2025 is all about celebrating the styling mileage of plain velvet fabric. Having worked as an interiors editor for over 20 years, it's the one constant in a long lexicon of fabric types that remains true and firm in its status as being timeless, touchable and tailored. 

‘Velvet has always been associated with luxury and sophistication,’ says Clare Holmes, Director of Upholstory, a family-run manufacturer specialising in bespoke furniture for high-end residential and boutique hospitality sectors. ‘It’s one of those staple fabrics designers always turn to – it elevates a room and gives you a foundation to build a scheme around.’

Patterned velvet has dominated recent years, but the Relaxed Luxury trend is steering interiors towards solid tones. As seen on the A/W 2025 catwalks, velvet now feels more laid back, with mood-defining plains becoming the must-have material for upholstery, curtains, and accessories.

The Psychology of Colour in Velvet

Our emotional reactions to colour types and the way they make us ‘feel’ is pivotal to interior design conversations around velvet upholstery and curtains.

Calming hues: Look to these hues in the blue/green space to dial down the anxiety levels of busy modern life. ‘The softer, muted greens, sage and moss for instance, are popular on upholstery,’ confirms Clare, as are the mineral blues, such as Omega IV Atol and Pool, bring serenity to busy modern homes.

Energising shades: For those who want to be excited by their interiors, dynamic and design-led colours in the red and orange arena resonate. I recommend in-vogue tones such as Copper and Ruby, shown above.

Timeless neutrals: As ever, are the backbone of everyday living with warm versions like taupes – brown-greys with a hint of pink – currently having the edge over the white, grey or yellow neutrals. ‘The brighter colours work well if people want something more modern; the muted tones for something more classical,’ advises Clare.

Design tip: To find the perfect plain velvet fabric that fits your home zone and works year round (forget the myth that velvet is only for the cooler months), research the paint box of colours in Linwood’s new Omega IV velvet. 

 

The Tactile Power of Velvet

The versatility of velvet fabric isn't just about the range of colours available, it’s also about its ability to create a sensory experience. As a result of its plush pile and luxurious texture, it feels good to touch, adds elegance, snugness and depth, and has a knack for reflecting light – all of which make it a clever material to play with for modern living.

‘Plain velvet brings refinement, but it also makes a space feel warm and tactile,’ says Clare. ‘It’s hardwearing, highly durable and creates balance in a scheme because it holds up well against other fabrics and textured layering.’

When it comes to refreshing furniture, the inherent lustre of plain velvet fabric lends itself to many different styles. ‘Thanks to its structure, it works in both contemporary and classic settings,’ says Clare, ‘either on very traditional pieces, such as Howard-style sofas or modern pieces with a metal leg.’

Styling Plain Velvet in the Home

 

Upholstery

Right now, interior gurus love to use plain velvet upholstery as the base for a scheme that can be layered and added on to. This is known as the ‘one hero piece’ theory – where a single item such as a corner sofa, family three-seater or a deep daybed – is the starting point for the scheme. The corner sofa in Omega IV Oregano paired with scatter cushions in Pickle is a good example of this style rule. The colours are then echoed in the surrounding coffee table and floor.

‘Designers also use velvet on smaller organic pieces, such as ottomans, for a nod to luxe,’ says Clare, ‘or they may combine it with linens or other slub textured plains to pare the look down.’

In fact, touches of velvet fabric with other material types are the hallmarks of quiet glamour. Think of employing it for piping, trims, or on the outside back of a sofa or chair. This small-quantity thinking feels premium but convivial… and, per metre, extremely pocket-friendly.

 

Curtains

Loose and luxe plain velvet is this year’s style mantra for window treatments. Unstructured fabric curtains that drape and pool beautifully are the only way to do drapes.

The header is key to achieving this relaxed curtain style, choosing soft pleats and flop-over frills instead of sharp pencil or pinch pleats. Padded thermal interlining is a hotel design trick that will add extra weight and thickness to the feel of the curtain so consider this if you want the benefit of a darker room or need the insulation.

Rich browns and greens (such as Cosmos Bottle, above) create a cocooning atmosphere, especially when layered with sheer Roman blinds for privacy. For extra detail, consider velvet borders on linen curtains or playful fringes.

 

Cushions & Accessories

Plain velvet cushions are what many of us reach for when it's time for a refresh. For the conservative home stylists amongst us, squares and rectangles are the classic go-to to liven up sofas and armchairs, but I’d recommend also being inspired by the new penchant for personality shapes that will add form and fun. I’m thinking contemporary spheres, playful circles and tailored bolsters that can be embellished with contrasting buttons and braids of your choice.

Seat pads for dining chairs or the internet-breaking sofa topper (a long flat mattress style cushion that stretches the length of the couch) in a plain velvet like Tango are exciting style possibilities, due to the washability of the fabric (wash with care at 30C).

Layering Velvet with Pattern

Pair solid velvet with florals, geometrics and stripes for the sumptuous, patterned look many of us adore. A stylist’s key to layering is in the colour palette so take note of your dominant plain and seek out patterns that share that colour and use it as a thread for soft furnishings like curtains, blinds and rugs. Pattern also comes from grained woods, decorative metals, painted surfaces and glazed ceramics so use these as your secondary tools to create interesting concepts that are uniquely you. ‘Mixing scales, textures and patterns will create layers of interest,’ says Clare.

How to Avoid Clashes

There are no strict rules, but these three tips keep velvet schemes harmonious:

Choose velvet shades within the same tonal range. 

Balance bold shades with neutrals such as blush, taupe or navy.

Avoid pairing velvet with other dense piles – instead opt for smooth cottons, luxury silks, woven herringbones or soft wools.

 

Care and Maintenance

‘Omega is a resilient fabric that's really hardwearing and easy to clean so it's often used on seating in hospitality settings, like in high traffic areas for member’s club and residential,’ says Clare. Thanks to the synthetic fibres, the performance rating, known as the Martindale rub count, is 100,000 and so considered a commercial grade performer.

Living room upholstery seating and footstools, bedroom headboards, occasional chairs and ottomans are all worthy destinations for this most versatile of fabrics that is inherently fire resistant and finished with a non-fluoro stain-resistant treatment.

Kitchens are a new location where velvet is making an appearance, especially on bar stools, dining chairs (where the whole chair – legs included – are wrapped) and slouchy day sofas. ‘Because of its synthetic fibre content, it's resilient to the sun and won’t fade,’ adds Clare.

Why Plain Velvet Endures

Plain velvet’s timeless appeal lies in its balance of colour choice, versatility and practicality. It’s tactile, luxurious, and endlessly adaptable – making it a long-term investment for interiors.

Explore the new Omega IV collection – Linwood’s most advanced plain velvet yet, with 154 colourways, recycled content, inherent FR, and a sustainable stain-resistant finish.

Whether for upholstery, curtains or accessories, it’s the fabric designers and homeowners are turning to in 2025.