If you are not sure how to properly care for your velvet armchair, you might find its lush appeal waning quicker than the latest Love Island romance. But fret not! We’re here to guide you through the essential do’s and don’ts of velvet armchair care to keep your chair looking fabulous.
Before we proceed, here’s a friendly reminder to always read the manufacturer’s instructions first and also consult a professional cleaning service regarding any serious stains on your furniture. While our tips are fab for informational purposes, a cleaning pro’s touch ensures your velvet armchair stays as plush and posh as the day you brought it home.
Now let’s get on with the show…
1. Dusting and Vacuuming
DO: Dust It Off Like a Gentle Breeze
Velvet is like a diva, it loves attention but hates rough handling. Start by gently dusting your armchair with a soft-bristle brush or a microfibre cloth. Imagine you’re whispering sweet nothings to it. Stroke the fabric in the direction of the nap (that’s the fancy term for the way the fibres lie). This keeps your velvet looking fresh and fabulous.
DON’T: Attack It Like a Ninja
Avoid vacuuming your velvet armchair like you’re battling invisible foes. Those bristly attachments can snag the delicate fabric faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. If you must vacuum, use the upholstery attachment with the gentleness of a kitten’s paw. And remember, no karate chops!
2. Spill-Proof Magic: Handling Accidents
DO: Act Swiftly, Like a Superhero
Oops, a rogue crumpet crumb just landed on your velvet throne. Fear not, intrepid home decorator. Blot the stain gently with a clean, dry cloth. Pretend you’re dabbing away gossip at a posh garden party. For stubborn stains, mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with warm water and dab – never rub – the area. Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry.
DON’T: Panic Like You’re Late for Tea with the King
Panicking only makes things worse. Avoid harsh chemicals, vigorous scrubbing or summoning the ghost of your great-aunt who was a stain-removal fanatic. Velvet is delicate. Treat it with kindness, and it’ll reward you with years of luxurious lounging.
3. Sunshine and Rainbows: Placing Your Armchair
DO: Find the Perfect Spot, Like a Matchmaker
Your velvet armchair deserves a prime location. Place it away from direct sunlight, which can fade its vibrant hues faster than a summer fling. Imagine you’re setting up a blind date, choose a spot with just the right amount of light. Bonus points if it’s near a window for dreamy afternoon reading sessions.
DON’T: Subject It to Extreme Weather Mood Swings
Velvet hates extremes. Keep it away from radiators (they’re like overbearing in-laws) and air vents (they’re the nosy neighbors who peek through curtains). Also, avoid placing it near the fireplace unless you want your armchair to channel its inner phoenix.
4. Pillow Talk: Fluffing Those Cushions
DO: Fluff Like You’re Prepping for a Pillow Fight
Velvet cushions need love too. Give them a gentle plump every now and then. Pretend you’re fluffing marshmallow clouds. This keeps your armchair looking inviting and ready for a Netflix binge. Plus, it’s an excellent arm workout. Win-win!
DON’T: Neglect Them Like Forgotten Celebrity Crushes
Don’t let your cushions deflate like a deflated souffle. Neglect leads to saggy, sad-looking velvet. Remember, fluffing is caring. And if you find a hidden remote control or a lost sock in there, consider it a bonus treasure hunt.
5. Cat-Proofing and Dog-Proofing: Pet-Friendly Tips
DO: Embrace the Fur-tastic Lifestyle
Pets and velvet can coexist harmoniously. Invest in a stylish throw or a pet-friendly cover. Your cat, Lady Whiskers, and your dog, Sir Pawsington, will thank you. Plus, they’ll feel like they’re lounging in a posh London penthouse flat.
DON’T: Let Your Pets Host Paw-some Parties
Velvet and claws don’t mix well. Train your pets to use scratching posts instead of your armchair. If they insist on hosting paw-some parties, distract them with a catnip-filled toy or a chewy treat. Remember, velvet forgives, but it doesn’t forget.
6. Floral Crowns and Velvet Dreams: Styling Tips
DO: Accessorise Like a Trendsetter
Your velvet armchair is a blank canvas waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Dress it up with a plush throw in a complementary colour, think jewel tones or soft pastels. Add a cushion or two (or five) for that extra squishy factor. Imagine you’re styling it for a royal photo shoot – crown optional.
DON’T: Go Overboard Like a Reality TV Makeover
Less is more. Avoid piling on every accessory you own. Your armchair isn’t auditioning for Britain’s Next Top Model. Stick to a curated selection, and your room will thank you. Plus, you’ll have space for that vintage tea trolley you’ve been eyeing.
7. The Fuzz Patrol: Dealing with Pilling
DO: Gently Remove Fuzz Like a Whisper in the Library
Velvet can develop tiny fuzz balls (pills) over time. Stay calm. Invest in a fabric shaver (your secret weapon). Glide it over the fabric like you’re erasing secrets from a diary. Voila! Your armchair will look as smooth as a James Bond quip.
DON’T: Attack It Like a Hungry Hedgehog
Resist the urge to pluck pills like you’re harvesting blackberries. Velvet fibres are delicate, and aggressive plucking can leave bald patches. Remember, subtlety wins here. Treat those pills like elusive Pokémon – gotta catch ’em gently!
8. Seasonal Love: Rotate and Revive
DO: Rotate Like a Sunflower Chasing Sunbeams
Your velvet armchair deserves equal sun time. Rotate it occasionally to prevent uneven fading. Imagine you’re playing musical chairs with your furniture. Bonus: You’ll discover forgotten coins and lost remotes – mini treasure hunts!
DON’T: Neglect It Like an Unwatered Houseplant
Velvet craves attention. Don’t leave it sulking in a corner like a neglected houseplant. Move it around, let it bask in different corners and watch it bloom. Your armchair will thank you with cosy cuddles.
Conclusion: Velvet Armchair Care Mastery
And there you have it. Armed with these maintenance secrets, you’re ready to keep your velvet armchair as sumptuous as a scone with clotted cream. So go forth, sip your Earl Grey (or maybe a little prosecco) and enjoy your chair’s velvety embrace.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT CARING FOR YOUR VELVET ARMCHAIR
• Embrace regular cleaning. Start with a weekly vacuum using the upholstery attachment to gently lift any dirt or dust. Think of it as the velvet armchair equivalent of a weekly face mask – totally worth it for that glowing look!
• If you have a spill, don’t panic – and don’t rub it in. The trick is to act fast. Blot (don’t rub) the spill with a dry, absorbent cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Once you’ve absorbed the initial spill, use a damp cloth to gently dab the area.
• To keep your velvet armchair looking vibrant, position it away from windows or use curtains and blinds to diffuse the light.
• To restore the velvet armchair’s original look, use a soft-bristled brush or a velvet-specific brush to fluff up the pile. Brush in the direction of the nap (the way the fabric naturally lies) to revive its sumptuous texture. This is a simple yet effective way to keep your armchair looking as if it just stepped out of a showroom.
• For deep cleaning, it’s worth considering expert help. A professional upholstery cleaner will have the right tools and knowledge to clean your velvet armchair without causing damage. It’s a bit like taking your beloved garments to the dry cleaner – sometimes, the experts just do it better.
What Other Interior Design Experts Say About Velvet Armchair Care…
“Always test the cleaning product on a hidden spot first, to ensure it doesn’t ruin the material.”
Michael Y. Park at Architectural Digest
Read More: How to clean velvet furniture in 5 steps
“How often you clean velvet furniture depends on a few different factors, including your lifestyle, level of use and whether you have pets or children in your home. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to do some routine cleaning on velvet furniture (dusting, vacuuming, etc.) once a week.”
Caroline Biggs & Madeline Buiano at Martha Stewart
Read More: The right way to clean velvet furniture
Velvet Armchair Care – FAQs
How do I deal with pet hair on my velvet armchair?
Use a lint roller or a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove pet hair from the velvet fabric. Regular maintenance helps prevent hair from becoming embedded.
Can I steam clean my velvet armchair?
It’s not recommended to steam clean velvet armchairs as the high temperature and moisture can damage the fabric. Stick to dry or low-moisture cleaning methods.
Should I use a protective spray on my velvet armchair?
There are velvet-specific protective sprays available that can help repel stains and water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your armchair.
Also, some velvet upholstery features built-in anti-stain properties that’s designed to repel liquids and prevent stains from setting.
How do I store my velvet armchair if I need to move or store it temporarily?
Clean the armchair thoroughly, ensure it’s completely dry, and cover it with a breathable fabric cover to protect it from dust and dirt. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Velvet Armchair – Shop Now
Chloe Modern Chesterfield Armchair, Mink Velvet (£299)
Lauren Modern Chesterfield Armchair, Black Velvet with Silver Legs (£399)
Colette 360° Swivel Armchair, Antique Gold Premium Mottled Velvet (£269)
Velvet Armchairs Available Online – View All
Looking for something different? Our retail outlets showcase an extensive range of armchairs to cater to every taste and budget. Open 7 days a week, with new arrivals daily, our selection includes clearance items from top UK furniture brands, often priced at half their original RRP or less! Discover the perfect armchair to complement your home today.
What’s New At Furniture Outlet Colchester
@furnitureoutletstores Come treasure hunting with us at our Colchester store! 💎⚓️🏆 Visit us at: Furniture Outlet Colchester CO1 2TJ Furniture Outlet Dagenham RM10 8QR Furniture Outlet Wickford SS11 8QU Furniture Outlet Leigh SS9 3JY #furnitureoutlet #sofa #fyp #outlet #hiddentreasure #outletshopping #clearancefinds #clearancehunter #clearancedeals #boujeeonabudget #furnitureshopping #furnishyourhome #interiors #homeonabudget #colchester #colchesterbusiness
Disclaimer: Please note that we cannot be held accountable for the content found on external websites such as TikTok. Kindly use your discretion and be cautious while browsing.
More Velvet Armchair & Sofa Blogs You May Be Interested In…
Velvet Armchair: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Velvet Armchair Styling Secrets For Modern Living Rooms
Please note that the pricing/availability information displayed in this blog article, including photos and videos, were correct at the time of sale and may be subject to change without notice.
Leave A Comment