Velvet Design Chairs: Trends & Styling Ideas

Long considered old-fashioned or too opulent, velvet has made a spectacular comeback. Today, the velvet design chair is one of the easiest ways to bring a luxurious, warm and elegant touch to a modern interior. Here is why velvet is back, which velvet and chair type to choose, the colours and pairings to adopt, and our favourite velvet design chairs.

Short on time? Jump straight to our best-selling velvet chairs.

Velvet: from royal fabric to modern must-have

Originally from Asia, velvet was the fabric of kings and nobles. It travelled along the Silk Road and reached Europe through Italian merchants in Genoa and Venice. Its dense pile gives it a soft touch and a unique way of reflecting light, creating a subtle two-tone effect.

For a long time, velvet was made of silk: beautiful but fragile and expensive. Today it is the weaving process, not the base fibre, that makes velvet. Made of cotton, wool or synthetic fibres, modern velvet is more affordable, available in many more colours, more resistant to stains and much easier to live with.

Why velvet chairs are trending again

The Art Deco revival: brass accents, marble and rich finishes have brought velvet back as a statement material.
Contemporary designs: designers now apply velvet to minimal, sculptural shapes, creating a striking mix of vintage and modern.
Versatility: glamorous or cosy, velvet works as the centrepiece of a room or as a subtle accent.
Durability: modern performance velvets are robust and suited to everyday seating.

Which type of velvet for a chair?

Silk velvet: soft and lustrous, luxurious but delicate. Best for decorative pieces.
Cotton velvet: strong and matte, often mixed with viscose for shine.
Synthetic or performance velvet: resistant and often stain-treated, perfect for dining chairs and family homes.
Mohair velvet: very hard-wearing, with a slightly textured look.
Crushed velvet: bright, textured and eye-catching.
Corduroy velvet: ribbed and trendy, it adds texture and depth.

Tip: a short pile resists crushing better and keeps its shape longer on chairs used every day.

Which velvet chair for which room?

Dining room: velvet dining chairs like the Bella elevate every meal.
Living room and reading corner: velvet lounge chairs or a low lounge chair.
Bedroom, entryway or office: compact velvet accent chairs.
Sculptural interiors: round velvet chairs.
Comfort first: velvet armchairs with armrests.
Restaurants and cafés: velvet restaurant chairs bring sophistication to dining spaces.

Trending colours and pairings

The beauty of velvet lies in its colour depth.

Rich shades (emerald green, deep navy, terracotta, mustard, gold) create a statement and pair beautifully with neutral walls.
Pastel shades (blush pink, mint, light blue) bring freshness and softness.
Neutrals (taupe, cream, greige) are timeless and easy to combine with Scandinavian or minimalist décor.

For an Art Deco look, combine velvet with brass, marble tables and dark wood. For a modern organic feel, mix velvet chairs with natural fibres such as rattan or linen.

Our favourite velvet and velvet-inspired chairs

Michelin Armchair: bold and sculptural, with a roller-style backrest. View the Michelin Armchair

Amanda Cubic Lounge Chair: a geometric silhouette with plush velvet. View the Amanda Cubic

Budapest Corduroy Lounge Chair: ribbed corduroy velvet in a compact design. View the Budapest

Also worth a look: the Bella velvet chair with black or gold legs, the Blissi low lounge chair, the Joni velvet and brass armchair and the Nooma round chair.

Is a velvet chair a good investment?

Yes. Velvet is not a passing trend but a timeless material that combines luxury, comfort and style. With modern fabrics, it is no longer expensive or difficult to maintain: regular brushing or vacuuming and blotting stains immediately are enough. For a step-by-step method, read our guide on how to choose and care for a velvet chair.