With its soft sheen and plush feel, velvet exudes luxury. It also has an inherent warmth that reminds us of falling temperatures and spending time inside, where it’s nice and toasty throughout the fall and winter. This enviable warmth is moving from clothing to home decor, where it can be embraced throughout the cooler months.
Velvet has a reputation for being a little fussy and high maintenance. It looks beautiful, but you might not see it fitting a lifestyle with kids and pets or the sleek contemporary decor in your home. It’s time for that to change.
Why a Velvet Resurgence Now?
One reason we’re seeing more velvet is practical. While velvets were once mostly made of silk, now a host of synthetic options make this material more cost-effective and much more durable. Instead of being used sparingly or saved for a rarely used formal living room, velvet can be part of everyday designs in high-traffic areas. As a result, people are using velvet more than ever.
With ’90s fashions having a resurgence, velvet began to have its own revival. Several trend forecasters declared that 2023 was the year of velvet.
If you love the idea of adding a little (or a lot) of velvet to your home but are struggling with exactly how to translate this timely trend into something contemporary, here are some tips that can inspire a fresh and fashionable take on this luxe fabric.
How to Add Velvet to Your Decor in a Modern Way
With its heavier weight and cozy hand, velvet is a natural fit for the cooler months, which is when we see it come into play in the fashion world as well. Velvet brings warmth to decor that makes a home feel inviting, and adds luxury that makes it feel upscale.
Updating the Easy Way
Traditional uses of velvet are still valid. Add throw pillows or accent blankets in the sumptuous textile for an easy seasonal update. If you love a heritage look, you can’t go wrong with burgundy, emerald green, or deep navy color. The rich material lends itself to jewel tones that emphasize its multidimensional texture and subtle shine, so it’s a great way to infuse autumnal and holiday hues in your design scheme.
Adding Velvet to Modern Decor
If you have modern, bright, and airy decor, velvet in silvery shades gives it a contemporary look that feels light and refreshing while still highlighting the material’s texture. Consider using a silvery color for velvet curtains that catch the light and add a subtle shimmer to the room.
Making a Statement
The addition of a velvet couch in a bold color is a statement-making addition that instantly sets the tone of the room. You could even refresh your dining room chairs by recovering them with velvet. Now that there are options for microfiber velvets, this is a surprisingly practical choice that can show less wear and tear than many traditional upholstery fabrics.
Don’t Stop Now
If you love this look, don’t be afraid to add multiple pieces to your room. A velvet chaise with contrasting pillows would be a punchy accent fit for any design style, and if you’re a maximalist, you can keep going with luxe layers that are entirely on-trend.