Velvet sofas come with their own set of pros and cons, from their rich, tactile finish to how they handle day-to-day use. They’re a popular pick for those after a softer, more luxurious look, but there are a few practical things to weigh up before you buy.
Our guide walks through the pros and cons of velvet sofas, how to clean a velvet sofa properly, which types of velvet are commonly used, and whether they suit your home and lifestyle. We’ve also included some straightforward advice if you’re still deciding between velvet and other upholstery options.
If you’re looking for a velvet sofa, we have a wide range of luxury sofa beds and sofas that are available in velvet fabrics, as well as being available in over 150 other fabrics too.
The Malford Sofa/ Sofa Bed in House Velvet Hunter
The Pros and Cons of Velvet Sofas
Velvet is often seen as a luxury fabric, but there’s more to consider than just looks. Understanding the pros and cons of velvet sofas can help you decide if it’s the right material for your sofa or sofa bed.
The Pros of Velvet Sofas
- Soft and comfortable
Velvet’s dense weave gives it a naturally plush surface. It’s smooth to the touch and holds its shape well, making it a great choice for those who use their sofa a lot. - Rich colour and texture
Velvet handles colour better than many other fabrics. Its surface reflects light beautifully, giving plain colours more depth and vibrancy. - Versatile
Velvet looks just as good on classic scroll-arm sofas as it does on more modern, boxy shapes. - Tougher than it looks
Many of today’s velvets (especially those made from polyester or performance blends) are made to resist crushing, fading and light stains. - A natural focal point
Velvet’s texture and slight sheen give it a bold presence, making it ideal for adding depth or contrast to more neutral interiors.
The Cons of Velvet Sofas
- Shows pressure marks easily
The pile of velvet can shift or flatten where it’s most used, like seat cushions or armrests. This can leave visible imprints and shading differences over time. - Attracts dust, lint and pet hair
Velvet fibres naturally attract particles, which can build up quickly. If you have pets or a lot of foot traffic in your living space, expect to lint-roll or vacuum your velvet sofa regularly to keep it looking tidy. - More sensitive to spills
Spilled drinks or oily marks can soak into the fibres before you get a chance to blot them, and some stains may be difficult to remove without professional help. Even water can sometimes leave rings or marks, depending on the type of velvet. - May need special cleaning or maintenance
Some velvet types benefit from occasional steaming or brushing. Unlike flat-weave fabrics, velvet isn’t always easy to wipe clean, so maintenance takes a bit more care and patience.
Is Velvet a Good Choice for Sofas?
Whether velvet is the right choice for your sofa depends on how you use your sofa or sofa bed, and what matters most to you. If you’re after something tactile and luxurious, velvet’s rich texture is hard to beat. It looks beautiful even in bold colours and adds instant character to a room.
However, it’s not always the most practical choice for every home. Velvet works well in lower-traffic areas or where you’re happy to put in a bit of care to keep it looking its best. If you have pets that shed a lot, or prefer a fabric you can easily wipe down, velvet might require more upkeep than you’d like.
That said, many modern velvets are more durable than older versions, and fabric innovation means you don’t always have to sacrifice looks to get a low-maintenance sofa.
Are Velvet Sofas Pet-Friendly or Kid-Friendly?
Velvet isn’t the most low-maintenance choice for homes with pets or young children, but it can still work if you’re realistic. While the soft pile can catch pet hair or get marked by little fingers, most modern velvet blends are far more durable than they used to be.
Look for performance velvets or synthetic mixes, which tend to resist wear, moisture and stains better than traditional cotton velvets. Regular brushing can help lift the pile and remove fluff, and removable covers make occasional spot-cleaning easier. It’s not indestructible, but with the right fabric and a little care, velvet can still be practical in busy households.
How to Clean a Velvet Sofa
Velvet might have a reputation for being delicate, but caring for it isn’t as complicated as many assume. Most modern velvet sofas, including those with synthetic blends, are designed to withstand everyday use, but regular maintenance still goes a long way in keeping a velvet sofa or sofa bed looking fresh.
- Vacuum regularly
Use a soft brush attachment to remove surface dust and dirt. This prevents particles from getting embedded in the pile. - Spot clean gently
If there’s a spill, blot (don’t rub) the area with a clean, absorbent cloth. Use lukewarm water and a very mild soap solution if needed. - Brush the fabric
Once dry, lightly brush the fibres in the same direction to restore the velvet’s natural texture. - Use steam (carefully)
For creases or flattened areas, a handheld steamer can help lift the pile. Just make sure not to saturate the fabric. - Avoid harsh cleaners
Chemical cleaners and solvents can damage the velvet, especially on cotton velvet. We’d strongly recommend always checking the care label first.
For more information on cleaning sofa beds and sofas, check out our blog on how to properly clean a sofa bed.
What Types of Velvet Are Used on Sofas?
Not all velvet is the same. The type of velvet used can affect how soft it feels, how much it shines, and how well it holds up to daily use. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types you’ll find on sofas and sofa beds:
- Cotton Velvet
Luxuriously soft with a rich, matte finish. Cotton velvet is breathable but can crush more easily, meaning it may show marks over time. - Polyester or Synthetic Velvet
More durable and often easier to clean than natural velvet. It resists fading and crushing better, making it a practical choice for busy homes. - Crushed Velvet
Known for its textured, slightly shimmering look. It’s a bold option, although it can be less forgiving when it comes to wear and tear. - Velvet Blends (e.g. cotton-poly mix)
Combines the softness of natural velvet with the resilience of synthetics. These blends are often chosen to offer a more luxurious feel without the high maintenance.
Alternatives to Velvet Sofas
If velvet feels like too much upkeep or you feel like it doesn’t suit your home, there are plenty of alternatives:
- Linen or linen-blend: Light, breathable and relaxed in look. It doesn’t trap as much heat or dust but may wrinkle more easily.
- Cotton: A great all-rounder, soft, affordable and available in endless colours.
- Chenille: Shares some of velvet’s plushness but tends to be more durable and forgiving.
- Textured weaves: Slightly more structured than velvet but great for hiding marks or general wear.
If velvet doesn’t feel like the right fit, exploring other fabrics is a good place to start. You can order up to 8 free fabric samples, delivered straight to your home, to compare fabrics at home and find what feels right.
Considering a Velvet Sofa?
Velvet won’t suit every home, but for those drawn to its luxurious look and feel, it’s a fabric that brings real character to any living room. And with so many velvet types now designed for day-to-day use, it's now much more viable to buy a velvet sofa or sofa bed.
All of our sofas and sofa beds are available in a wide range of fabrics, including velvets, rich cottons, and high-performance blends. Each piece of furniture is handmade in Britain by craftspeople with decades of experience, so if you’re still deciding, it might be worth seeing how velvet looks on your sofa with our free fabric samples.