Are you considering getting a velvet sofa and want to know the pros and cons?
In this post, I’ll be answering the question ‘are velvet sofas worth it?’ So let’s get straight into this!
Table of Contents
Are velvet sofas comfortable?
Of course! Much like any sofa material, velvet sofas are comfortable and you have choices of different levels of comfort to suit your every need and preference.
Plus, who can resist rubbing their hand on a piece of velvet furniture as soon as it clocks your eye as you walk by? Velvet is like a magnet to people’s fingertips in the store, so why not make it a part of your home where you can reap the benefits on a daily basis?
But, before we do a deep dive into the fabric itself, when choosing a sofa you want to make sure it’s something that will stand the test of time in your home as well as give you overall comfort.
Your preference in foam or fibre in your cushions will steer you in the direction of picking out your new living room centrepiece. Remember this when choosing your furniture as sitting down on a velvet sofa or any other type of furniture will be determined by more than just the fabric.
Perhaps there’s that chenille fabric sofa you tried in the store you sat on but you’d prefer it in velvet. Ask and make it happen to find your perfect couch.
Velvet is a distinctively smooth fabric which is tightly woven giving it a particularly stylish feel and look. It’s so sleek that the low pile gives it a very characteristic sheen and this is probably why you’re considering it as few materials bear such similarities.
These days you’re spoiled for choice with modern velvet vendors having an array of methods and materials to create velvet from, such as synthetic materials, linen and cotton as well as more historically used and potentially desirable silk. Silk is incredibly luxurious and soft and the most costly when it comes to velvet.
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Cotton
Cotton velvet is also known as velveteen and is a very modern chic style which often comes in at affordable prices while giving you that pure silk-like look.
Linen
Linen velvet is less on the shiny side of things given its slightly matt look in comparison with its counterparts.
Linen cotton is typically the most breathable due to the differently sized strands giving it a slightly looser weave. This gives it a slightly cooler feel if you prefer a naturally cold texture to snuggle into.
Synthetic
There are multiple types of synthetic Velvets going but this is the one you want to choose when you’re most worried about pets or stains. Probably among the most durable velvet options as the synthetic properties give great stain resistance.
Synthetic velvet can be among the cheapest and with a wide variety of choices you can pick up a stylish bargain that even a velvet connoisseur would have trouble turning their nose up at.
Silk
The OG. Silk was the first to arrive at the party. And with bells on. You can’t go wrong when pulling for the sleekest most luxurious velvet option there is. It’s not everybody’s thing, but if you’re a fan of velvet. This will serve you well.
All of these different options make way for different levels of comfort based on your personal preference. Find what works for you and get comfortable.
Are velvet sofas pet friendly?
Typically, yes. Velvet sofas can put up with common domesticated household pets such as cats and dogs.
It’s Weaving Cats and Dogs?…
Velvet is reasonably tough and can withstand more of a beating than you’d first think. But when it comes to pet cats and dogs we worry about clawing, scratching and the odd accidental (or on purpose?…) bladder movement.
In any such case, most fabrics would need immediate cleanup or repair. There are more durable fabrics and materials out there that may be best suited if you’re Dr Dolittle or Ace Ventura, but velvet can still hold its own.
Scratching/Clawing
Due to its tightly woven and low pile make-up, velvet isn’t prone to have any loose threads, so your cat will likely walk on by without a second glance unless the velvet’s inviting sheen tempts it over it to lie in a vogueish position awaiting for the paparazzi.
We would all take that over our felines going into wolverine mode.
Shedding
If you tell a strand of pet hair to jump from its host to a velvet sofa, it’ll do it! And the rest will follow. Velvet attracts hair from your shedding pets like a light attracts a moth, but it’s not all bad as velvet is particularly easy to clean.
With a vacuum cleaner or lint roller you can remove most of the hair from your sofa with ease before attacking any stubborn areas with a damp microfibre cloth.
As mentioned, there are undoubtedly tougher materials out there, but velvet can give you the best of both worlds. Just be sure to train your pets…
Do velvet sofas attract heat?
Yes. Well, kind of! Velvet is a naturally warm material due to its soft tight weave making it a great material for wrapping up in the cold winter nights.
The thicker the velvet material the more heat it will retain. It doesn’t generate heat as such but warmer days will make your velvet sofa ride the wave and increase the temperature. Even on colder days your body heat will be absorbed by the fabric and feel like it’s bouncing straight back to you.
The density and lack of breathability of this fabric makes it naturally warm in comparison with other materials making it the perfect choice if you prefer to be cozy all year round.
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Do velvet sofas look tacky?
Absolutely not. Velvet is often considered a luxury material and can make a beautiful addition to your sitting area.
A velvet sofa as a feature piece in your living room? Pretty stylish! Don’t get me wrong, you can’t overdo it with the velvet.
If your drapes, rug, armchair and wallpaper are also velvet, we’re getting into tacky races territory but a luxurious velvet sofa can go a long way in making an elegant statement in your home. Keep the velvet cake away and you should be good for a number of years.
Wear and tear can eventually make the cheaper of velvets look a little bit on the weary side of life as would overuse on anything, but maintenance and careful upkeep will prolong its deluxe status.
Are velvet sofas hard to keep clean?
No, as long as you act quickly you should be able to tackle spillages and stains relatively easily.
As mentioned previously, due to its tight nit weave this makes for a very dense makeup and gives velvet a decent moisture-wicking ability. If you attack spillages immediately after they happen you can avoid long-term damage.
Opting for a simple warm soapy water combo should do the trick if you’ve been quick off the mark. But for more stubborn spillages you may have to go on the offensive with something stronger.
Upholstery Stain Remover
Preferably to be used after attempting with soap and warm water but using a store bought upholstery cleaner may be the thing you need to extract the deeper spills and grime from your velvet sofa. A spray and careful wipe-up with a soft brush or microfibre cloth should do the trick.
Baking Soda and Lemon water
The dynamic duo. Mixing baking soda and lemon water together with a jug of warm water will make a simple cleaning solution for your home remedies. Soak a microfibre cloth in the solution, squeezing excess water from it and apply the cloth to the spill or stain.
Don’t rub the stain vigorously as you’ll upset the velvet and it may look like it’s sulking once you’re done. Gently apply the solution and your spills should be soaked up.
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Are velvet sofas practical?
Yes. Velvet is much more practical than you may first think. Velvet sofas are surprisingly hard-wearing and you can have one in your own home without it placing a ‘Do not touch’ sign in front of it. A velvet sofa can serve you just as well as any other sofa.
Velvet’s durability and lack of loose threading will reduce any possibility of accidentally catching, ripping or tearing your sofa when sitting down or walking by.
This makes having a velvet sofa much less of a stress for the casual family. That being said, if you’ve come home from work after a day on the building site, think about changing into your comfies before settling down for the evening.
Are velvet sofas durable?
Yes. Durability is the hidden secret of velvet. As well as being relatively snag-resistant, some modern velvets often come with a stain-proof protective coat.
Different velvets make for different levels of durability and both natural and synthetic fibres can play the durable game.
Synthetic Polyester
100% polyester sofas are one way to go when buying a velvet sofa. While polyester is often considered as a plastic type material, when woven into velvet this can be soft and comfortable while being heavily stain and abrasion resistant.
Polyester is also often considered as a lower cost option, so you’re getting the best of both worlds when opting for polyester. Heavily durable, and not breaking the bank.
Mohair Velvet
On the other end of the scale, you have the option of going for a more natural velvet in that of the Angora Goat coat. Mohair is an incredibly luxurious natural wool that’s soft and sleek while also suitable for being exposed to the elements.
It’s highly sought after and at the more expensive end of the scale. Its deluxe sheen and silk-like qualities give it a very high-end feel and its strong resilient natural fibres make it a great option for a top-end velvet sofa that can shrug off everyday usage without complaint.
As will anything you should actively maintain and clean your velvet sofa to ensure its long lasting and sleek appearance doesn’t diminish over time with neglect. Look after your sofa and it’ll serve you well.
Are velvet sofas easy to clean?
Yes. Cleaning velvet can be relatively painless, with velvet’s fine texture making it quite simple to remove crumbs and spillage from your sofa. In any case, the faster you act, the easier the cleaning process.
We’ve already covered some methods in cleaning stains with warm water, baking soda and retail upholstery cleaners but there are other methods to clean your velvet depending on the mess you’ve created.
Vacuum
When you’re overindulging on wafers and graham crackers your sofa will take a major hit in the crumb collecting department. The quickest and most effective way to clean up crumbs and dust is to grab the vacuum.
Most modern vacuums come with an upholstery attachment to pull up the finest of debris and will make it look like your biscuit escapade never even happened.
Steamer
The deep cleaner. Steam cleaning is perhaps a last resort when it comes to a stain that’s overstayed its welcome and something that should only be used on the more synthetic velvet make-ups. Make sure you read any instructions or tags so as to not damage your velvet sofa when your sole goal is to make it look brand new.
However, if your sofa can take the hit, steam cleaning can pull out even the oldest of stains. Adding a steam session to your spring cleaning routine will freshen up your sofa giving it a new lease of life.
If you’ve spent your hard earned cash and gone for a more natural silk and mohair velvet, consider hiring a professional to clean your sofa. It will be worth it in the long run and while your bank balance may look unhappy, your sofa will be delighted with the attention you’ve given it.
Other
Regular cleaning is a must for this demanding material and preventative and protective measures as simple as covering your sofa with cushions and throws can help in the reduction of abuse your velvet sofa will endure.
A cozy cover not only protects your sofa but will make you feel right at home.
