Understanding Velvet
Velvet's history is one of luxury. Originating in the Far East (likely China or Egypt) around 2000 BCE, velvet was traded along the Silk Road and became the fabric of European royalty and aristocracy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The fabric is created through a specialized double-weave process: two layers of fabric are woven simultaneously with connecting threads, then split apart and sheared to create the soft raised pile on each piece. This labor-intensive process is why velvet was historically so expensive. The pile creates velvet's signature characteristics — a soft hand feel, light-catching sheen that changes appearance with viewing angle, and rich, saturated color depth that no flat-weave fabric can match. Modern manufacturing has made velvet accessible at every price point. Performance velvet (woven from polyester or nylon) is stain-resistant, pet-friendly, and highly durable, making luxury accessible for everyday living.
Velvet in Interior Design
Velvet is experiencing a major resurgence in interior design, driven by the trend toward rich textures and jewel-tone color palettes. A velvet sofa in emerald green, sapphire blue, or dusty rose has become a modern design statement. Velvet's light-reflecting properties make it ideal for spaces where you want depth and visual warmth — the fabric appears to change color as light moves across its surface throughout the day. In living rooms, velvet upholstery on sofas and accent chairs adds instant luxury. Velvet curtains provide excellent light blocking and thermal insulation while draping beautifully. Velvet throw pillows are the easiest way to introduce the texture. Velvet works across design styles: it is essential in Art Deco and Hollywood Glam, beautiful in traditional and transitional spaces, and surprisingly effective in modern and bohemian rooms where it adds a single note of luxury amid more casual elements.
