
Crushed velvet takes its name simply from its crushed appearance. This classic style of velvet is particularly shiny and has a unique texture! Contributing to a range of fashionable styles, particularly a comfortable 70s theme, crushed velvet is available to enjoy on the website in our Venice range of Roman blinds, curtains, cushions and lamp shades.
2. Embossed velvet / Brocade
Embossing refers to the process of adding a pattern to velvet using a heat stamp and the results are sublime. Embossed velvet, often known as brocade, has been popular for decades because the pattern isn’t woven into the material. As a result, its often more subtle, keeping the same colour as the rest of the material. When it interacts with light, the pattern can be enjoyed without being overpowering.
3. Cisele Velvet
Set upon a sheer background, cisele is a woven fabric with velvet patterning. The result is that you can enjoy some amazing patterns with crisp detail. The contrast – not only between the colours but the fabric – is sure to catch the eye of friends and family alike. To enjoy this amazing style of velvet, check out our Tuscania and Tiverton ranges today!
4. Velveteen
Velveteen is a very soft, comfortable material that imitates velvet. This fabric is usually made from cotton but can also be mixed with polyester to equally magnificent effect. Velveteen holds colour remarkably well and can be used in a range of high-quality home furnishings including curtains and Roman blinds. Our popular Glamour range makes excellent use of this material with a range of trending patterns and colours to enjoy in your home.
5. Chenille
Chenille is, like velveteen, a fabric that closely imitates velvet. It’s a remarkably comfortable fabric that beautifully interacts with light to make a space into a home. With a fantastic selection of designs and colours to consider, you can make your home cosier and even more welcoming. Explore our Milan range to find the perfect option for your décor.
There are even more exciting ranges of velvet products for you to enjoy musing over at Blinds Direct. From the solid plain velvets of the Verona range to the luxurious pile velvet of the Manhattan range, you can find the perfect velvet addition to enrich your décor and magnify the homeliness of your space.
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