Velvet furniture adds instant luxury to any room. From statement sofas to elegant dining chairs, velvet is everywhere in modern interiors. But how do you keep it looking its best? Here is our complete guide to velvet furniture care.
Why Choose Velvet?
Velvet has made a major comeback in interior design, and for good reason:
- Soft, luxurious texture
- Rich, deep colours that catch the light beautifully
- Surprisingly durable when properly cared for
- Works in both traditional and contemporary settings
- Available in a wide range of colours
Daily Velvet Care
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuum your velvet furniture weekly using a soft brush attachment. This removes dust and debris before it can work into the fibres. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile to avoid damaging the fabric.
Brushing
Use a soft-bristled clothes brush or velvet brush to maintain the pile. Brush gently in one direction to keep the fabric looking smooth and consistent.
Rotate Cushions
If your velvet sofa has removable cushions, rotate and flip them regularly. This ensures even wear and helps cushions maintain their shape.
Dealing with Spills
Act quickly! The faster you address a spill, the easier it is to remove.
For Liquid Spills:
- Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth – never rub
- Work from the outside of the spill inward to prevent spreading
- Continue blotting until no more liquid transfers to the cloth
- Allow to air dry completely
- Once dry, brush the pile gently to restore texture
For Solid Spills:
- Gently scrape off excess with a spoon or blunt knife
- Vacuum any remaining particles
- If a stain remains, treat as per liquid spill instructions
Removing Stains from Velvet
Water-Based Stains
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring out excess liquid, and gently blot the stain. Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue. Allow to dry naturally.
Grease Stains
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda or cornstarch on the stain and leave for several hours or overnight. The powder will absorb the grease. Vacuum away and repeat if necessary.
Stubborn Stains
For persistent stains, professional cleaning is recommended. Attempting aggressive cleaning at home can damage the velvet pile permanently.
Protecting Your Velvet Furniture
Position Away from Sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade velvet over time. Position your furniture away from windows or use curtains and blinds to filter strong sunlight.
Keep Away from Heat
Do not place velvet furniture near radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents. Heat can dry out the fibres and cause damage.
Consider a Fabric Protector
Some fabric protector sprays are suitable for velvet. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
Dealing with Crushing and Marks
Velvet can develop temporary marks where it has been sat on or pressed. This is normal and usually resolves itself. To speed up the process:
- Use a steamer held 15-20cm from the fabric
- Gently brush the pile while still warm
- Allow to dry and brush again
Important: Never iron velvet directly as this will crush the pile permanently.
Professional Cleaning
We recommend professional cleaning every 1-2 years, depending on use. Professional cleaners have specialist equipment and products designed for velvet that deliver superior results without risk of damage.
Velvet Furniture at Aurino & Co
Our collection includes stunning velvet pieces:
- Velvet Dining Chairs – Including our popular Bentley range with lion knocker details
- Velvet Sofas – From Chesterfield classics to contemporary designs
- Boucle Sofas – The Miami collection in soft, textured fabric
Shop velvet sofas | Shop velvet dining chairs
