Velvet Furniture Care: Keeping Your Pieces Looking New

You've invested in a beautiful velvet sofa or armchair and now it's time to make sure it stays looking its best. Velvet has a reputation for being high-maintenance, but with the right care routine, it's actually one of the more resilient upholstery fabrics available.

This guide builds on our Furniture Aftercare: How to Keep Your New Pieces Looking Their Best article, with specific advice for velvet upholstery.

Understanding Velvet: What Makes It Special

Velvet is a woven fabric with a distinctive cut pile with those tiny fibres that give it its characteristic sheen and softness. The pile can be crushed or flattened by pressure, friction, or moisture, which is why proper care matters. The good news: most velvet used in modern furniture is a durable polyester or velvet blend, which is more resistant to staining and crushing than traditional silk velvet.

Daily & Weekly Care

Fluffing and brushing: Gently brush your velvet sofa with a soft-bristled upholstery brush in the direction of the pile once a week. This lifts the fibres and prevents them from becoming permanently flattened.

Rotating cushions: If your sofa has removable cushions (like our Velvet Sofa 3 Seater Couch with Cushions), rotate and flip them regularly to ensure even wear.

Vacuuming: Use a handheld vacuum or the upholstery attachment on your hoover on a low suction setting. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile to avoid damaging the fibres.

Dealing With Spills and Stains

Act quickly the sooner you treat a spill, the better.

1. Blot, don't rub. Use a clean, dry white cloth to blot up as much liquid as possible. Rubbing will spread the stain and crush the pile.
2. Use cold water. For most spills, lightly dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot gently.
3. For stubborn stains, use a small amount of mild upholstery cleaner or washing-up liquid diluted in water. Test on a hidden area first.
4. Allow to dry naturally. Never use a hairdryer or place near a radiator as heat can damage velvet fibres.
5. Restore the pile. Once dry, use a soft brush to gently restore the nap.

What to avoid: harsh chemical cleaners or bleach, rubbing or scrubbing, soaking the fabric with water, and steam cleaning (unless the care label specifically permits it).

Preventing Crushing and Flattening

Velvet pile can flatten in areas of heavy use, particularly on seat cushions and armrests. Use cushions and throws to distribute pressure, avoid sitting in the same spot every time, and rotate your seating position regularly.

To revive crushed pile, hold a clothes steamer a few centimetres from the fabric and brush gently with a soft cloth while the fibres are warm. This works particularly well on our Velvet Loveseat Sofa 2 Seater and Velvet Armchair.

Protecting Your Velvet From Fading

Sunlight is velvet's biggest enemy. UV rays can cause the colour to fade unevenly, particularly on bold colours like green or burnt orange. Position your sofa away from direct sunlight where possible, use curtains or blinds during the brightest parts of the day, and consider a UV-protective window film if your living room gets a lot of sun.

This is especially worth bearing in mind if you've chosen one of our statement-coloured pieces, such as the Green 2 Seater Velvet Sofa or the Orange Velvet Loveseat Sofa.

Pets and Velvet: Can They Coexist?

Yes with a few precautions. Pet hair clings to velvet but is easy to remove with a lint roller or rubber glove. The bigger concern is scratching: cats in particular can snag velvet pile with their claws. Keep a throw or blanket over your pet's favourite spot, trim your pet's claws regularly, and use a pet-safe fabric protector spray (test on a hidden area first).

When to Call a Professional

For large stains, persistent odours, or if your sofa needs a deep clean, it's worth calling a professional upholstery cleaner. Look for one who has experience with velvet or delicate fabrics, they'll have the right equipment and products to clean without damaging the pile.

Keep Your Velvet Looking Luxurious

With a little regular attention, your velvet sofa or armchair will stay looking beautiful for years. Browse our full range of velvet sofas and the Velvet Armchair all designed to bring lasting luxury to your home.