How Long Does Velvet Furniture Last?

22 Oct 18

Should you buy a velvet sofa?

Every bit discussed in this weeks podcast, episode 1 of The Bully Indoors, velvet furniture is all the rage and in terms of trends. Velvet sofas were every where during London design week, so there is no sign of our appetite for the soft stuff going any where soon. I have to admit, I fawn at the look of a velvet sofa, even earlier I've got upward shut and been seduced by their silken feel. I'one thousand completely seduced past the tactile cosy feel and luxurious look that make you only have to have one. Any color looks a hundred times more than ravishing when in velvet. Neutrals and greys accept then much more interest and depth, dark colours drum with a sophisticated blink and however they really come into their own when you use velvet in a vivid or jewel like shade. They become positively electrical! However my velvet sofa, which I've had for four years is a 100% cotton velvet sofa from Sofa.com and while it feels like silk knickers to the bear upon it is very uncompromising when information technology comes to spills, and marks easily. Which means it's hidden nether a throw most of the time, a crying shame and completely contradicts the signal in owning one! So it begs the question…should you buy into the trend for velvet sofa'due south?

Sofa.com uses a 100% cotton velvet to cover most of their velvet sofas. They feel super soft to the touch on only score poorly on durability and stain resistance. Covers are dry clean only. All the same they come in the almost wonderful colours and if looked subsequently well await the bizz. Bluebell three seat sofa bed in Olive cotton matt velvet, £two,570, sofa.com

So hither are some things to think well-nigh when toying upwards if a velvet sofa is for y'all:

PROS

If looked subsequently well, a velvet sofa in a quality cloth tin can go the distance and last years.
Constructed velvet, like high-quality polyester is less probable to marking, crush or fade making it more durable and suitable for family living.
Colours take far more depth and excitement than a apartment cotton fiber or linen fabric
Velvet is hard to snag, as it has no loose threads or raised weaves.
The polyester velvets are stain resistant and marks like nutrient or mud, brush off with ease.

LoveYourHome uses a 100% polyester velvet which has the wait of cotton velvet, but not as silky soft to impact. It has a very high Martindale rub test of 100,000 and you can even wash the seat cushions covers in the washing machine at 40%. Ideal for families with children and pets, who want that luxurious look while remaining practical. Earl Grey 3 seat modern chesterfield in Tangerine Studio resistant velvet, £2,515, Love Your Home

CONS:

Velvet is more susceptible to alluring pet hair and dust
If exposed to directly sunlight, the cobweb can weaken so remember twice almost positioning of velvet furniture in forepart of large sunny windows
Velvet is more probable to attract dust and pet hair, so requires a more regular make clean. Gently castor information technology at to the lowest degree once a week, if at that place is a lot of clay, use a hoover with an upholstery attachment.
Velvet soaks up liquid spills fast and then best dealt with immediately
Pure cotton velvet is notorious for bruising and watermarks and stains are not so easy to remove.

Loaf's Clever deep velvet is 72% polyester 28% cotton fiber, and boasts that y'all can wipe spills away. the cotton chemical element keeps a softer feel. Covers are dry clean but, but you'll need a specialist upholstery cleaner for stock-still covers. Souffle in funfair clever deep velvet large £2,095, Loaf

In short you need to be realistic about what you lot are using the sofa for. For family homes with pets and so I call back the synthetic velvets are the only manner to go. If you're a swell freak or have plenty of fluffy friends, then y'all may end up getting annoyed by the way velvet attracts dust and pet hair, so peradventure velvet might not be for you. However this hasn't been the case in my own (oftentimes dusty) home and my short haired bull terrier fur hasn't attracted itself to the velvet sofa.

You can get the luxurious expect for less on the high street. Otley medium sofa in sano velvet khaki £699, Marks and Spenser.

And so should you buy a velvet sofa? I'd say absolutley, but become for a polyester based velvet if you are worried near durability in terms of removing spills and stains easily. Here are some styles that I loved directly to buy online at present, in some of the well-nigh fashionable on-trend colours.

1. Poirot large sofa in monarch orange cotton fiber velvet, £1,790, Arlo & Jacob | 2. Onassis in petrol blueish velvet, £1,550, Andrew Martin | 3. Wallis 3 Seat in Varese emerald cotton velvet, £2,249, Heal's | 4. Turin 3 seat in rouge cotton wool velvet £1,199, Swoon | 5. Sloan 2 seat in vintage gold, £849, fabricated.com | 6. Lexington 4 seat in Pacific dusky velvet, £1838, Sofa Workshop | 7. Millie buttoned sofa in orange velvet, £1,985, Sweetpea & Willow | eight. Windsor 3 seat sofa in xanthous velvet, £1399, DFS | 9. Clemence iv seat in emerald green velvet, £2,400, Habitat | 10. Ikea Grevie 3 seat in blueish velvet £825, Ikea

Holding image at top of post: Belgrave Medium 2 seat Harriet Mustard Aquaclean (cleans stains with just water) Velvet, £1,699, John Lewis.

CREDITS: Written and compiled by Sophie Robinson and Luisa Ferdenzi-Rouse.