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Choosing Velvet Fabric
- Is velvet durable enough for upholstery?
- Yes, but not all velvets are equal. When choosing upholstery velvet, check the double rub rating—it’s the key measure of durability. The higher the number, the longer your fabric will withstand everyday wear. Our velvet collection ranges from heavy‑duty options at 50,000 double rubs to high‑performance styles exceeding 200,000 double rubs, ensuring lasting beauty for any project.
- What velvet do I use for draperies?
- Short‑pile velvet is an excellent choice for draperies, offering a smooth, elegant finish. Our collection includes wide‑width options for creating seamless panels, as well as FR (flame‑retardant) selections designed to meet coding standards for theater curtains and commercial window treatments.
- What types of velvet are used in home décor?
- Velvet comes in a wide range of fibers, including cotton, polyester, silk, mohair, dralon, viscose/rayon, and even acrylic for outdoor use. Styles span from refined short‑pile to indulgently plush constructions. Finishes are equally diverse—you’ll find antiqued, ribbed, washed, metallic, and high‑sheen looks, along with quilted and ribbed variations for added dimension. Patterns can be achieved by cutting designs directly into the pile, while some velvets are printed for striking visual effects.
- What methods are used to create patterns on velvet?
- Velvet patterns are achieved through several specialized techniques:
- Cut velvet: Sections of the pile are carefully sheared away, leaving raised and recessed areas that form textured designs.
- Embossed velvet: Heat and pressure are applied with engraved rollers to stamp motifs into the pile.
- Burnout (devoré): Chemicals dissolve selected fibers, creating semi‑transparent areas with intricate designs.
- Printed velvet: Designs are applied directly to the surface using screen printing, digital printing, or foil for metallic effects.
- Does velvet fade or crush easily?
- Velvet can show pressure marks where the pile is pressed down—such as from sitting or folding—but these are usually temporary. A light steaming or gentle brushing often restores the pile to its original look.
Like most textiles, velvet is also sensitive to sunlight. Prolonged exposure can cause fading, especially with richly dyed colors. For draperies or upholstered pieces placed near windows, lining or UV protection is recommended to preserve the fabric’s vibrancy.
In short: velvet may crush or fade under certain conditions, but with proper care it remains a durable and luxurious choice for home décor.
Check out this video from Maxwell Fabrics on caring for velvet >
Velvet is luxurious yet versatile, available in durable modern blends that make it practical for everyday home décor. The most common concerns—durability, cleaning, and styling—are easily addressed by choosing the right type of velvet and caring for it properly.
Explore Our Best‑Selling Velvets
Velvet: Heritage and Craftsmanship
Velvet has long been prized for its luxurious texture. While it was once woven exclusively from silk—making it rare and costly—today it is also crafted from cotton, wool, mohair and modern synthetic fibers, broadening its accessibility without losing its elegance.At its core, velvet is a woven pile fabric. The plush surface comes from warp yarns interlaced into the backing. Traditionally, it is produced on a double loom, which weaves two layers of cloth at once with the pile sandwiched between them. As the fabric leaves the loom, the pile is carefully cut apart, yielding two pieces of velvet—each with its signature upright pile.
To perfect the finish, the fabric is sheared for uniformity, then dyed. Velvet is renowned for its ability to absorb color richly and evenly. While still damp, it is brushed so the pile sets with a directional grain, creating the unmistakable hand and sheen that has captivated consumers for centuries.
