Vivacious in velvet
When you think of velvet, what comes to mind? The rich red curtains in a theater? The cloak of a king or a queen? A fine luxury item? I always find velvets inextricably woven into images of refinement and formality, circumstances of grandeur. As a longtime theatergoer, I think my first image is those velvet curtains hanging over the stage. There’s something truly special about velvet—all you have to do is touch it to feel a little more luxurious yourself.
To paraphrase the Encyclopedia Britannica entry on velvet, velvet-weaving probably first originated in the Far East, and only crops up in texts beginning around the 14th century. The special richness of velvet—its fine texture, its ability to hold deep color—meant that it started out as a material used for ecclesiastical vestments, royal clothes, and hangings in fine homes. Italian velvets, finest of all, were usually used for ornamentation via variations in the color and pile and by brocading velvet with things like silk or gold tissue. Many a fine velvet artist made a living in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries off of skill with creating beautiful, intricate velvet hangings or clothing. Velvet was born and bred as a luxury item, used to signify status, wealth, and significance. Those associations endure to today—it’s hard to conceptualize velvet as anything short of high-class.
That special status used to make velvet prohibitively costly and demanding (in terms of upkeep) for use in everyday scenarios, like daily clothes or regular home furnishings. But the times, they are a-changin’. New advancements in textile manufacturing have opened the door for fabrics with luxury feel, high-performance durability, and budget-friendly costs. These days, very little remains out of reach in the world of fabrics—even the subtle shine of velvet.
If you want that luxury feel in your home—a splash of rich color in an accent chair, a soft and inviting sofa, even just a bit of texture in your selection of throw pillows—velvet is no longer out of the question. Modern velvets can be made with synthetics, Crypton, and microfibers, which create lovely, rich velvet that’s both cost-friendly and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily usage! New velvets have exceptionally high Martindale abrasion ratings (basically, a measure of how well a fabric withstands wear), and have inherent water- and stain-repellent finishes to keep them looking fresh. Performance velvets afford you the lux feel you’re after, while also offering durability and affordability.
Velvet furniture remains a staple item when it comes to adding a touch of elegance to your home decor. With its ability to hold bold colors and keep them looking fresh, velvet furniture can make the perfect bold statement piece in your space—think a richly-toned sofa in your living room, or a beautiful armchair by your TV. Plus, velvet’s textures and sheen can enhance the diversity of textiles in a design plan, even without going for a standout color. Looking for a neutral-toned piece that still adds some flair? A velvet pillow or chair in a simple color can fit neatly into your space’s aesthetic while still bringing something special to the table.
Feeling the call of velvets? I can source custom velvet furnishings for you at below-retail pricing, all designed for your specific needs and tastes. Shoot me an email and let’s get started!
Velvet’s place as a staple of elegance is indisputable. And who doesn’t want a little elegance in their life?