Key Takeaways

Velvet is a woven fabric with a dense pile, created by weaving an extra set of warp yarns alongside the ground fabric, which gives it depth of colour, softness and a shifting sheen. Modern performance velvets add durability and stain resistance, and some can be washed. This guide covers the types of velvet, Martindale rub counts for upholstery, Linwood’s plain and printed collections, using velvet on sofas, headboards, curtains and cushions, pile direction, and how to care for velvet.

Velvet fabric is one of those rare textiles that never falls out of favour. While colour and pattern trends evolve, its appeal endures – a fabric that looks as good as it feels, equally at home in a relaxed country setting or a tailored city interior.

Derived from the Latin villus, meaning tuft, velvet’s distinctive pile gives it depth of colour, softness and a subtle, shifting sheen. With origins tracing back over 4,000 years, it travelled from the East along the Silk Road to Renaissance Italy, where it became synonymous with craftsmanship and prestige.

Today, velvet remains a timeless choice for interiors – from curtains and blinds to upholstery and cushions – combining tactile richness with modern practicality. Advances in fibres and finishing mean it offers durability and ease of use, without compromising on elegance.

As Barny Gloyn, Managing Director of Linwood, puts it: ‘Quite simply, Linwood velvet offers “luxury you can live with” – bringing depth, warmth and a quiet sense of individuality to any scheme.’

Types of Velvet Fabric

There are many types of velvet, each with its own appearance and character. Traditional varieties include cotton velvet, known for its soft, matte finish; crushed velvet, with a rippled pile that reflects the light; and lustrous silk velvet, prized for its fluid drape. Velveteen, although often grouped with velvet, is a different fabric with a shorter pile and firmer handle.

Linwood’s velvet collections take a more contemporary, performance-led approach, using carefully selected synthetic fibres and blends—some incorporating cotton—to combine the softness and depth associated with velvet with durability, ease of care and suitability for modern interiors. Fabric weight may be expressed in GSM, or grams per square metre, but this alone does not determine quality or suitability. Intended use, fibre composition, construction and performance specifications are more useful considerations when choosing a velvet.

What is Velvet?

Velvet is woven using a specialist technique that creates its signature pile. ‘It involves an additional set of warp yarns, known as pile yarns,’ explains Barny. ‘These are woven alongside the ground fabric, either face to face or on a wire loom. In wire weaving, the yarns form loops over wires, which are then cut to create velvet’s dense, even pile.’

It can be made from a range of fibres – from silk, cotton (Issa Earth shown above), wool and linen to modern fibre blends that enhance durability, softness and colour retention. Italian-woven velvet remains the benchmark, shaped by generations of expertise. As Barny notes, ‘The precision of the weave creates a refined sheen and exceptional colour clarity – qualities essential in a high-quality upholstery velvet such as Omega IV.’

Why Choose Velvet for Upholstery?

Velvet is as practical as it is beautiful. Alongside an inspiring range of plains, florals, stripes and geometrics, it offers the durability required for everyday upholstery. With high rub counts and a robust structure, modern velvet is perfectly suited to sofas, benches and armchairs – bringing depth, softness and lasting performance to interiors. ‘Velvet should feel luxurious, but it must also perform – otherwise it isn’t relevant to how we live today,’ says Barny.

Look out for the Martindale rub test classification, an internationally recognised quality control rating, that will tell you how a fabric ranks as a durable velvet fabric. General domestic use has a count of 20,000-30,000; heavy domestic/general contract use 30,000-40,000; severe contract use 40,000 +. Linwood’s Omega Prints II (shown above) have a rub count of an astonishing 100,000, making them exceptionally resilient on family sofas and commercial furniture.

Velvet also makes for a comfortable fabric on which to sit thanks to the plush pile that feels cosy and cocooning. And, finally, in many instances, it is easy to care for if you choose a velvet that has been finished with a stain-resistant treatment. Loose covers can also be dry-cleaned or, with certain collections, carefully washed at 30°C.

Linwood Velvet Collections

Velvet fabric is the perfect partner for deluxe window treatments, furniture and decorative accessories. Let’s introduce you to the ranges of velvets available for your next interior design project…

Plains

Omega IV (shown above) is Linwood’s best-selling plain velvet, prized for its spectrum of 154 colours and its balance of luxury and performance. Italian-woven, without added FR chemicals and finished with a non-fluoro stain-resistant treatment, it offers a considered, more sustainable approach to contemporary interiors.

Tango A premium plain velvet in 40 style-conscious colourways with an exceptionally smooth and soft handle. 

Moleskin A hard-wearing plain velvet fabric made from 100% Polyester with an accolade of the worldwide recognised OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning it has been tested for harmful substances. Forty colours offer endless possibilities.

Cosmos An antique finish slub velvet for those seeking the lived-in luxe look. Made from 24% Cotton/76% Polyester and in over 34 classic colourways, this will make every project feel fabulous.

Prints

Omega Prints (I & II) This impressive matt velvet comes in 31 designs, from florals to geometrics, making it a versatile choice for both contemporary and classical interiors.

Helter Skelter A modern-day classic, Linwood’s iconic stylised fern stripe is now available as a velvet in over 21 classic colourways, from Paprika to Coal and from Moss to Redcurrant.

Odyssey A capsule collection of 11 globally-inspired, polyester-rich velvets, including Kichana (shown above). Inspired by antique kilim, tapestry and crewelwork, these designs speak of craftsmanship.

Velvet Wonderland Renowned for its deep pile and cotton blend, this narrative collection of printed velvets takes you on a voyage of discovery, from night skies to tropical forests.

Kami A single oriental-inspired design in 19 gorgeously vintage colourways. This printed velvet is both statement-making and practical.

Wild Life A richly imagined journey through tropical landscapes and storied design, this collection of printed velvets captures the allure of the wild in deep pile, nuanced colour and quietly confident luxury.

Using Velvet in the Home

Plain velvet and printed velvet fabrics are so versatile they can be applied to all soft furnishing touch points. Here we walk you through the uses and offer some style tips and advice.

Sofas and Chairs

Velvet is an effortless way to lend style, elegance and personality to seating pieces. Sofas, armchairs, occasional and dining chairs are often quality made and can be brought back to life with a new velvet upholstery fabric covering that is in keeping with its style.

Style tip... Don’t be afraid to mix periods. Look to an exciting heritage velvet Ikat, such as Bukhara Emerald (shown above), to create a stunning look on a contemporary-line formal sofa.

Footstools and Ottomans

Footstools aren’t just for feet. They’ve become an interior design spatial anchor. Rectangular, square, circular or oval, footstools have a clever way of holding together an arrangement in a room when bordered by opposing sofas or an L-shaped couch filling an empty void. Often used as an alternative to a coffee table, velvet elevates this piece from humble to assertive.

Style tip... Button up. Create an extra dimension with deep buttoning in a square shape on an ottoman (shown above covered in One Thousand and One Hot Ticket velvet). 

Headboards

Headboards come in all shapes and sizes these days from high and low rectangles to softer scallop and serpentine. Plain or patterned velvet upholstered headboards will literally transform a sleep zone into a sumptuous space with the bed at the heart of the room. Dial up the colour with a lush plain, like Moleskin Velvet Gold (shown above) or dial it down with a dreamy country floral, such as Loseley Velvet Peach.

Style tip... Consider creative trims, such as piping, panels or studs, to bring more depth and dimension to a bedhead.

Curtains 

Velvet brings a beautiful drape, depth of colour and softness to curtains. The right choice depends on the room, the effect you want to create and the construction of the finished curtains. Both plain and printed velvets offer scope for classic and contemporary schemes.

This quick guide covers the essentials. For colour ideas and more detail on heading styles and linings, read our full guide to Velvet Curtain Fabric.

What is the Best Velvet Fabric for Curtains?

The right velvet depends on the room, how much impact you want and how the curtains will be cared for. This table compares some velvet options for curtains.

Omega IV is a strong all-round choice for velvet curtains. Italian-woven and available in 154 colours, it offers a soft handle and generous drape, with scope to coordinate curtains and upholstery within one scheme.

How to Choose Velvet Curtain Fabric in Five Steps

1. Start with the room. Consider the atmosphere you want to create. Rich shades can give an enveloping effect, while softer colours offer a quieter expression of velvet’s texture.

2. Choose plain or printed. A plain velvet in a jewel tone or soft neutral works with most schemes, while a printed velvet turns the window into the focal point.

3. Check suitability. Confirm that the chosen velvet is suitable for curtains and discuss its weight, drape and care requirements with your curtain maker.

4. Decide on the lining. Lining supports the drape and helps protect the fabric from sunlight. Blackout lining is useful in bedrooms, while interlining adds body and warmth.

5. View samples at the window. Look at them in morning and evening light, because velvet’s colour shifts as the pile catches the light.

Which Curtain Heading Suits Velvet?

Pinch pleat and pencil pleat headings are popular choices for velvet, while goblet pleats create a more formal effect and wave headings offer a contemporary finish. The most suitable heading depends on the fabric’s weight and handle, so discuss your preferred look with your curtain maker. Whichever heading you choose, use a pole or track strong enough to carry the finished curtains, including any lining or interlining.

Should Velvet Curtains Be Lined?

Yes, in most cases. Lining helps velvet curtains hang well, helps protect the fabric from sunlight and shields the reverse of the fabric. Blackout lining adds darkness and privacy in bedrooms, while interlining adds body, warmth and a fuller finish. Your curtain maker can advise on the most appropriate combination.

Pile Direction for Velvet Curtains

Pile direction affects how velvet reflects light and how its colour appears. Follow the guidance for your chosen fabric and keep the pile running consistently across every drop. Your curtain maker can advise on the direction that gives the intended finish.

Practical Considerations for Velvet Curtains

Velvet offers a generous drape, rich colour and a soft finish that can help soften sound within a room. When lined, it can also contribute to warmth and comfort.

Its weight calls for a suitably strong pole or track, and the pile needs careful handling during making and cleaning. Consider these details with your curtain maker when planning the finished treatment.

Browse Linwood’s Velvet Fabrics to compare plain and printed velvets for your windows.

Style tip... Echo the lush green of nature inside with a design like Helter Skelter Forest that feels organic and harmonious. 

Cushions 

The old adage you can never have too many cushions still rings true. Velvet fabric for cushions will inject a touch of warmth, depth and interest to a simple accent chair, sofa, bench or stool. They can also be a pocket-friendly way to introduce a touch of patterned velvet to a scheme, buying ready-made, small meterage or using offcuts from other soft furnishing projects.

Style tip... Scan the room for existing colourways and choose a cushion that mirrors those. Shown above the Arboreal Cloud Cushion, with its romantic 1940s design, complements the baby blue chair covering. 

Playing with Light and Colour  

Velvet creates magical effects with varying light levels. In a dark space, it can emphasise the inherent moodiness, especially if you choose velvet in jewel tones, such as purple, burgundy and ink; in a light space, the velvet neutrals, biscuit, blush and chalk can reflect light around as seen on this armchair (shown above) upholstered in the magical floral, Miyagi Pink Green.

When specifying velvet, make a note to consider the nap (pile) direction because it affects how velvet reflects light and, therefore, how colour is perceived. ‘With velvet, direction is everything – it’s what gives the fabric its life,’ says Barny Gloyn. A consistent nap – where the pile runs in the same direction – ensures an even, polished finish across upholstery and curtains. This is particularly important in plain velvets, where surface and tone should feel seamless.

Is Velvet Practical?

Modern fibre blends and pure man-made fibre qualities have made velvet far more practical for interiors. Here are three reasons why velvet is a sensible choice for soft furnishing projects…

Durable With high Martindale velvet fabrics readily available, you can be reassured that everyday furniture can cope with the rough and tumble of daily residential life or commercial projects where contract velvet upholstery is required. Look, especially, to high performance polyester velvet and those with significant proportions of manmade and recycled fibres for endurance and resilience.

Stain resistant Modern day safeguarding treatments applied to velvet protect against spills and accidents, especially if you have pets and children in the home. 

Fire resistance Many velvet fabrics, such as Tango Velvet (shown above), are inherently fire resistant, reducing the need for additional chemical treatments. 

Care and Longevity

All soft furnishing fabrics need a little TLC every now and then, and velvet is no exception. Follow the fabric-specific care instructions carefully, but routine maintenance of velvet is as simple as gentle vacuuming with an upholstery attachment to help lift dust from the pile and keep the fabric looking its best. Always brush with the pile rather than against it. For velvet curtains, vacuum with a soft brush attachment on a low setting, working down each drop with the pile, and check the care label before washing or steaming.

‘Linwood has two very different velvet families,’ adds Barny. ‘Omega IV and Tango – plain and printed – can be washed if you have loose covers or wiped with a wet wipe to remove spills and stains on fixed upholstery. Once the stain has been removed, air dry or use a cool air hairdryer from a safe distance. Velvets with 100% cotton piles or mixed cotton and viscose such as Velvet Wonderland are dry clean only and we recommend professional cleaning. Find a dry cleaner that is familiar with velvet to get it returned in pristine shape.’

We hope you’ve discovered that velvet ticks the boxes for colour, pattern, versatility and high performance. If you’re looking for the best velvet fabric in the UK, head over to the Linwood website to take a closer look at the velvet collection. If you see something you like, you can order up to six complimentary samples so that you view the colour and texture up close.

FAQs

Here are the answers to your common queries. We hope they help… 

1. Is velvet good for a family sofa? Yes, provided you choose a high rub-count, stain-resistant velvet such as Linwood’s Omega IV or Omega Prints II, both finished for everyday, family use.

2. How do I stop velvet upholstery from fading? Position velvet furniture away from direct, prolonged sunlight where possible.

3. Can velvet be used for both curtains and upholstery? Yes. The same collection can often be used across both, for a coordinated scheme, though always check the specific fabric’s suitability and rub count for upholstery use.

4. Is velvet good for curtains? Yes. Velvet brings a beautiful drape, depth of colour and softness to a window treatment. It can also help soften sound and, with a suitable lining, contribute to a warmer, more comfortable room.

5. Which velvet should I choose for curtains? Consider the effect you want to create. Omega IV offers an extensive palette of plains, Cosmos has an antique-style finish, and collections such as Wild Life and Helter Skelter introduce expressive pattern. View samples and ask your curtain maker to advise on the weight and drape of your chosen fabric.

6. Do velvet curtains need lining? In most cases, yes. Lining supports the drape, helps protect the fabric from sunlight and can add insulation. Choose blackout lining for bedrooms and consider interlining for a fuller finish.

7. What heading is best for velvet curtains? Pinch pleat and pencil pleat are popular choices, while wave headings can create a more contemporary finish. Suitability depends on the velvet’s weight and handle, so discuss the options with your curtain maker.

8. What are the downsides of velvet curtains? Velvet’s weight means it needs a suitably strong pole or track. The pile also needs careful handling during making and cleaning. Your curtain maker can advise on the right construction and care for your chosen fabric.