Velvet inspiration
Velvet adds a luxurious element as autumn evenings draw in
As the evenings are getting shorter and the days wetter, darker and colder, I’m reminding myself that a great way to stay cheerful about the change in seasons is to embrace cosiness at every opportunity.
That tends to mean more cups of tea, breaking out the wool blankets, and eyeing a few new season-welcoming elements for my home. Top of the list when the autumn months arrive? Velvet, and lots of it. Velvet ticks the soft and tactile boxes, and is often employed in perfect autumn colours like deep orange, dark midnight blue, and even fiery hot pink.
And while the fabric is particularly tempting during the colder months, when used for upholstery or even throw cushions, it has a nice, cool finish in warmer months as well, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment. While I’ve stayed away from velvet in the last few years with toddlers at home, I needn’t have; velvet is actually quite easy to wipe in the case of a mess, and washes reasonably well if the need arises.
Cushions are an obvious and inexpensive way to start, but curtains make a beautiful and insulating addition to any room that’s about to take on an Irish winter. Sofas and occasional chairs are downright luxurious when upholstered in velvet, and many companies offer extra stain-proofing that works well on the material to protect it from sticky fingers or dirty pets. But with larger furniture requiring more of an investment, you might be looking for another option. Have a look at the next page for a gorgeous velvet lamp that would warm up a room in no time.