Knowledge Base

Velvet is believed to have been created by the Egyptians, who used a superior blend of linens and silk to make this sumptuously soft fabric. Italy was the first European country to have a thriving velvet trade and during the Renaissance period, people went really nuts for it, which is when it became a popular way to show off your wealth. As you can imagine, a plush fabric that took time, several materials and high skill to create was no cheap buy. Fast-forward to modern day, and velvet has become much more accessible. It’s no longer created using just fine silk, and we’ve been able to incorporate other more durable materials such as cotton, wool and synthetic fibres, making it a much more practical material for a busy, lived-in home. As with any fabric, some care and maintenance will be needed to keep your velvet furniture in good condition. We’ve compiled this guide full of helpful tips and advice for you to do just that. Types Of Velvet There are a lot of different velvet types. The most common used in furniture upholstery are: ● Crushed velvet ● Microfibre ● Velour Wondering how to tell which is which? Crushed velvet has a very visible sheen to it and was the staple of the seventies - think Mick Jagger’s double-breasted suit jackets and plush dressing gowns. Microfibre is probably the most common in use today, it’s the muted and understated look thanks to its shorter pile that is still beautifully soft to the touch. Finally, velour sits somewhere in between the two, with a long enough pile to create texture and variation in tone. Due to the difference in pile lengths, crushed velvet and velour will require more upkeep than microfibre. Maintaining your Velvet Pile Dense, lush pile is one of the key characteristics of velvet - that’s what makes it the luxury product that it is. On lighter-coloured fabrics with no pattern or texture, the pile becomes more noticeable. It is a series of small woven loops in one direction, which is why when you brush it the opposite way, it creates a darker, different effect. Generally, velvet items are made with the pile going down. If you brush your hand down with the pile, it will feel smooth to touch and look lighter. If you move in the opposite direction and push against the pile, it will feel coarser and look darker. If you have a velvet item in your house, try brushing it both up and down with a flat hand to see the difference. As you can see, the direction of the pile can therefore make a big difference in the appearance of your velvet furniture. This ultimately adds character and variation to the fabric, introducing different, darker tones, which you’ll want to keep in mind when planning out your interior using velvet pieces. If you’re more of a minimalist and want the neatest look possible, you’ll want to brush the pile in the same direction over the entire item. For quick and easy touch-ups, you can just use the palm of your (clean) hand - be sure to wash your hands before doing it, so that you’re minimising any natural grease and oil that will transfer onto the fabric. For long-term maintenance or larger items of furniture, a clothes brush is the best tool for the job. Double-sided clothes brushes are ideal – one side has softer bristles for general upkeep and the other has firm bristles. While you will use the softer side most often to correct the direction of the pile, the firmer bristles also work well well to brush out any stubborn marks or creases that may occur if care is not taken when in use or when rough clothing items, such as zips or embellishments, come into contact with a seat. General Care Tips Brushing velvet furniture regularly will not only maintain a neat and smooth appearance, it also lifts the pile and reduces the effects of being flattened by constant use - think of it in the same way as hoovering carpet - your carpet always looks and feels much more plush after a good hoover, doesn’t it? The brush can be used to remove any dust and dirt between the fibers, and for a deeper clean you can gently use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. Velvet care guide: dos and donts In summary, here’s our quickfire round of the essential dos and donts when it comes to velvet care. DO regularly brush your velvet furniture to ‘fluff up’ the pile and keep it in good condition to avoid it going flat. DON’T get the velvet wet. You should soak up any spillages immediately by gently blotting them with a clean cloth. Don’t press too hard as this may damage or flatten the pile, instead just gently blot and allow it to dry. Once the fabric is dry, you can brush to refresh the pile. DO use a decent fabric upholstery cleaner if you get a stubborn spot or stain. The best homemade solution is equal parts white vinegar and distilled water, which should always be gently blotted onto a small non-visible area to test first. Once dry, you should always restore the texture by brushing or gently vacuuming. PLEASE NOTE: These procedures are to be undertaken at your own risk by a recommended process of spot-testing any solutions first. Where Saints Go will not be held responsible for any damage incurred.