How to Work the Velvet Trend This Fall

Just a hint of velvet can add texture to your décor in an understated and elegant way without overpowering a room. Spice up the bedroom by adding a soft velvet quilt or a subtle velvet headboard. "Velvets in unexpected colors give a sense of luxury and warmth, especially when combined with silks and mixed metallic hues," notes interior designer Tara Dudley.

Velvet doesn’t have to be formal and stuffy. It’s okay to go playful, even low key with velvet. Mix it up with brightly colored velvet, like these two-toned throw pillows from Dormify, in a dorm room or child’s bedroom. Lively hues that pop can brighten up a room.

Velvet is a fabric that wants to be bold. Make a statement with a rich royal blue, deep teal or forest green on an upholstered velvet sofa or arm chair. Interior designer Gina Gutierrez cautions that homeowners should first define their style, whether bohemian, eclectic or modern. “Make sure the velvet piece is a statement of that style,” Gutierrez adds.

Not quite ready to commit to a velvet sofa or chaise lounge? No problem. You can still incorporate this luxurious and alluring fabric into your décor for the season. Start small by purchasing several large frames for displaying velvet swatches in your favorite colors, suggests Carine Saint-Jean, an event planner and interior designer with Spectacular Affairs in New York City.