Have you decided to change the interior of your home radically? Are you looking for an original piece to underline its character? Or do you need inspiration for a Christmas or birthday gift?
Velvet can be the solution. A fabric that not only uplifts any clothing but also has a wide use in interior design. Even the most neatly decorated interior will receive a hallmark of luxury. The origin of velvet textiles can be traced back to ancient China, Iraq, and Egypt. Through merchants and thanks to the Silk Road, it got from Asia to Europe, especially contemporary Venice, and became a unique merchandise. Initially, velvet was woven only from silk, so it was available only to the richest of secular rulers or the highest religious dignitaries. The production of velvet is a rather complicated process, and good-quality velvet is still one of the more expensive fabrics today. It is made of different types of fibers. The most noble and costly is velvet, made of pure natural silk, but it is rare and expensive. Usually, it is made of a mixture of artificial and natural silk. However, there is a wide range of velvets on the market, woven from cotton fibers, flax, wool, synthetic, or a combination of synthetic and natural fibers, so it is available to everyone.
Soft Refined Luxurious
Velvet is famous for its soft, delicate, glossy, and luxurious qualities. Therefore, it is also widely used in interior design. Immersing yourself in an armchair or wing seat with soft and soft velvet upholstery evokes the most pleasant sensations. All you have to do is get a cup of a tasty drink and a good book. If your budget doesn’t let you go, a more modest option to indulge in velvet pleasure in the form of a new armchair or an entire sofa may be, for example, a velvet pillow or a table runner. And if it also has an original shape or pattern, you will make unexpected changes. It will bring a touch of luxury, underline the overall style, and, even if it is not the centerpiece, it can be a tasteful and original cherry on top.
Too Flashy?
Are you worried that the velvet look of your interior would “stick your interior to the ground?” For example, do you imagine a strong accent of heavy velvet curtains, which could ground the flight and the desire for freedom? Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes, a piece is enough to achieve an unexpected, even dramatic, look. And even if you prefer a light and airy style, a velvet “touch” may not tame it. You can do wonders with something small – for example, a pillowcase, a dining table tread, a plaid designed for a bed, or an exciting solitaire – a decorative item, a lamp with a velvet shade, a bar stool, a bean bag… You won’t destroy the harmony. On the contrary, your house will take on a new, perhaps more welcoming dimension. You can even pamper your pet with velvet – a bed made of this noble material is practical and a perfect stylish piece.
Colors Patterns Combinations
Do you want to give your home a luxurious touch and make even a tiny change for more comfort? Velvet is an excellent choice, and you can achieve an even more pronounced effect by combining it with other shiny fabrics, such as silk or satin. However, velvet is versatile; it also beautifully complements materials such as wood and its imitations, rattan, bamboo, and glossy metals, especially in golden or silver colors, crystal, glass, porcelain, and marble. Of course, color and patterns are important factors that allow you to create endless magic with velvet. Delicate pastel shades subtly elevate even the most boring and austere space, bringing lightness underlined by a touch of luxury. More saturated tones will emphasize the feeling of luxury even more dramatically. When combined with attractive, even geometric patterns, you can ‘tailor’ the interior appearance in perfect harmony with your unique taste and style.”
Matching Styles
The application is essentially limitless. Great possibilities open up thanks to combinations with various materials. However, the more velvet, the more luxurious and opulent the effect. Are you saying your apartment is furnished in a minimalistic Nordic style, and the velvet does not match it? Don’t get mistaken. First of all, it is important to decide how much velvet you will incorporate. The moderate Scandinavian atmosphere will be enhanced not only by a velvet sofa but also by pillows with solid-colored velvet sheets or a nice blanket made of this material. The modern interior will look more attractive thanks to velvet, and you don’t even have to limit yourself. Place chairs with velvet upholstery and shiny metal legs in the dining room. Glossy velvet stools or an entire sofa will stand out in the living room.
Do you prefer vintage style? Then, velvet is a must. On the other hand, wooden furniture with a patina texture and velvet will “increase in value.” Whether you use a velvet placemat, a table runner, or velvet pillows for the living room or bedroom, lovers of minimalism and raw materials typical for industrial style will be satisfied. The incredible power of such contrast will bring spectacular energy to any interior, which cannot be unnoticed. Imagine at least a brick wall with cold metal elements in contrast with the soft, smooth, and warm gloss of a velvet sofa, a comfortable armchair, an ottoman, or even a chest of drawers…
If you are still unsure about velvet in your interior and the only thing that still discourages you is the maintenance, relax. Good-quality velvet fabrics used indoors are not only irresistible but also durable and easy to maintain.
Text: Miriam Bartošová, photo: westwing.sk
