Design Spotlight – Velvet upholstery

Velvet upholstered furniture has a luxurious feel and beautiful lustre due to its double woven properties. For this reason, many people like designs that incorporate velvet as it not only looks and feels good but is durable and can be used for a range of applications.

There is a common myth that velvet is high maintenance and therefore hard to care for. In fact the opposite is true! Velvet upholstery can last for decades with the right care and is very durable. The simplest way to maintain velvet is to incorporate it into your regular cleaning routine. When vacuuming the carpet, use the hand-held nozzle on any velvet pieces to get up dirt that might be caught inside the pile. If liquid has spilled onto the velvet, soak it up with a paper towel or cloth. Make sure there is no food or debris left on the cloth. Combine a small amount of dish soap and water in a bucket, mixing it until it becomes sudsy. (As with any upholstery test the cleaner on a small area first, for example the back or underside of the furniture piece.)  Soak the cloth in the solution and apply it gently to the stain. Use the cloth to blot the stain until it disappears. It is important for the velvet fabric to dry quickly. Use a hair dryer or fan to accelerate the drying process.

Many people agree that velvet originated in the Far East around the 13th century, if not earlier. Velvet then made its way west along the Silk Road, becoming hugely popular during the Italian Renaissance. (The world “velvet” comes from the Italian word velluto, meaning “shaggy.”)

Before modern industrial looms were invented, velvet was very costly to produce—and so available only to wealthy and noble families. Royals were drawn to its ability to be dyed in richly coloured hues. Royals still wears dyed velvet robes and regalia in formal ceremonies!

At Berton Furniture we have a range of velvet upholstered furniture pieces all upholstered in our own ‘Velluto Luxe’ brand of velvets.

S H O P  O U R  V E L V E T  R A N G E  H E R E  >  >  >

#design #inspiration #furniture #statementfurniturepieces #craftsmanship #quality