Velvet curtains: elegance, insulation and comfort for every room
Thick, soft, and visually sumptuous, velvet curtains instantly add character to your interior. Their dense weave improves thermal and acoustic insulation , while offering ideal natural opacity for both living rooms and bedrooms. Whether you're aiming for a 5-star hotel style, a cozy atmosphere, or a contemporary décor, velvet curtains adapt to any room with their rich color and impeccable drape. Below you'll find key benefits, potential limitations, the trendiest colors for 2025, suggested combinations, best practices for sizing and care, as well as helpful links to the collection, guides, and compatible accessories.
Discover the collection • Our blackout curtains • Our thermal curtains
Why choose velvet curtains?
Velvet is worth the investment. Thanks to its density, it acts as a natural barrier against drafts and noise, creating an immediately noticeable, hushed atmosphere. As for light, velvet filters for a soft, diffused glow; combined with a blackout lining (available on some models), you get near-blackout darkness for undisturbed sleep. Its signature strength remains its luxurious feel and the way it reflects light: deep shades, rich folds, and a sumptuous drape. Finally, compared to other heavy fabrics, velvet offers excellent value for money for those seeking insulation, elegance, and durability without compromising on style.
5 reasons to adopt velvet
- Natural thermal and acoustic insulation for immediate comfort.
- High opacity; in doubled version, ideal darkness for the bedroom.
- Deep color rendering and high-end appearance.
- An elegant drop that structures the room and enhances the ceiling height.
- Controlled maintenance with gentle brushing and vertical steam.
View thermal curtains • View blackout curtains
Disadvantages & misconceptions (and how to avoid them)
Velvet is heavier than average: for wider curtains, choose a sturdy rod with central brackets. Its surface can trap dust and pet hair: regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment will take care of that. The slight "marking" to the touch is not a defect, but the natural texture of the pile; a light vertical steam will smooth it out. Avoid high spin cycles and prolonged direct sunlight, which can alter the color; an integrated lining limits fading and enhances comfort. For an overview of purchasing criteria (materials, finishes, uses), consult the buying guide .
Quick solution
- Weight: reinforced rod, suitable plugs, central support from >180 cm.
- Dust/hair: weekly soft brushing, seasonal cover if needed.
- Shine/marking: vertical steam, brushing in the direction of the hair.
- Care instructions: ultra-delicate cycle or hand wash, no heavy spinning.
- Sunlight: prioritize lining and positioning out of direct sunlight.
Velvet vs. other fabrics: which should you choose according to your needs?
Velvet vs suede/suede
Suede imitates the look of peach skin, often at a lower cost, but its drape is less structured. Velvet, being denser, offers crisp creases, better insulation, and superior durability. In terms of care, suede sometimes stains more easily; velvet withstands steam better and retains color intensity more effectively.
Velvet vs. linen & cotton
Linen and cotton are more breathable and suitable for very bright and airy interiors. However, for opacity, sound absorption, and a luxurious feel, velvet remains the preferred choice. If you like the natural look but want better thermal comfort and more darkness, opt for thermal or blackout models.
Corduroy vs. smooth velvet
Smooth velvet is timeless and chic; corduroy offers a contemporary graphic texture and effectively conceals minor imperfections. Smooth velvet reflects more light, while corduroy accentuates the vertical lines of the pleats. Both are best chosen in a denser version if you're aiming for a quiet, dark environment.
For thermal
To maximize effectiveness near exposed windows, opt for a thick, thermal velvet. The added thickness creates an insulating layer of air and improves the drape. This is the most suitable combination if you're looking to better control temperature fluctuations and light levels.
In which rooms should velvet curtains be installed?
Living room
Velvet adds structure to the living room and creates a chic atmosphere. For a high-end look, install the curtain rod 10–15 cm above the window frame and leave a 1–3 cm overhang at the floor. The light is softened without being completely blocked; choose a more blackout model if you watch TV during the day.
Bedroom
This is the ideal room: opt for blackout curtains to achieve the desired darkness and improved acoustic comfort. Velvet reduces reverberation and enhances the feeling of coziness, particularly welcome in large, somewhat "empty" bedrooms.
Dressing room / office
In a dressing room, velvet reduces echo and privacy. In the office, it improves concentration by reducing outside noise and creates a clean, uncluttered visual environment, ideal for video conferences. Consider accessories (tiebacks, rings) to optimize its everyday use.
Kitchen (realistic use)
Velvet is suitable for a kitchen if you choose a washable polyester version and keep it away from steam or cooking areas. Opt for lengths that are clear of the floor and maintain it regularly to keep it looking its best.
Trendy colors for 2025 & styles that work
In 2025, deep hues will dominate: midnight blue and teal for a hotel feel, emerald green for a chic, nature-inspired decor, burgundy for warmth, sand beige for luminous minimalism, and charcoal gray for a contemporary look. Pair velvet with dark woods and brass accents for a sophisticated effect; opt for a black and white duo and straight lines if you're aiming for minimalism; combine it with natural materials (rattan, jute, linen) for a balanced bohemian style. For decorating inspiration, explore our articles on the curtains blog .
| Color | Visual effect / Recommended style |
|---|---|
| Midnight blue / teal | A hushed atmosphere, understated luxury; perfect with brass and dark wood. |
| Emerald green | A soothing, green atmosphere; superb with light oak and plants. |
| Bordeaux | Warmth and character; elegant contrast with light or cream walls. |
| Sand beige | Bright and soft; neutral base for minimalist decor. |
| Anthracite grey | Contemporary, graphic; works with marble, black metal. |
Performance: blackout, thermal, acoustic
Unlined velvet already offers above-average opacity and significantly reduces noise. For maximum results, choose a blackout or thermal version: you'll reduce light transmission, improve comfort near windows, and achieve an even more generous drape. Home test : place a lamp behind the fabric in a dark room; if the light remains very dim, the blackout level is good. The goal isn't to quantify theoretically, but to aim for noticeable comfort in everyday life.
Choosing the right "layer" of comfort
- Blackout : high darkness, perfect for the bedroom and home cinema.
- Thermal : additional thickness to limit heat loss.
- Acoustics : prioritize density and layering to absorb more.
Sizes, fit & head types: the quick guide
Measure the width of the curtain rod and multiply by a factor of 1.5 to 2 to achieve beautiful folds with velvet. For the height, start 10–15 cm above the window and extend to the floor, then add 1 to 3 cm for a more relaxed look. Regarding the headings: eyelets offer a modern look and smooth operation; a scalloped or corrugated finish creates a more architectural style; tabs are suitable for a more casual atmosphere. The rods must be sized to support the weight of the velvet: use intermediate brackets for wider rods and wall plugs appropriate for the wall type (plasterboard, brick, concrete). For step-by-step measuring instructions, consult the size guide .
Mistakes to avoid
- Forget about the breakage margin and end up with a "floating" curtain.
- Choosing too small amplitude coefficient: poor folds, flat finish.
- Undersizing the curtain rod and fixings: risk of sagging.
Size guide • Curtain rods • Tiebacks
Care instructions: wash, steam, iron (or not)
Velvet requires simple but regular care. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust without pulling the pile. For washing, hand wash or use an ultra-delicate cycle in lukewarm water with a mild detergent; avoid high spin speeds. Dry flat or hanging , away from direct sunlight. To remove wrinkles, use a vertical steamer and brush in the direction of the pile. Ironing is not essential; if necessary, iron on the reverse side with a damp cloth and a moderate temperature. Additional practical tips are available on the blog .
- Regular brushing/steaming to maintain the texture.
- Gentle wash, no bleaching agent.
- Natural drying, no harsh tumble dryer.
- Protection against prolonged direct sunlight.
Seasonality: winter, summer… all year round
In winter, velvet provides a comfortable barrier against the cold, especially when chosen in a thermal version . In summer, opt for lighter shades that retain less heat and ventilate regularly; to maintain a light visual effect while preserving privacy, play with the thickness, width, and fullness of the pleats. Properly sized and well-maintained, velvet curtains remain a suitable choice year-round.
Our bestsellers & selections to explore
Browse the velvet collection to find the perfect shade and finish: from iconic midnight blue to soothing emerald green , including warm burgundy , luminous beige , and contemporary charcoal gray . Available in blackout and thermal models, depending on the style.
FAQ – Velvet Curtains
Are velvet curtains worth it?
Velvet or suede/suede: which to choose for a living room?
Are velvet curtains good for winter?
Can they be used all year round?
What are the disadvantages of velvet and how can they be avoided?
How do you wash velvet curtains?
How to remove wrinkles from a velvet curtain without damaging it?
What improves the thermal comfort of velvet?
Which curtains limit the cold near the windows?
Does velvet need to be ironed?
What are the trending colors for velvet curtains in 2025?
What color would suit a modern living room or bedroom?
Is velvet still fashionable in 2025?
Useful links & accessories
Find everything you need to make your project a success: buying advice, measuring instructions, and compatible accessories. These pages centralize essential information and make it easy to select the perfect velvet curtains for each room.
