Portafino Velvet: A Practical Guide to Using Velvet Upholstery Fabric in Your Home
There’s something undeniably luxurious about velvet. With its soft pile, rich colours, and light-catching surface, velvet has long been a favourite in high-end interiors. But in recent years, velvet upholstery fabric has evolved beyond the purely ornamental. Now, it’s equally suited to everyday living—practical, hard-wearing, and adaptable to a wide range of settings.
That’s the thinking behind the new Portafino Velvet Upholstery Fabric Collection. Designed for comfort, performance, and elegance, this collection of plain velvets brings together 14 versatile colourways—from inky navy and forest green to ochre, blush, and dusky rose. Whether you’re upholstering a statement armchair or re-covering a set of dining chairs, Portafino offers a smooth, tactile foundation with everyday resilience built in.
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Why Choose Velvet Upholstery Fabric?
Velvet may look delicate, but today’s velvet upholstery fabrics are engineered to last. The Portafino collection is made from 100% recycled polyester, making it not just sustainable but also highly durable. With a soft yet structured handle and excellent rub count, it performs beautifully across a wide range of uses—including sofas, headboards, banquettes, and cushions.
It’s also easy to work with. Unlike vintage or silk velvets that require delicate handling, Portafino velvet has a short pile and smooth weave that makes it straightforward for upholsterers and DIY users alike.
If you’re new to working with fabric or unsure which material suits your project, we recommend reading our guide: Understanding Upholstery Fabric: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. It explains everything from fabric composition to performance and maintenance.
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A Colour Story for Every Interior
One of the real joys of Portafino lies in its versatile, design-led colour palette. Shades like Terracotta, Teal, and Olive lend themselves to retro-inspired interiors, while classics like Slate, Pearl, and Ink Blue provide timeless elegance for more neutral schemes.
Because the texture of velvet plays with light, even the plainest colour gains unexpected depth. On a sofa, it reflects light differently throughout the day. On curtains, it can create a cocooning effect while remaining understated.
Looking to coordinate across a full scheme? Explore our All Upholstery Fabrics for complementary patterns and textures.
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Portafino in Practice: Where and How to Use It
Portafino is more than just beautiful—it’s designed to be used. Its practical width of 140cm makes it ideal for a range of upholstery and soft furnishing applications. With a rub count exceeding 40,000, it’s suitable for both general domestic and light commercial use.
Pair it with minimalist shapes to let the velvet texture speak for itself, or contrast it with patterned designs from our Abstract Upholstery Fabric Collection for a more expressive, layered look. For a colour-forward approach, visit our curated Green Upholstery Fabric and Pink Upholstery Fabric collections—both of which pair beautifully with Portafino’s muted and jewel tones.
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Sustainability Meets Style
In an age of conscious design, Portafino offers an appealing blend of ethics and aesthetics. Made entirely from recycled polyester yarns, it reimagines waste as beauty—without compromising on quality or feel. Whether you’re working on a new interior or updating a single piece, it’s a sustainable choice with real design value.
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Final Thoughts
Velvet is no longer reserved for period homes or high-maintenance lifestyles. With Portafino, you get all the depth, texture, and drama of velvet—without the drawbacks. It’s a fabric that feels as good as it looks, and it’s built to last.
Explore the Portafino Velvet Upholstery Fabric Collection. today and discover how practical, planet-friendly velvet can transform your next interior project.
