--- title: Using velvet correctly description: "Pile direction, pressure marks and care: what you should know before buying and when making up velvet fabrics." --- [Skip to content](https://support.meinewand.com/en/using-velvet-correctly#main-content) - [English](https://support.meinewand.com/en/using-velvet-correctly) - [Deutsch](https://support.meinewand.com/de/samt-richtig-verwenden) - [Français](https://support.meinewand.com/fr/bien-utiliser-le-velours) - [Italiano](https://support.meinewand.com/it/usare-correttamente-il-velluto) English Show submenu for translations [![MEINEWAND Onlineshop](https://support.meinewand.com/hs-fs/hubfs/meinewand_logo@2x.webp?width=488&height=78&name=meinewand_logo@2x.webp)](https://www.meinewand.com/en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://support.meinewand.com/en/using-velvet-correctly) - [Deutsch](https://support.meinewand.com/de/samt-richtig-verwenden) - [Français](https://support.meinewand.com/fr/bien-utiliser-le-velours) - [Italiano](https://support.meinewand.com/it/usare-correttamente-il-velluto) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://support.meinewand.com/en/contact) [Contact us](https://support.meinewand.com/en/contact?hsLang=en) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.meinewand.com/en?hsLang=en) 2. [Fabrics](https://support.meinewand.com/en/fabrics?hsLang=en) # Using velvet correctly ## Pile direction, pressure marks and care: what you should know before buying and when making up velvet fabrics. Velvet has a surface of short, densely packed fibres called the pile. The pile gives velvet its deep colour and typical sheen. At the same time, it is the reason for some characteristics that are part of the material and not a defect. **Pile direction** If you run your hand over velvet, it feels smooth in one direction and slightly rough in the other. Depending on the direction, the colour looks lighter or darker. That is why: - All parts of a curtain, piece of furniture or set of cushions must be cut with the pile running in the same direction. - This can increase the amount of [fabric](https://www.meinewand.com/en/fabrics) needed, because parts cannot be turned freely. - Point out the pile direction to your soft furnisher or upholsterer. **Seat marks and pressure marks** Where velvet is put under strain, the pile lies down. Lighter or darker areas appear, known as seat marks (shading). This is typical of velvet and appears on upholstered furniture after only a short time. Light pressure marks can often be raised again with steam from a distance of about 10 cm, followed by gentle brushing in the direction of the pile. **Not for Roman blinds** We do not recommend velvet for Roman blinds. When the blind is raised, the fabric is always folded and pressed in the same places. Permanent creases and pressure marks form there. **Well suited for** - **Upholstery:** Many velvets are very abrasion-resistant. Check the Martindale value and the label “Suitable for upholstery” in the product details. - **Curtains:** Velvet hangs heavily and absorbs light and sound. It is well suited to bedrooms and living rooms. - **Cushions:** Velvet cushions add accents, also in combination with linen or cotton. **Care** Vacuum velvet with a soft brush nozzle in the direction of the pile. Many velvets are only approved for dry cleaning; follow the care symbols in the product details. 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