Yesterday, I posted about 2011 design trends and one of them was the resurgence of velvet.
Philadelphia interior designer Donna Hoffman called it “the biggest news for 2011.”
I’m not surprised. It was all over the runway last fall and so often trends in fashion and interiors follow the same paths.
I found the interior design example at right on MyHomeIdeas.com,
“A mixture of deep red and rich purple conjure up a sumptuous feel in this sitting area,” the site about the room. “Mix glossy furniture with velvet fabrics and geometric prints.”
Velvet is known for its indulgent hand, created by clipping the surface of looped, densely packed woven fibers, Better Homes and Gardens says of the fabric. It is made of silk, cotton, rayon, linen, or wool.
“Silk velvet is luxurious but fragile, while cotton is less formal but sturdier,” BHG says. “Velvet's nap will crush under heavy use.”
Most of us can’t run right out to buy a velvet sofa to participate in a new trend. And let’s face it, that probably wouldn’t be all that smart anyway.
So how can you participate in the velvet trend without breaking the bank? Try these ideas:
1. Add some velvet throw pillows.
Pillows are always one of the cheapest easiest ways to try something new, whether it be a hot color or trendy fabric.
For under $50, you can toss a couple velvet pillows on a sofa or on your bed and get more luxurious feel.
At right are a couple options from Pier1. The shaded spruce pillow is on sale for $15.95. The chocolate brown velvet pillow is $29.95.
2. Dress up windows with velvet drapes.
Nothing would add a little luxury to a living room faster than a set of velvet drapes.
The weight of velvet means the fabric hangs beautifully and typically blocks more light than a cotton, even if it’s unlined.
Plus, you get a little of that shimmer that makes a room feel glamorous.
3. Recover or add a cushion to some chair seats
The easiest reupholstering project is to take some simple dining chairs and recover the seats.
If you’ve never tackled this project, now is the time and velvet is a great option!
Look for a simple chair with a seat that can be removed. Typically, you can just unscrew the panels or pieces holding in the fabric, recover them and replace. Go to previous post here for more details.
Or, as shown in the BHG photo at right, you can sew or buy a cushion for a simple chair. I love the pretty strip in this velvet fabric.
Need more help with upholstery? I have to refer you ModHomeEc where Shelly Leer blogs about DIY projects and teaches classes on upholstery.
4. Try a smaller piece of velvet furniture.
A velvet sofa will run you at least $1,000 and probably more. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other smaller furniture pieces that you can get for a few hundred dollars.
The rose-colored velvet storage bench at right from Urban Outfitters is $259. It could be used in so many great places – at the end of a bed, in an entry way or as extra seating in a living room.
Plus, it’s a great place to store some linens, a throw or your design magazine collection.
You could also try a velvet headboard, like the one below from Urban Outfitters for $349.
Or, how about the Andorra Grey Velvet Side Chairs from Overstock. The set of two is $199. I also like the Cream Velvet Fabric Ottoman for $93 at Amazon.
5. Try a velvet accent.
Try adding a little bit of velvet ribbon to a simple lampshade you already have. Or do the same with your existing pillows or a curtain (as shown in the BHG photo at right).
Use a velvet runner on your dining room table or on a buffet.
Hang a photo on your wall using a velvet ribbon. Or cover a simple picture frame with a velvet damask fabric.
Don’t want to try a project yourself? Fair enough. There are plenty of options you can purchase.
Below, from left, a Velvet Flower Wall Sticker from walstick on Etsy, $29.99; Pendant lampshade with velvet trim from House of Chintz on Etsy, $114; Vintage Red Button Tree wall hanging with green velvet ribbon from theLittleGreenButton on Etsy, $3.75.
