Velvet Goldmine: How to Use Velvet in Your New Home

It’s All About Color

“The key to using velvet successfully is color,” say Los Angeles-based interior designer John Linden. Using the right color of velvet will determine the mood or feel in the room.

“Black or red are going to look overly dramatic and dated, but a nice avocado velvet, or even gray, can look sleek and stylish,” Linden says. A bold piece, like this avocado green sofa, would fit nicely in a minimalist or mid-century modern ensemble, Linden suggests.

Green sofa — Photo courtesy of Article, Sven Sofa

Create the Right Mood

You can create a variety of moods with velvet, making it a good fabric in many settings, says Ann Sennewald, vice president of Merchandising with CORT Furniture Rental.

“Velvet can complement any style, from traditional to transitional to contemporary,” Sennewald says. “Depending on accent pieces you add to a space, you can create a whole range of styles, including modernism, urban industrial, contemporary or Danish modern.” A patterned pillow with hints of blue keeps this velvet teal chair looking fresh.

Teal accent chair — Photo courtesy of CORT Furniture, Brooklyn Chair

Dress Up Your Home

When most people use velvet in the home, they have a velvet sofa or couch. But, why not try velvet to make your windows really shine?

“Use velvet to dress up windows,” Sennewald suggests. “Thick velvet drapes used to signal wealth and luxury. They are considerably more affordable today, while still offering the same visual impact in your living space.” Stick to brighter colors to prevent a goth-y look.

Red velvet curtains — Photo courtesy of iStock

Round Out Velvet with Other Materials

Velvet is a fun fabric that can combine contrasting materials, such as wood-based furnishings, for a winning look, says Sherry Hope of Studio SHK in the San Francisco area.

“Velvet is perfect for creating a classic-meets-vintage design. … Pair it with plusher silhouettes to meet today’s modern standards.” Here, light wooden legs ensure this blue velvet dining chair won’t look dated.

Blue velvet kitchen chair — Photo courtesy of iStock

Don’t Go Overboard with Velvet

If a velvet sofa or wall is too much for your taste, you can still incorporate this fabric into your home. Smaller, less expensive velvet pieces can be just as dazzling as a a larger piece.

“One way to incorporate velvet without looking dated is to choose smaller items, like pillows and throw blankets,” says Erin Fausel, a lifestyle blogger at American Frieght Furniture & Mattress, based in Delaware, Ohio. “You can even try a small velvet ottoman or drapes. All of these are fairly inexpensive options and they’re easy to replace.”

Gray sofa teal pillows — Photo courtesy of iStock

Bedrooms are Calling for Velvet

Velvet is a soft, comforting fabric that is perfect for the bedroom because it evokes a rich and relaxed mood.

“Velvet bedspreads, throws, pillow shams and accent pillows can all work together to create a rich feeling in the bedroom,” Sennewald says. “Whether you want bright jewel tones for a majestic feel or deep reds and blues for a more romantic setting, velvet can transform the mood and the look of your bedroom with just a few simple additions.”