To keep a velvet dining chair looking brand new, vacuum it weekly with a soft brush attachment, brush the pile in one direction to keep it even, blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth, and keep the chair out of strong direct sunlight. Most modern velvets respond well to a light steam to lift crushed areas, and rotating chairs around the table spreads wear evenly. Always check the manufacturer’s care label before using any cleaning product or water.
Velvet brings richness and depth to a dining room, and it is more resilient than its reputation suggests. With a simple routine, it can stay soft and vivid for years. Below we set out that routine, along with guidance for spills, crushing, pets and long term care.
Not all velvet behaves the same way. Before caring for a chair, it helps to know what it is made from.
Most velvet dining chairs today use polyester velvet. It is durable, resists crushing well and tends to cope with gentle cleaning. It is a practical choice for dining rooms.
Cotton velvet has a matt, soft finish and a slightly more natural look. It can mark more easily and may be more sensitive to water.
Some velvets combine fibres such as viscose or linen. These can have beautiful sheen or texture but may need more careful handling.
The care label or product information will usually indicate the fibre content and a cleaning code. Common codes include W for water based cleaners, S for solvent based cleaners only, WS for either, and X for vacuum only. Following the code is the most reliable way to avoid damage.
Regular light care prevents most problems before they begin.
Use the upholstery or soft brush attachment on a low suction setting. Work in the direction of the pile. This removes crumbs, dust and pet hair that can dull the surface and wear the fibres over time. Pay attention to the seams and the join between seat and back, where crumbs gather.
A soft clothes brush or velvet brush keeps the pile standing evenly. Brush gently in one direction. This restores the characteristic sheen and helps disguise any light marks.
A quick look over each chair after brushing lets you catch small marks before they set in. Dealing with them early is far easier than trying to lift an old stain.
Dining chairs inevitably face spills. The key is to act quickly and gently.
For stubborn or large stains, or for velvets marked solvent only, a professional upholstery cleaner is the safest option.
Crushing happens when the fibres are pressed flat, often from sitting, leaning or objects placed on the seat. It is a natural characteristic of velvet and usually reversible.
Hold a handheld steamer a short distance from the fabric and let the steam lift the fibres. Do not press the steamer onto the velvet. After steaming, brush the pile softly in one direction while it is still slightly warm. Check that steaming is suitable for your fabric first.
Frequent brushing prevents crushing from setting in. A minute or two per chair each week keeps the surface looking even.
Some seats at the table are used more than others. Swapping chairs around every few weeks spreads wear so no single chair looks more used than the rest.
Strong sunlight can fade velvet over time, especially in rich colours such as emerald, navy or deep pink. Dining rooms with large windows, bifold doors or rooflights are particularly exposed.
If fading is a concern, consider placing the table slightly away from the window or choosing a paler velvet that shows fading less visibly.
Velvet is often a good choice for pet owners because its short, dense pile has no loops for claws to catch. Pet hair can be removed easily with a lint roller, a slightly damp rubber glove or a soft brush.
For children, a quick blot and brush after meals is usually enough. Darker velvets hide small marks better than pale ones. If your dining table sees a lot of messy meals, keep a clean cloth nearby so spills are dealt with straight away.
Small habits prevent a surprising amount of wear.
The legs and frame deserve attention too. Metal legs can be wiped with a soft damp cloth and dried to prevent water spots. Brass or gold finishes should be cleaned with a dry cloth only, since harsh products can dull them. Wooden legs benefit from occasional dusting and a light polish suited to the finish.
Check floor glides or pads every few months and replace them if worn. They protect the floor and reduce strain on the legs.
A few times a year, give velvet chairs a more thorough refresh.
If chairs have been heavily used, a professional upholstery clean every year or two keeps the fabric in excellent condition.
A few well meant habits can do more harm than good.
Velvet has a nap, meaning the fibres lie in a particular direction. Brushing with the nap makes the colour look lighter and smoother. Brushing against it makes the colour look deeper and richer. Neither is wrong, but consistency matters. Once you know which way your chairs’ nap runs, always brush in the same direction so every chair around the table looks uniform.
If you are choosing new chairs, a few features make care simpler. Polyester velvet with a high rub count is durable for daily use. Mid to dark colours are more forgiving. Channel stitching and buttoning add character but create more seams where crumbs gather, so plain backs are slightly easier to maintain.
Our range of modern velvet dining chairs UK sale covers a variety of colours and shapes, many in hard wearing polyester velvet. If you are updating the whole room, take a look at our dining room furniture UK sale, or browse our modern dining chairs UK for other materials to mix with velvet. You can see the full range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
It depends on the fabric. Check the care code: W or WS means water based cleaning is suitable. S means solvent only, and X means vacuum only. Always test in a hidden area first.
Gently steam the area without touching the fabric, then brush the pile in one direction. Regular brushing helps prevent crushing from returning.
Yes, especially polyester velvet, which is durable and relatively easy to clean. With regular brushing and prompt attention to spills, it stays looking good for a long time.
Vacuum and brush weekly, spot clean spills as they happen, and give chairs a deeper refresh a few times a year.
Beige dining chairs work in almost any room because beige is a warm neutral that…
Button back dining chairs bring a tailored, quilted look to a dining room, and it…
Upholstered dining chairs are generally more comfortable than hard wooden, metal or plastic chairs, but…
Forest green dining chairs are easiest to style with warm woods, natural textures, brass or…
Forest green dining chairs bring depth, warmth and a connection to nature into a dining…
Grey dining chairs are a familiar choice in UK homes, and for good reason. They…
This website uses cookies.