The Complete Guide to Caring for Velvet Dining Chairs
Velvet has a reputation for being high-maintenance that it doesn't entirely deserve. With a few simple habits, velvet dining chairs hold up well to daily use — even around dinner, kids, and the occasional spilled glass of wine.
Vacuum regularly, brush occasionally
A weekly once-over with a soft brush attachment lifts dust and crumbs out of the pile before they settle in. Brushing the fabric gently in the direction of the nap afterwards keeps the velvet looking uniform rather than patchy or flattened.
Blot spills, don't rub them
If something spills, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth to lift as much liquid as possible before it soaks in. Rubbing pushes the spill deeper into the pile and can flatten the fabric — always blot from the outside of the spill inward.
Test any cleaning product first
Before using any cleaner on a visible area, test it on a hidden patch of fabric, such as the underside of the seat. Velvet reacts differently depending on its fibre content, so what's safe on one chair isn't guaranteed to be safe on another.
Keep chairs out of direct sun where possible
Prolonged direct sunlight can fade velvet unevenly over time. If your dining chairs sit near a window, rotating them occasionally helps them fade evenly rather than developing a noticeably lighter side.
Steam, don't soak
A fabric steamer is one of the best tools for freshening velvet and lifting flattened patches, without the risk of water marks that comes with heavier wet cleaning.
Explore our velvet dining chair collections, including Lucy and Majestic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can velvet dining chairs get wet?
Light dampness from blotting spills is fine, but avoid soaking velvet with water — use a fabric steamer instead for a deeper refresh without water marks.
How do I remove pet hair from velvet chairs?
A soft brush attachment on a vacuum, brushed gently in the direction of the nap, lifts pet hair effectively without damaging the pile.
Does velvet fade in sunlight?
Yes, prolonged direct sunlight can fade velvet unevenly over time — rotating chairs near windows helps them fade more evenly.