Velvet or chenille - how to choose a luxury home fabric
In the world of luxury home fabrics, two timeless favourites stand out: velvet and chenille. Each has its own unique charm, transforming your rooms not just through colour and pattern, but through how they feel.
Whether you’re planning to reupholster a beloved armchair or refresh your windows with beautifully draped curtains, understanding the key differences between these fabrics will help you decide which one suits your space best. In this guide, we’ll explore the texture, durability, maintenance, and best uses of velvet vs chenille, so you can pick your new favourite fabric that perfectly complements your home.
What are velvet and chenille?
Here’s a quick refresher:
Velvet is a woven fabric with a dense, short pile. It has a smooth, luxurious feel and a subtle sheen. Velvet has long been associated with opulence and sophistication, and today it’s available in a wide range of fibre blends that are suitable for both curtains and upholstery. We have a large range of velvet fabrics in jewel-coloured shades, deep florals and bold stripes.
Chenille, from the French word for “caterpillar”, has a distinctive fuzzy, soft pile that’s created by twisting short lengths of yarn between two core yarns. It’s enjoying a resurgence in interior design, thanks to its cosy texture that instantly adds warmth and depth to your interiors. Our extensive range of chenille fabrics features beautiful tones as well as gorgeous patterns.
Velvet vs chenille: what are the key differences?
1. Texture & appearance
Velvet’s hallmark is its plush, smooth surface and elegant drape. When light catches its pile, you get that rich depth and subtle lustre, making your furniture and curtains look sumptuous and refined. Velvet upholstery fabrics are ideal when you want design drama or a timeless, formal feel to your space.
On the other hand, chenille offers a different kind of tactile appeal: think warm, fuzzy, and inviting. It catches the light differently depending on the yarns used, creating a soft, comforting aesthetic. It’s perfect for relaxed, welcoming spaces like dining rooms and sitting areas.
Quick summary:
1) Velvet wins on appearance if you’re looking for a touch of glamour.
2) But if you prefer a textured, tactile finish that invites touch, chenille could be your favourite.
3) Velvet has a smooth, reflective surface, while chenille’s texture gives it more depth and movement.
2. Durability
When investing in new fabric, you want to ensure that it will perform over time. Velvet can be very durable, especially modern synthetic blends that are designed for upholstery. Traditional silk velvets are more delicate and best kept for lighter-use pieces, but cotton or polyester velvets can be surprisingly hard-wearing. The pile can flatten over time, but this is part of velvet’s evolving charm.
Chenille is known for being robust and family-friendly. Its woven construction makes it resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for everyday upholstery such as sofas and armchairs. The soft texture also hides minor marks, making it a forgiving option for busy homes with children and pets.
Quick summary:
1. Velvet remains a timeless choice for formal spaces or statement pieces.
2. Chenille offers excellent durability for family rooms or everyday seating.
3. Maintenance & care
Every fabric needs care, but some are easier to live with than others. You should gently vacuum velvet with a soft brush attachment, and carefully spot clean it or hire a professional for cleaning larger areas. Regularly brushing the pile restores its plush look – but don’t apply prolonged pressure on the same area, as you might crush the pile.
Chenille just needs occasional vacuuming or brushing to lift the pile. Be mindful of snagging, particularly on high-texture designs. Many modern chenilles, including ours at Just Fabrics, are very easy to clean and maintain, so you don’t have to spend hours soaking or scrubbing.
Best use cases for curtains, upholstery & more
Curtains
Velvet curtain fabrics are ideal for formal rooms, bedrooms, or dining spaces. The fabric drapes beautifully and adds a sense of luxury to your space, while also blocking drafts.
Chenille curtain fabrics are perfect for cosy living rooms and relaxed spaces. Their texture adds warmth and softness, helping to create a welcoming, homely atmosphere.
Upholstery
Velvet upholstery fabrics are great for accent chairs, headboards, and statement pieces that don’t see heavy use.
On the other hand, chenille upholstery fabric is excellent for family sofas, footstools, and everyday furniture. It offers the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and style.
Mix and match
When it comes to velvet vs chenille, don’t feel that you have to choose one or the other. You could combine velvet and chenille to create a layered and luxurious look. For example, you could use chenille on your sofa and scatter some velvet cushions for added glamour.
Discover our luxurious velvet and chenille fabrics
At Just Fabrics, we offer a huge range of velvet and chenille fabrics in various colours and designs that are perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your interiors. All our fabrics are available by the metre, and can also be crafted into beautiful made to measure curtains and blinds. If you’re not sure which fabric to choose, we highly recommend ordering some fabric samples – you can order up to five samples for free, or between 6-10 for just £3.95.
Browse our velvet and chenille fabrics today and get ready to find your new favourite luxury home fabric.
