11 Ways To Use Velvet In Your Home, Both Generously & Modestly

Publish date: 2024-04-25

Velvet is versatile. When it comes to interior design ideas, velvet can be used generously, layered around the house to create a sense of opulence using velvet cushions and velvet curtains. Alternatively, you can take a more modest approach to truly accentuate the elegance of a plush, velvet centerpiece – like a velvet sofa in the living room or a velvet bed in the bedroom.

To help you navigate how best to use velvet in the home, here are some fresh ideas to work the fabric into your decor. Take a look...

1. Standing out

homes decorating velvet sofa redpinterest

Brent Darby Photography LTD

In the living room of this Sussex farmhouse, a statement red velvet sofa is offset with blue-black walls (Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball) and a dark-painted floor.

2. Warm thoughts

homes decorating velvet sofa the brook velvet fabric morris co warm thoughtspinterest

Morris & Co

A dense, heavy cloth makes the ideal choice for a full-length door curtain when you want to exclude light and retain warmth. This printed design features a decorative pattern reminiscent of a woven tapestry – The Brook velvet by Morris & Co.

3. Colour play

homes decorating velvet bed blue pebble velvet quilts graham and green colour playpinterest

Graham and Green

A vibrantly coloured quilted bedspread (Pebble quilt, from £195, by Graham & Green) teamed with crisp white cotton sheets looks at once decadent.

4. Plump it

home decorating ideas velvetpinterest

Toasty cushions in vibrant shades will add playful, plush accents to a sofa or bed. Try one from our Country Living Collection at Homebase, also available in a square shape and a warm mulberry tone, from £18.

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5. Rough with the smooth

velvet homes decorating moroccan rug vintage linenpinterest

Penny Wincer

Textured pieces can contrast beautifully with silky-smooth fabrics. Here, this effect is achieved with velvets offset by slubby vintage linen grain sacks fashioned into cushions, reclaimed boarded walls and a fluffy Moroccan rug.

6. Meld and marry

homes decorating velvet arm chair sofa green meld and marrypinterest

Designers Guild

Mix and match upholstery designs with fabrics of similar weight to create a quirky effect, as with this woven check velvet and plain design. Pavia velvet, £98/m, and Shastri check velvet, £140/m (designersguild.com).

7. Come to light

Pair ambient lighting with velvet to lend a sense of opulence and aged grandeur. Try a pringle wall light at £69; and a 16cm velvet teal empire shade at £23 (pooky.com).

John Lewis Jenny Velvet Cylinder Lampshade
John Lewis Jenny Velvet Cylinder Lampshade
Credit: John Lewis & PartnersPooky Velvet Trim Empire Shade
Pooky Velvet Trim Empire Shade
Credit: PookyHouse Beautiful Samet Velvet Drum Shade
House Beautiful Samet Velvet Drum Shade
Credit: HomebasePooky Velvet Cone Shade
Pooky Velvet Cone Shade
Credit: Pooky

8. Settle down

Velvet works well on upholstered furniture, allowing you to play with cushions in accent colours. Try the Warwick Country Living velvet sofa in slate exclusively for DFS.

Country Living Warwick Pillow Back 2 Seater Sofa

Country Living Warwick Pillow Back 2 Seater Sofa

Country Living Warwick Pillow Back 2 Seater Sofa

Credit: DFS

9. A cool contrast

velvet homes decorating green colefax and fowler david hunt lightingpinterest

Photography: Brent Darby|Styling and Production Ben Kendrick

Velvet can create a strong focus. In this bedroom, forest green cushions sing out against pale furnishings and a decorative wallpaper from Colefax & Fowler. Lighting by David Hunt Lighting.

10. Ring the changes

homes decorating velvet sofa blue arts and craftspinterest

A plump velvet sofa in a rich colour brings warmth and vibrancy to a rustic scheme with traditional beams and contemporary Arts and Crafts fabrics by Morris & Co.

11. Material pleasures

velvet homes decorating buttoned footstool loch leven footstool country living collection at dfspinterest

Rachel Whiting

Velvet in lighter shades – as on this elegant buttoned footstool – blends in rather than dominates a room. Loch Leven footstool, Country Living Collection at DFS.

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This feature is from Country Living magazine – SUBSCRIBE HERE

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