1. THEY OFFER EXTRA WARMTH
This might not have been your first thought, but as winter fast approaches, the insulating properties of velvet are definitely worthy of a mention, especially since our window treatments can help you save money on your energy bills. 'Due to the heavier nature of the material, the extra weight of velvet curtains equals extra heat retention making them the perfect choice right now for cozying up your home,' explains Amy from 24/7 curtains.
2. THEY ADD A SENSE OF LUXURY THROUGH TEXTURE
The velvet trend has shown no signs of fading into the design graveyard anytime soon. This timeless textile is loved for its uniquely soft and plush texture adding a touch of sophisticated elegance to a space. There's a reason the opulent textile operated as a status symbol for hundreds of years.
3. THEIR WEIGHT HELPS THEM TO HANG BETTER
If you've ever worn velvet clothing, you'll know that it's a heavy material. While this isn't necessarily helpful if you're wearing a dinner suit all evening, the weight of velvet curtains can help them to hang better in your window. 'Velvet drapes beautifully due to its heavy weight so we like to use it for full-height curtains, with a small puddle of fabric sweeping along the floor to create a sense of grandeur,' says Polly.
4. THEY PAIR WELL WITH A BLIND
Doubling up your window with curtains and blinds is proving more popular these days, especially as a living room window treatment. Not only does it offer an opportunity to play with contrasting colors and materials, but it also means better insulation during the colder months.
WHERE SHOULD YOU INCORPORATE VELVET CURTAINS?
While there are no hard and fast rules at to where you should use velvet drapes or blinds, there are certain spaces that they tend to lend themselves better to. 'We tend to avoid using velvet in bathroom or kitchen window treatments as that deep pile can cling onto moisture in those sorts of environments,' explains Polly. 'Bedrooms, living spaces and hallways are our go-to areas for celebrating velvet and its elegant qualities.' The heavy material and its connotations of warmth and coziness also make it less practical in bright, airy spaces. 'I would advise against a velvet in a conservatory or summer room setting as I think the fabric will clash with the outdoors/in aesthetic,' says Amy. 'Velvet is better reserved for a cozy living room, a dramatic dining room or a luxurious bedroom.'