Ondine
Sculptural Wall Mirror
$750
from $63/mo
Material Guide
Velvet Curtains, Pillows & Seating
Velvet is defined by construction rather than fibre: a dense cut pile woven on a double cloth and split, which is why it was historically the most expensive textile per yard. Silk velvet dressed Renaissance courts; cotton, mohair and performance velvets brought it into everyday rooms.
Origins & Types of Velvet
Cotton velvet has a matte, dry hand and crushes attractively. Mohair velvet is the most durable and the most expensive, with a subtle sheen and remarkable resilience. Silk and viscose velvets have the highest lustre and the lowest tolerance for daily use. Performance velvets in polyester resist stains and pilling, which makes them the honest choice for family seating.
How to Style Velvet
Velvet absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so a single velvet piece can anchor an entire palette. It gives depth to rooms full of hard surfaces and reads richer in low light — deep green, ink, chocolate and ochre all gain from the pile. Pair it with matte plaster, stone and unlacquered brass rather than with more sheen.
Velvet Care & Maintenance
Brush the pile in one direction with a soft brush and vacuum with a low-suction upholstery head. Blot spills; never rub, which crushes the pile permanently. Steam lightly from the reverse to lift pressure marks, and keep velvet out of direct sun, which fades it faster than most textiles.
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Velvet Questions
- Is velvet practical for family seating?
- Performance velvet is: tightly woven polyester pile resists staining and pilling well.
- Why does velvet look different from each side?
- The pile direction changes how light is absorbed, which is a feature rather than a flaw.
- Can crushed velvet be restored?
- Usually, with light steam from the reverse and gentle brushing.
- Does velvet attract dust?
- It shows dust more than flat weaves; a weekly brush keeps the pile clear.
- How much fabric do velvet curtains need?
- Two to two and a half times the track width, and velvet's weight means it hangs best floor-length.