Spotlight on

Spotlight on: Velvet

Luxuriously soft and endlessly versatile, velvet has a timeless quality that has never gone out of style. Ideal for use across upholstery and occasional furniture, velvet adds an unrivalled opulence to a scheme. It's a material that has often been associated with royalty and the aristocracy due to the intricate nature of the weaving and its fine quality finish. Thanks to modern technology we're now able to enjoy this stunning fabric in our homes.

Velvet can be used in a variety of ways. Rich, dark tones are perfect for adding warmth to a room, while bright floral patterns can be used to make a statement. It works particularly well for curtains, decorative chairs and scatter cushions thanks to its thick quality.

Here are just some of our favourite ways to style this gorgeous fabric.

Accent a space with plain velvet

Plain velvets, in the form of made to measure curtains or scatter cushions are a great way of adding a subtle touch of glamour. You could choose rich pops of colour that coordinate with the rest of the scheme so that everything ties together harmoniously.

If you’re looking to use a plain velvet, we’d recommend Lewis & Wood’s Rooksmoor Velvet pictured below. The thickness of the velvet allows them to fall perfectly, giving the room a really luxurious feel.

Plain velvet also works perfectly for sofas and chairs. Its durability and quality means it’s extremely well suited to the wear and tear of everyday life. Add a pop of colour such as this sofa in ‘Aqua’ by Mulberry Home, or choose something more subtle like a navy blue or emerald green velvet.

Rooksmoor Velvet in Fawn by Lewis & Wood / Cotton Velvet Plain by Liberty / Mulberry Velvet by Mulberry Home

Dark and luxurious velvets

Velvet in a rich, dark colour palette is perfect to make a statement and add instant impact to a scheme. This can often seem daunting, but when paired with simpler furnishings and bare walls, it can have a really transformative effect.

Liberty has a range of gorgeous velvets in a beautiful hue of colours. Felix Raison has to be one of our top picks, with its combination of velvet and paisley working in perfect harmony. This fabric would make a great statement chair as pictured, or even a set of scatter cushions to brighten up a plain sofa.

If you love a traditional scheme, take a look at the Wardle Velvets collection by Morris & Co, featuring archival patterns such as Willow Boughs and Artichoke in a variety of beautiful colourways.

California Velvet by GP & J Baker is another superb choice, combining an earthy colour palette with statement florals for a bold look.

Felix Raison by Liberty / Sunflower Caffoy Velvet fabric by Morris & Co / GP & J Baker's California Velvet fabric

Rich florals

When we think of florals we often think of pretty, delicate shapes combined with a feminine pink colour palette. However, our collection of floral velvets are not for the faint-hearted. These vibrant patterns and bold colourways work really well in more eclectic, maximalist schemes.

Look no further than the classic Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief design, dating back to 1883 and retaining the same enchanting detail of the original which was said to be inspired by the thrushes William Morris found stealing fruit from his kitchen garden. The velvet adds a touch of luxury and works well either paired with plain fabrics and walls or with clashing patterns in a similar colour palette.

Another great statement floral velvet is Clarke & Clarke’s Passiflora fabric, combining birds of paradise and exotic passion flowers. It comes in a variety of colourways but we especially love this mid blue tone.

Passiflora by Clarke & Clarke / Wonderland Floral Velvet by Sophie Robinson for Harlequin / The iconic Strawberry Thief by Morris & Co.

Modern geometrics

An extremely versatile and popular choice, geometric prints can be used in retro, mid-century schemes or in modern spaces depending on the colour and style. Combining geometrics with velvet adds an element of indulgence to the pattern, making it the perfect choice for upholstery and soft furnishings.

This stunning gold chevron-like fabric by Harlequin acts as the perfect accompaniment to a more neutral scheme, bringing in a pop of metallic gold. Similarly, Manipur by Designers Guild remains one of our most popular velvets, with its herringbone-like structure and stylish colourways.