Velvet Curtains and Velvet Roman Blinds

Of course, such a sumptuous fabric has many more uses than just for curtains and blinds. A velvet Bedspread / Throw will make your bedroom cosy and romantic, while velvet cushion cover will cheer up a tired sofa. Velvet is available in many colours, mostly solid, although patterned velvet is very popular, providing interesting effects with different lengths of nap.

The best and earliest velvet was made of silk. This can be very expensive when used extensively in the home, but cheaper alternatives are on the market. Cotton velvet, for example, is less expensive, but velvet is now available in a variety of man-made fibres, such as rayon and polyester. Velveteen, an imitation velvet is made from cotton, while velour, a knitted fabric often produced from cotton, or more usually, from polyester.

Clothing was one of the main uses for velvet when it first became popular in the area around Baghdad in the 8th century. Not until the 20th century did it become cheaper and more widely available, its previous expense meaning that it was worn by the wealthy and the nobility, as a sign of their taste and opulence. Vintage velvet clothing from the middle of the 20th century is now much in demand. Who can forget Scarlett O'Hara's reds velvet dress in Gone With The Wind?

Made to measure velvet curtains are a good choice for any room except the kitchen, where grease and steam from cooking will quickly make them dirty. You will find that made to measure velvet curtains are available in a much wider choice of colours than ready-made ones. Tie-backs are usually supplied in velvet to match the curtains, but it is a good idea to have the tie-backs supplied in a contrasting colour to your main velvet curtains.

In addition to normal velvet, crushed velvet curtains can add a cool touch to your home. It has traditionally been dyed in darker colours, such as burgundy, but purple velvet curtains, or those made from red or blue velvet are popular these days. A tired set of dining chairs can be updated by recovering the seats and backs with velvet upholstery fabric.

Velvet is not easy to clean in the home, and manufacturers recommend that it is dry cleaned. But there are some ways you can clean and brighten up velvet in your own home. Any small stains can be brushed with a small amount of liquid soap diluted in warm water. Brush the solution in the direction of the weave, before drying completely before dry-brushing away any remaining soap.

If your velvet curtains come ready-made, you may notice a few creases in them, due to their being folded on arrival. These should fall out naturally after a week or so, but if the creases remain, you could hire a steamer to gently remove the creases. Take care not to use too much heat or pressure, as this can damage the nap, which is what gives velvet curtains and upholstery their sumptuous effect.

With so many colours, patterns and possibilities, you should seek the advice of a professional who supplies and fits velvet curtains, velvet bedspreads and velvet cushions. Their experience will help you decide on colour schemes and styles. But as velvet is extremely hard wearing, time spent in the first stages will mean you will have the elegance and majesty of velvet curtains in your home for many years to come.

To look at some of our great fabrics look no further than here; Cath Kidston, Clarke & Clarke , Vanessa Arbuthnott or Prestigious Textiles.

We can also fullfil large contract curtain orders for Hotels, Schools, Restaurants, Pubs and Care Homes.

Choose From Over 35,000 Heading, Lining and Fabric Combinations For Made To Measure Curtains and Roman Blinds