Velvet has a way of turning any space into something that feels rich, warm, and just a little bit indulgent. That said, not all velvet is made equal — especially when it comes to home projects like upholstering a chair, refreshing your curtains, or sewing up a set of luxurious cushions.

The right velvet fabric for upholstery depends on what you’re making, how it’ll be used, and the kind of finish you’re after. Some velvets are soft and thick, perfect for sinking into. Others are sleek and shiny, or bold with digital prints.

So whether you’re crafting for your own home or choosing materials for client projects, this guide will help you find the best velvet to suit your plans — and help everything look and feel just right.

Best Velvet Fabric for Sofas and Chairs

For sofas and chairs, you need a velvet that looks good and holds up over time. It’s not just about style — though that matters too — it’s about choosing something durable, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use. Below are three types of velvet fabric for upholstery that are especially well-suited to seating.

Luxury Plush Velvet Fabric

Luxury plush velvet fabric is all about depth and softness. It’s incredibly smooth to the touch, yet it holds its shape beautifully on high-use items like sofas, armchairs, or even ottomans. This fabric tends to be thick and slightly heavier, which means it drapes nicely while giving your furniture that high-end look.

It’s also a smart choice if safety is on your mind, as it comes with fire-retardant properties. So, for a living room that feels both elegant and practical, this is a go-to pick.

Crushed Velvet Fabric

If you’re after something a bit more dramatic, crushed velvet fabric could be just the thing. It has a unique, shiny finish that catches the light in different ways, creating a rich, textured look. This makes it perfect for adding personality to vintage-inspired spaces or bold interiors.

While it feels just as soft as other velvets, crushed velvet tends to stand out more visually, ideal for statement chairs or period-style pieces. You can browse our crushed velvet fire-retardant fabric for ideas.

Tropical Printed Velvet Fabric

Printed velvets are trending right now, and tropical printed velvet fabric is a great way to add flair to your furniture. With vivid colour and bold designs, it works beautifully on feature chairs or smaller accent pieces.

It’s still soft and durable, yet the pattern adds a playful edge, especially in eclectic homes or creative spaces. You can take a closer look at our tropical printed velvet fabric to see what suits your next project.

Best Velvet Fabric for Cushions

Cushions are where velvet really shines — they’re soft, stylish, and instantly inviting. When choosing velvet cushion fabric, you want something that feels nice against the skin but also holds its shape well over time. For this, plush and digitally printed velvets tend to be ideal.

The standout choice? Tropical printed velvet fabric. It’s soft, bold, and brings a splash of character to your space. Whether you’re making scatter cushions for a lounge or feature pillows for a guest bedroom, these prints create real impact.

Since cushions are easy to swap out seasonally, you can also experiment with texture and tone — crushed velvet gives a slightly glossy, vintage look, while plush velvet feels thick and cosy.

So, too, cushions offer a quick, affordable way to refresh a room using just a little fabric.

Best Velvet Fabric for Curtains

When it comes to curtains, velvet adds instant luxury. But the best choice isn’t just about looks — it’s about how the fabric hangs and how much light it blocks. The velvets below offer varying levels of drape, thickness, and drama, depending on the mood you want to create.

Plush Velvet Curtain Fabric

For a rich look with excellent coverage, plush velvet curtain fabric is hard to beat. It falls smoothly, creates a full-bodied drape, and helps block out light, making it great for bedrooms or cosy lounges.

It also adds a real sense of warmth and depth to the room, which, in winter, can feel incredibly comforting. Plus, it works across both traditional and modern spaces.

Tropical Digital Velvet Fabric

Want curtains that double as a focal point? Tropical digital velvet fabric brings in bold colour and visual texture. It’s a great choice for statement windows — whether in a home office, reading nook, or guest space.

It’s soft enough to hang well but vivid enough to show off its print even from a distance.

Luxury Plush Fire Retardant Fabric

If you’re after something that’s both practical and luxurious, luxury plush velvet fabric covers both bases. It’s thick enough to act like a blackout curtain, but soft and smooth to the touch, and it includes fire retardant velvet fabric properties. 

You can explore the luxury plush fire-retardant fabric online to see how it could elevate both your furniture and your window treatments.

 

At the end of the day, the best velvet fabric for upholstery really depends on how you plan to use it. Luxury plush velvet fabric is perfect for comfort and elegance. Crushed velvet fabric adds a bit of drama. And tropical printed velvet fabric brings in personality and colour.

For cushions, curtains, or complete furniture projects, there’s a velvet that fits just right. Explore our full velvet collection, order a swatch to try at home, or get in touch for friendly advice from the UK Fabrics Online team.