5 things you need to know before buying a velvet sofa

It’s hard not to fall in love with a velvet sofa. We all love velvet, right? With its luxuriously silk like touch, gorgeous texture and glamorous appeal. What’s not to like?

So buying a velvet sofa needs careful thought.  It’s a big commitment, a serious purchase. And whilst they look sexy and opulent on Pinterest and in magazines, you need to remember that this sofa will be with you for years, so you want to get it right.

So if like me, you just can’t get enough of velvet, then hopefully this post will help with the ‘should I shouldn’t I’ dilemma.

So here’s 5 things you need to know about velvet sofa’s

Attracts dust

Willis often refers to our velvet sofa as a dust catcher.  But it’s true, velvet will attract dust and it’ll be more visible than other fabrics.  But please don’t let that put you off.  There’s a simple solution.  Try brushing your sofa on a weekly or fortnightly basis.  Trust me your sofa will love it!  We’ve got a Remington fuzz away.  Remember those? They were pretty big in the 80’s (now I’m showing my age!). It’s great at stimulating the pile and will make it look as good as new.  But a gentle, and I mean gentle, vacuum will also do the trick.

It will fade over time (but I’m talking years)

Like any material, velvet will fade.  You simply can’t get away from it.  Unless you wrap it up in cling film, that is.  But don’t give up just yet.  Think about where you sofa will sit: if it’s opposite or near a window, check to see if the sun hits that spot.

If it does then be prepared that over time, it will start to fade.  Both of my sofas are in direct sunlight and I am forever closing our blinds.  But this is a small price to pay for maintaining its lustre.  So if you can, position your sofa away from direct sunlight.  Or be prepared to close your curtains or blinds when the sun hits.

Pet hair will definitely show up

Got pets, or maybe a partner that sheds hair like a woolly mammoth?  Sorry Willis.  Smiling lots!  Like any sofas, velvet will attract hair and will stick to your sofa like velcro sticks to velcro.  But don’t get rid of your partner or pets just yet. The solution is simple.  Just get your vacuum cleaner out on its lowest setting with a fabric attachment, if you have one.  And give it a gentle clean.  Bingo!  Did someone say hair, what hair?

Spillage or staining

Light or dark velvet sofas will show stains.  But as with any stains they need immediate attention and that doesn’t mean ‘I’ll do it later’.  Attend to it immediately, preferably with a dry or paper towel to soak up the stain.  And for pete’s sake don’t use any detergent!  You’ll seriously ruin it.  And for those who are a bit clumsy like me, I’d highly recommend having your sofa scotch guarded. It’s a bit like insurance for your sofa.  Ours cost about £100 for 5 years and this covers you for certain spillages and marks etc.  It’s a small price to pay for prolonging your sofa’s life.

Plump plump plump, plump it up!

Finally, it’s all about the sagging.  Sorry to say this, but unfortunately your sofa cushions will sag.  It’s a bit like the skin around your eyes, with age they’ll start to loll unless you do something about it, like using an eye cream.  Sofa cushions are the same. So you need to plump them up!  The best way to do this is to remove the cushions from your sofa and punch them from all sides.  Treat it like you’re in a boxing match.  Think Mike Tyson or your partner if you’ve just had a meaningless argument over nothing.  The harder you hit them the better.   And the great thing is, they can’t hit you back!  So it’s great for getting your ya ya’s out. Doing this will not only make you feel better (great stress reliever), but will also make your sofa cushions look as good as new.

So would I buy one again?  Hell, YES!!  And that includes having a toddler in the house. Velvet is ‘Top of the Pops’.  It’s in a league of its own.  It’s a class act and nothing else compares.  So do you backside a favour, and give it what it deserves, the ultimate in luxury.

BUT don’t forget to love your sofa.  Caress it if you need to.  Do what you have to, to show it some affection.  And I promise it will love you back. Think of it like being in a long term relationship: if you put the time and effort in, it will last for years!

So I hope I’ve helped you with your ‘should I or shouldn’t I’ dilemma.  Need more convincing, then check out Kimberly from Swoonworthy’s post about why velvet is good.

Let me know how you get on.  I’d love to hear from you and even better, see some pics.

x

In the meantime, here are a few of my favourites.

Want simplicity?  Then check out this stunning sofa from – Swoon Editions   It’s minimal silhouette coupled with it’s mid-century design has understated glam written all over it.

And for those looking for something ultra modern, then check out this si-fi sofa from Habitat.  With it’s state of the art arched back and uber modern design, it will most definitely transport you to the Starship Enterprise.  Beam me up Scotty!

And for those looking for pure elegance then this Valentine sofa from Swoon Editions ticks all the boxes.  Tall back and sides, even the name suits it. How very chic!

Got a small space to fill?  Then this 2 seater sofa from Swoon Editions will fit the bill.  At only 116cm wide, it will add glamour to the smallest of spaces.  Who said corners should be boring?

Love Netflicks?  Then check out this super comfy sofa from Furniture Village.  With it’s deep frame and large cushions you won’t want to get up! Another episode of House of Cards anyone?