Interiors trends come and go, but velvet cushions are always high up on the wish list. With its lavish appearance and soft, lush texture, velvet adds a sumptuous feel to any style of sofa.
In this post, we’ll dive into the enduring appeal of velvet: what it is, how to care for it, and why it’s such a popular fabric for luxury cushions.
Read on to discover what makes velvet cushions irresistible, and how to style them in your home.
What is Velvet?
Quite simply, velvet is a woven fabric with a dense pile of cut fibres. This creates the unique, plush texture that we know and love: velvet is soft to the touch and has a shiny surface that subtly changes depending on the direction of the pile. Traditionally made from silk, velvet is now made from all kinds of fibres, including cotton and polyester.
Why Velvet Cushions Shine
Velvet cushions are enduringly popular for a number of reasons:
- Opulence – Velvet cushions have a richness and depth that elevates any interior. A velvet cushion or two goes a long way towards creating a sense of luxury in your home.
- Softness – The short, dense pile of velvet makes it incredibly soft. As a result, velvet cushions have a tactile quality that instantly makes your sofa feel more comfortable.
- Durability – While it’s known for being luxurious, velvet is also surprisingly durable thanks to its dense pile. It doesn’t have a raised weave, so it’s resistant to snagging.
- Versatility – Velvet cushions blend well with any style of interior. Classic or contemporary, there’s a velvet cushion to suit every type of decor.
- Warmth – While you can decorate your sofa with velvet cushions at any time of year, they really come into their own in winter, when they add a welcome layer of warmth to your interior.
Decorating with Velvet Cushions
Velvet cushions and cushion sets are wonderfully versatile, and can be styled to suit any aesthetic. If you choose velvet cushions in deep, rich colours – such as forest green cushions, for example – they’ll pair beautifully with the dark wood of a traditional interior. Alternatively, you might use vivid green velvet cushions, or indeed any bright colour, to liven up a neutral beige sofa in a modern home.
Velvet cushions make a great foundation for designer cushion bundles. Start with a pair of matching velvet cushions, like our plain blue velvet cushions, and add a pair of patterned cushions in smooth art silk for visual and textural contrast. Finally, consider a velvet accent cushion such as our signature horse motif cushion to create a focal point.
Caring for Velvet Cushions
Velvet is a durable fabric, so your luxury cushions should last you a long time. How to get the most out of them? As with any type of sofa cushion, pay attention to the care label and wash your cushion covers according to the instructions. At Knot Home, for example, we recommend spot cleaning to address any stains, with professional cleaning as needed. If the pile starts to look a little flat, you can quickly revive your cushions by giving the surface a gentle brush.
