Used widely across fashion and interiors, velvet has long been a go-to fabric for creating a high-style look. But it can come off as a little intimidating—you might feel it reads too extravagant or that caring for it is too troublesome. We’re here to dispel those rumors and to let you know that velvet is in fact a practical option for any home. Read on to see what makes it one of our favorite fabrics.
It Is Surprisingly Versatile
The Holland Velvet fabric feels and looks more luxurious than most textiles, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less adaptable in the home. Because it’s available in such a wide array of forms—from large pieces such as upholstered beds to smaller options like throw pillows—you can go all-out or keep it simple.
It also transcends trends and styles beautifully: Its luminous sheen makes it especially fitting for a glamorous room, but it can feel equally at home in relaxed or modern spaces.
It Has Historical and Royal Roots
There are several schools of thought as to where and when velvet originated, but it’s generally agreed that it was somewhere in the Far East—likely China—around the 13th century, if not earlier. Velvet then made its way west along the Silk Road, becoming immensely popular during the Italian Renaissance. (In fact, the word “velvet” comes from the Italian word velluto, meaning “shaggy.”)
Before the advent of modern industrial looms, Germany Velvet was quite costly to produce—and therefore available only to wealthy and royal families. Nobles in particular were drawn to its ability to accept richly hued dyes. Queen Elizabeth II still wears dyed velvet robes and regalia in formal ceremonies!
How It Is Made
Because it is not a flat-woven fabric like linen, Sofa Velvet requires more yarn and takes multiple steps to produce. Yarn is first woven together on a loom between two layers of backing. The fabric is then split down the middle, creating two identical pieces, each with the upraised pile that provides its soft, heightened texture.
Velvet can be woven from any type of yarn. While in the past it was typically woven from silk, today cotton, linen, wool, and synthetic fibers (often in combination) are commonly used.
It Is Surprisingly Versatile
The Holland Velvet fabric feels and looks more luxurious than most textiles, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less adaptable in the home. Because it’s available in such a wide array of forms—from large pieces such as upholstered beds to smaller options like throw pillows—you can go all-out or keep it simple.
It also transcends trends and styles beautifully: Its luminous sheen makes it especially fitting for a glamorous room, but it can feel equally at home in relaxed or modern spaces.
It Has Historical and Royal Roots
There are several schools of thought as to where and when velvet originated, but it’s generally agreed that it was somewhere in the Far East—likely China—around the 13th century, if not earlier. Velvet then made its way west along the Silk Road, becoming immensely popular during the Italian Renaissance. (In fact, the word “velvet” comes from the Italian word velluto, meaning “shaggy.”)
Before the advent of modern industrial looms, Germany Velvet was quite costly to produce—and therefore available only to wealthy and royal families. Nobles in particular were drawn to its ability to accept richly hued dyes. Queen Elizabeth II still wears dyed velvet robes and regalia in formal ceremonies!
How It Is Made
Because it is not a flat-woven fabric like linen, Sofa Velvet requires more yarn and takes multiple steps to produce. Yarn is first woven together on a loom between two layers of backing. The fabric is then split down the middle, creating two identical pieces, each with the upraised pile that provides its soft, heightened texture.
Velvet can be woven from any type of yarn. While in the past it was typically woven from silk, today cotton, linen, wool, and synthetic fibers (often in combination) are commonly used.
