Depending on the situation and style you’re going for, 100% cotton velvet can be a very good choice for upholstery or furniture. Before making a choice, you should look at all the facts and see if it’s a good option for you.
Cotton Velvet Fabric Durability
Cotton velvet can be a durable fabric, depending on the quality of the cotton used and the way it’s made. Velvet is a type of fabric with a dense, plush pile that gives it a luxurious feel and appearance.
Cotton fibers can be durable and strong. However, the durability of cotton velvet depends on several factors, such as the quality of the cotton fibers, the density of the pile, the cotton weight, the weave, and the finishing processes used. A high rub count (more than 30,000) is an important indication of good cotton velvet durability
Cotton velvet with a tight weave and a dense pile is likely to last longer than cotton velvet with a looser weave and a lower pile.
The treatment and protection methods, including pre-shrinking, performed on the fabric at the end of the production process might also affect its longevity.
So, generally speaking, cotton velvet can be a long-lasting fabric with the right selection and maintenance. Cotton velvet also does not stretch significantly.
Is Cotton Velvet Better than Polyester Velvet?
Compared to polyester velvet, 100% cotton velvet can be an excellent option, depending on your needs.
Velvet furniture in general can attract dust, as the texture of the fabric can make it more likely to trap and hold onto small particles. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester velvet, are more likely to build up static electricity and attract more dust particles or hair than cotton velvet. It is more difficult to remove dust from polyester velvet piles while cleaning on a regular basis because static electricity causes it to stick more.
Furniture made from 100% cotton velvet is more pleasant to the skin and more comfortable to sit on during hot summer days.
Unlike polyester velvet, cotton velvet is completely biodegradable.
Cotton velvet, on the other hand, is less resistant to stains than polyester velvet, which is not as absorbent as cotton velvet.
Polyester is more wrinkle-resistant and has more shimmer compared to cotton velvet. Cotton velvet has a more subtle matte finish.
Also, cotton velvet is more prone to fading than polyester velvet.
However, these properties are also dependent on the finishing treatments, as cotton velvet can be treated to be stain-resistant or wrinkle-resistant. Polyester velvet, on the other hand, can have an anti-static finish applied to it.
Because many different finishes can be applied to velvet fabric, always examine the manufacturer’s specifications.
Is Cotton Velvet a Good Choice for Upholstery or Furniture?
Depending on the situation and style you’re going for, 100% cotton velvet can be a good choice for upholstery or finished furniture, especially for sofas. As a natural fiber, cotton is known for its softness, breathability, and durability.
Also, cotton velvet has a timeless quality that makes it a classic choice that can be incorporated into a variety of design styles, from traditional to contemporary. Here are some things you need to consider:
Pros:
- 100% cotton velvet feels soft and luxurious to the touch.
- It is stylish because it has a unique look that can add a touch of class and elegance to any room. It has a matte finish that makes it more subtle than other types of velvet.
- Cotton velvet doesn’t gather dust like polyester velvet does.
- It is a soft, breathable fabric and will keep you feeling good.
- Cotton is a natural fiber that can be relatively strong and durable.
- 100% cotton velvet is completely biodegradable.
Cons:
- Like other upholstery fabrics, cotton velvet can show signs of wear and tear over time, and it is not the most durable fabric on the market.
- Cotton velvet, like cotton in general, is very absorbent, so it might not be the best choice if it’s likely to get stained or soaked in water or other liquids.
- Needs care, vacuuming, and spot cleaning are some of the ways to maintain cotton velvet in good condition.
- Cotton velvet can be more expensive than other types of upholstery fabric, especially if it’s made from high-quality cotton or has a high rub count.
- It can fade when exposed to sunlight.
- Velvet in general is not the simplest fabric to work with when doing your own upholstering; in fact, it can be a challenging option.
Can Cotton Velvet Fade?
Like most natural fabrics, cotton velvet is susceptible to the damaging effects of UV light, which can cause the colors to fade and the fibers to weaken over time. Therefore, cotton velvet can fade over time if it is exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of UV radiation.
You can protect your cotton velvet furniture from direct sunlight by closing curtains, using blinds, or installing other window coverings that will block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. To make sure that every part of the fabric gets the same amount of light, you can even rotate your furniture regularly. If you notice fading or other discoloration on your cotton velvet furniture, some even advocate using a fabric dye developed specifically for cotton velvet.
Can Cotton Velvet Get Wet?
Cotton velvet furniture should never be soaked with water or other liquids. This can damage the fabric and cause it to lose its shape and texture, so it’s important to take steps to prevent further damage.
If your cotton velvet furniture does get wet, you need to act quickly to keep any damage from becoming permanent. You can take the following steps:
Use a clean, absorbent cloth or towel to soak up any extra water.
Let the fabric dry completely in the air, away from direct sunlight.
Once the fabric is dry, gently brush the pile back into shape with a soft brush or a cleaning tool made just for velvet.
It’s important not to use harsh chemicals or cleaners on cotton velvet, as these can damage the fabric and cause discoloration or other problems.
Can You Wash 100% Cotton Velvet and How to Clean It Regularly?
To begin, a professional cleaner should be consulted if you are unsure of how to clean cotton velvet upholstery or if it has significant stains, especially those caused by substances that are difficult to remove.
The cotton velvet fabric is soft and delicate. Cleaning 100% cotton velvet requires care and attention to ensure that the fabric isn’t damaged or discolored.
When cleaning cotton velvet upholstery on a regular basis, just remove any dirt or debris that is loose with a soft brush or a vacuum attachment with a brush attachment. Some brushes are especially designed for velvet furniture. Be sure to brush gently, working with the nap of the fabric.
You can also use a lint roller or a slightly dampened white cloth (you can spray a little water on the cloth with a spray bottle) and gently rub the velvet in a circular motion. This will help to loosen and lift the dust particles from the fabric. Be gentle when cleaning cotton velvet, as aggressive rubbing can damage the fabric’s texture.
Of course, your cotton velvet furniture might need a more thorough cleaning after a few years.
If you are particularly attached to it, it is better not to wash it yourself and to hire a professional.
However, if you still want to do it yourself, you can try to wash it after removing dust and other debris. You should use a very mild cleaning solution (use cold water) and a clean, white, damp cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals.
Soak a cloth (or soft-bristled brush) in cold water with a small amount of cleaning chemicals, wring it out very well, and scrub the fabric gently in circles. You can try it out on a hidden piece of furniture first. Never soak the fabric. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and blot it dry with a clean cloth. You can use a clean towel to absorb as much water as possible from the fabric. When the fabric is dry, you can use a soft-bristled brush to fluff up the fibers.
It is also possible to use a dry-cleaning solvent or foam for cleaning upholstery; just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.