8 Popular Types of Velvet Fabric for Sofas

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about velvet fabric?

Of course, it is the texture and touch of velvet that is pretty mesmerizing for most of us. But, does loving a fabric make it the best fabric for upholstery? Clearly not.

Even though we all love velvet fabric, without ample knowledge of the subject you cannot really choose the right velvet upholstery fabric easily. No matter how great it looks on your sofa.

So to solve that issue, we are here with a complete guide on velvet upholstery. But before we explain the types of velvet fabric for upholstery, it is essential for you to have a brief introduction about the main and parent fabric; that is velvet.

What is Velvet Fabric?

From the touch of velvet fabric, it is pretty easy to guess that velvet fabric is made up of silk. But the construction and structure of the fabric at the miniature level are pretty different from actual silk. In producing velvet fabric they make piles of silk thread, to give an increased soft texture to the top of the fabric.

Unlike other fabrics, each section of the velvet fabric is created by connecting two strands of silk. This is the sole way to create a pile effect.

So it clearly means that velvet fabric is a bit expensive, and by now you might have understood the reason. It is also the reason why people associate velvet with the rich and upper class.

However, today, there are several types of velvet fabrics available for upholstery. Some are cheaper than pure velvet.

Another interesting fact about velvet, today, it is not only made with silk but also through several other soft fabrics.

This was solely to manage or cut down the price of evergreen and luxurious-looking velvet fabric for upholstery.

Types of Velvet Fabric for Upholstery

When discussing the types of velvet fabric, you must bear in mind that these types are pretty different from cotton upholstery or linen upholstery.

Even though it is one of the natural fabric upholstery, still, the texture and the structure would be very different.

Types with respect to base/parent fabric

As we discussed earlier, velvet can be manufactured with various natural and synthetic fabrics. So the fabric used to create velvet is referred to as the parent fabric.

Here I would not go into a detailed discussion of each velvet type with respect to the parent fabric.

So currently, velvet is created with the following fabrics.

• Cotton.
• Linen.
• Wood plump.
• Polyester.

To understand the salient properties of each velvet fabric, it would be better to read about the qualities of the parent fabric.

For example, if we are to talk about velvet made from cotton fabric, then it would be great if you do research on the cotton fabric for upholstery. There you can get a clear idea about the salient features of velvet created through cotton.

8 Types of Velvet Fabric w.r.t Designs

Cisele Velvet Fabric

The first velvet fabric that we would love to discuss is the cisele fabric. Many people don’t know about it, but still, it is in their use, in some way or the other. Especially in a women’s cupboard, you can easily find a dress made up of cisele fabric.

In many cases, it is being used for curtains, and sofa covers. However, you might not use it for the main upholstery fabric.

For me, the cisele fabric is very luxurious. So if you have this particular chair or sofa set at your home, which needs to be more attractive, you must try the cisele fabric.

It is very soft, with patterns and design. Unlike the prints it comes with slightly raised sequenced work, it is not like embroidery, but you can relate it to a jacquard.

Even though the cisele is currently the most beautiful velvet fabric, still, we will not recommend it for the places that are frequently used, such as the living room. However, if you are searching for upholstery fabric for drawing rooms, or areas that are not in use, then it can be an option.

Crushed Velvet Fabric

If you are a fan of a unique look, then the crushed fabric will be the best idea for you. If you feel that you need to get a unique-looking fabric, then you need to choose such a fabric.

It is created by twisting and crushing the fabric. No, it does not mean that the velvet sheets are not silky or soft. It is the same velvet fabric.

If you ask me, I would suggest cushions and armchairs. Having it on the entire sofa set, even though it will be pretty unique. But, a single armchair having this different look would be great.

Panne Velvet Fabric

The third most famous type of velvet fabric for sofa covers is panne velvet fabric. Its name is pretty weird, and many people might find it hard to pronounce it. Nevertheless, the name does not matter as much.

The panne velvet fabric is also crushed velvet, but the composition is pretty different. It is exclusively made up of polyester. So you may consider it as the synthetic fabric for your sofa.

Moreover, it is very affordable, as compared to other velvet fabrics available in the market. However, it is not very safe. So if you have kids in your home, and you are thinking of the safest fabric then you must go for the velvet with silk or cotton parent fabric.

But this is not all, it is the finest option for the drawing rooms, and offices.

Lastly, if you have great and large curvy sofas, you don’t need to worry. It will be enough and perfect for that. The reason for that is the high elasticity of the parent fabric, which is polyester.

Even though I mentioned it is not ideal for kids, it has moisture-repellent properties. So, for nasty and active kids, it will be great to have the panne velvet fabric. It is not as absorbent as cotton or linen.

Plain Velvet Fabric

We don’t need to explain it much, but unfortunately, not many people know about the properties of plain velvet. Also, one might think, why don’t they just buy plain velvet, instead of buying the other types of velvet upholstery fabric?

It is very evident that velvet is known for its looks, so anyone who wishes to get fancy and luxurious-looking sofas and chairs may choose velvet.

However, there is much more to it. You cannot only rely on the looks of the fabric, and decide it is the best upholstery fabric for your sofas.

For me, the most important feature of velvet will be the plush feel. If you are tired and want to have peaceful screen time, you can try velvet. It will be ideal for little babies, who are always in search of a soft touch and feel. It is unexplainable.

Then it is available in amazing colors, and patterns or prints. Printing velvet is not easy, but if you happen to get printed velvet fabric, that would be very attractive.

You can easily match it with your room decor, so we can sum up all the advantages of the plain velvet fabric for upholstery in soft touch, plush feeling, and decor compatibility.

Now coming towards the downside. You might be shocked to know that velvet is not as durable as it feels. Even though it comes with double or triple layers. But to cut down the manufacturing cost, they use a thin layer of fabrics. So for that reason, it is not as durable as cotton or linen.

Cleaning the velvet fabric is also really tricky. You need to purchase specific products to do so. There are solvents available in the market specially designed for plain velvet fabric. Moreover, you need to take care of the fabric all the time. It is not the best option for kids.

Embossed Velvet Fabric

It is a very self-explanatory term. The embossed velvet fabric comes with unique patterns. These are not the ones like the screen-printed cloth.

So if you feel like adding extra decor to the sofa covers, then the embossed velvet fabric has to be the one for your upholstery.

Now, you might think by looking at the embossed velvet that it is pretty hard to create such a fabric. Well, it is not like that. Even though my first impression of embossed velvet was that it might have several layers of the parent fabric.

It is very easy to manufacture embossed velvet fabric, and therefore, you can easily buy it without spending a lot of money. So it has to be a great advantage. Many people feel that they would go bankrupt if they started decorating their homes with velvet sofas.

No, the images on the embossed velvet fabric are not going to fade away, they are created with acetate and other chemicals, and they use stamps to do so.

As far as durability is concerned, the number of rubs of embossed velvet fabric is the same as that of plain velvet fabric.

It is pretty obvious from the apparent quality of embossed velvet fabric that it is here for the looks, but still, it is not all that will decide the perfectness of a velvet fabric type for upholstery.

Pile-on-pile Velvet Fabric

Did you not find this name very strange? Well, I did so. However, just like the embossed velvet fabric, it is also very self-explanatory.

So be ready if you wish to have a velvet fabric that is tough and can stand your nasty kids, then the pile-on-pile fabric could be the one.

As the name says, it is created by putting various piles of velvet fabrics over one and another. This is performed to get various patterns. The length of each pile differs from the other.

This way you get various patterns that would give a look like embossed velvet fabric. It is not technically embossed fabric.

The sole reason for having it is the look and the durability. So if these are the two main properties that fall on your checklist then the pile-on-pile velvet fabric could be the one that you need.

Nacre Velvet Fabric

This is an extremely unique fabric for upholstery. You might be surprised to know that to produce Nacre velvet fabric they use two types of piles. The colors of the piles differ, and the types may also vary.

There will be a base pile and an upper pile. The base pile is usually made up of cotton-based velvet, while the upper pile can be the mirror velvet.

We would highly recommend the Nacre velvet fabric for the home decor, especially for such a decor where you cannot help but focus on the upholstery only.

Burnout Velvet Fabric

Again the name of the fabric is pretty unusual. Who would call a fabric burnout, does not it sound dangerous to you?

Well, it is not only the name but the process through which this fabric is created. So far we have been discussing the types of velvet fabric that were created through piles, but this one is made with a caustic solution.

They actually burn some selected areas of the velvet fabric and then make a pattern through it.

Doesn’t that sound interesting?

Now, coming to the price. As the process to create it requires a lot of effort, so you can easily understand that it would not be easy to buy fabric. Therefore, if you are a fan of such unique patterns, that are indirectly embossed, then go for the burn-out velvet for upholstery.

You can have it for the drawing rooms, or simply for the armchairs, that need to look different and fancy.

As for kids, it is not the best option available. Firstly because it is a bit delicate, second, you never know about the inflammable part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to buy velvet fabric for upholstery in drawing rooms?

It would be a fantastic idea to have velvet for the drawing rooms, and similar areas. Velvet has a unique and luxurious look, thus, it will give an attractive feel to the rooms.

Which velvet fabric is the best for upholstery?

If you are searching with respect to the parent or base fabric, then the cotton and linen velvet fabrics are ideal for upholstery.

Is it easy to clean velvet upholstery fabric?

No, it is relatively difficult to clean velvet fabric. You need special solvents for that.

How often should I clean the velvet sofa?

Every other day you must vacuum the velvet sofa. It has several layers of fabrics, and piles, therefore, cleaning regularly is necessary.

Are velvet sofas safe for kids?

If they are grown-up kids then it is fine. However, various types of velvet fabrics are flammable.

Why should I buy velvet fabric for upholstery?

One should buy velvet fabric for upholstery for the following reasons.

• Wrinkle-free fabric.
• Water-resistant fabric.
• Comes in various designs.
• Depicts luxury.

Final Words

Velvet upholstery fabric is ideal for a unique and royal environment. People who wish for a lux drawing room or living room must go for velvet fabric. It is available in several amazing types, and base fabrics. Thus, at the end of the day, it depends on the buyer’s preferences which one to choose, and that can only happen properly after reading about all the types of velvet fabric for upholstery.