Few fabrics are softer, smoother, or more luxurious than velvet. It’s a classic staple in interior design, and is often used to imbue spaces with a sense of opulence. But it’s not all about glamour—velvet's soft texture can also be used more subtly as a way to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Even better? It can easily be incorporated into a variety of design styles.
If you’re looking for a way to punch up your own space with velvet, why not start with the bedroom? Velvet bedding is a great way to achieve that cozy factor while still maintaining an elevated look.
Here, the best velvet bedding, from duvet covers and quilts to throw pillows and shams.
Best Overall
West Elm Crinkle Velvet Duvet Cover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crinkle-velvet-duvet-cover-shams-dusty-blush-o-af49e718ad2b461180fe7fa85dce69a8.jpg)
Courtesy of West Elm
Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/Cal King | Material: Viscose/nylon blend front, cotton back | Care: Dry clean only
For an opulent-meets-casual take on velvet bedding, check out this West Elm bedding set. It’s made with crinkled velvet, which is a specific type of velvet that’s been, well, crinkled, to create a textured finish. It feels a bit more relaxed than standard velvet, similar to the way that wrinkled linen offers a laid-back yet still luxe aesthetic.
Pick from one of 13 colors, from the delicate Dusty Blush to the bold Golden Oak. The best detail, however, is that the smooth back of the cover is made from 100 percent cotton, which makes it breathable. (The crinkled front side is made from viscose and nylon.) If there’s one downside to this bedding, it’s that West Elm recommends you dry clean it to preserve the crinkles—machine washing could end up smoothing out the texture. Therefore, you'll definitely want to use a top sheet to prolong the time between washes.
Best Budget
Tribeca Living Venice Velvet 3-Piece Duvet Cover Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Venice-Velvet-Oversized-Solid-Duvet-Cover-Set-bb6b35e7924a44acbc290c9d77a5ea87.jpeg)
Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond
Sizes: Twin, Queen, King | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine washable
With this budget-friendly duvet cover set, you'll always wake up on the right side of the bed. The set, which includes two shams, comes in 7 gorgeous colors, including neutrals like gray and navy and bolder hues like teal and gold. It's made of 100 percent polyester, which means it's easy to care for and comes at a more affordable price point. On the other hand, polyester isn't very breathable, so hot sleepers might want to consider a different material.
Best Splurge
Williams Sonoma Classic Velvet Duvet Cover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/classic-velvet-duvet-cover-shams-1-c-446be5ea144240cda52b566276a5b7de.jpg)
Sizes: Full/Queen, King/Cal King | Material: Cotton velvet, linen backing | Care: Dry clean only
If you prefer your velvet to be perfectly smooth and crisp, the Williams Sonoma Classic Velvet Duvet Cover is for you. There are no additional textures, stitching, or frills here—save for a quiet three-inch flange on the shams—so the focus is entirely on the luxurious cotton velvet backed with high-quality Belgian linen.
It comes in both neutral and jewel-toned colors, so you can be sure to find a style that suits your bedroom. Just a heads up: The duvet cover and shams (sold separately) are dry-clean only, as velvet can be a bit of a more delicate material when it comes to washing.
Best Comforter
Pottery Barn Velvet Tufted Comforter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/img39z-2f32e5023faa4833bc3e1e90866724af.jpeg)
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Sizes: Full/Queen, King/Cal King | Material: Cotton velvet front with cotton back, polyester fill | Care: Machine washable
If you’re fully committed to the sumptuous velvet look, Pottery Barn's Velvet Tufted Comforter is the bedding for you. Available in three colors (light gray, blush, and ruby red), this comforter is meant to be used on its own without a duvet cover. Thanks to its tufted, lofty finish and subtle sheen, that shouldn't be a problem, since you won't want to cover it up—and because its machine washable, maintenance is easy as can be. Matching shams are also available, but sold separately.
Best Duvet Cover
Urban Outfitters Skye Velvet Duvet Cover
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/48371850_065_b-12ced3b188e04259addaf7fccaae8be8.jpeg)
Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King | Material: Rayon/cotton blend | Care: Machine washable
If you love when velvet takes on a more casual look, take a look at Urban Outfitters’ Skye Velvet Duvet Cover, which has a laidback crushed texture. This bedding comes in four colors—lilac, rose, black, and dark green, all of which have a cool, unusual vibe. Complete your set by purchasing shams separately.
The backing is cotton, which helps with breathability, and the entire cover is lightweight enough for year-round use. Take note that it is on the thinner side, which could present problems if you don’t treat it gently in the wash.
Best Quilt
Frontgate Rumi Velvet Quilt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/165925_alt1-0c44e7b1446a4c65b4732275bc7de6c1.jpeg)
Sizes: Queen, King | Material: Velvet cotton with polyester fill | Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
It’s all about the color choices when it comes to Frontgate’s Rumi Velvet Quilt, which comes in an impressive number of hues, from forest green to the blue-gray cadet blue to a deep red wine. You can use the quilt on your bed as a relatively lightweight yet super-warm layer, or you could use it as décor folded up at the end of your bed. It’s machine washable, which is a major plus for any type of quilt, especially a velvet one. The quilt is actually part of a collection that includes a variety of shams, so it’s easy to mix-and-match different colors, or to simply go with a cohesive set.
Best Coverlet
De' Medici by Eastern Accents Nova Coverlet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NovaCoverlet_Bedspread-023de4b94e974afb976f4591ad83fd8f.jpeg)
Courtesy of Perigold
Sizes: Twin, Queen, Super Queen, King, Super King, Cal King | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine washable
For a truly luxurious take on velvet bedding, the Nova Coverlet has a geometric stitching pattern that looks extra sharp and sophisticated. It's designed to be placed at the foot of the bed or layered over a comforter during the colder months, and it drapes beautifully as a decorative finishing touch. It comes in six neutral colors, and while it's definitely expensive, it's a great quality piece and is machine washable to ensure it'll last for years.
Best Throw Pillow
Anthropologie Adelina Velvet Pillow
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/45455754AA_045_b12-f2592bd4a3e54c1a8bcc8daa78517b08.jpg)
Anthropologie
Size: 24 x 14 inches, 18 x 18 inches, 22 x 22 inches | Material: Cotton and viscose cover, feather insert | Care: Machine washable
Go big on texture with this pillow from Anthropologie that combines the soft feel of velvet with a variety of bright colors to create a true statement piece. The throw pillow cover is made from a combination of cotton and viscose for durability, and it’s stuffed with a feather pillow insert for extra comfort. Even better? The entire thing is machine-washable.
Depending on what color you get, this pillow can work as either a neutral or a bold pop of color on a sofa, chair, or bed. Pair it with other colors for some contrast, or create a cohesive palette for an extra burst of color.
Final Verdict
The West Elm Crinkle Velvet Duvet Cover (view at West Elm) is our top choice for velvet bedding because it perfects the balance between casual and luxurious, and it comes in five different colors. For something a little friendlier on the wallet, try the Tribeca Living Venice Velvet 3-Piece Queen Duvet Cover Set (view at Amazon), which comes in a variety of rich hues and costs well under $100.
What to Look for in Velvet Bedding
Material
Velvet itself isn’t actually a singular material, but a type of fabric that has a dense pile and evenly cut fibers for an extra smooth feel. It can be made from a variety of organic and synthetic materials, from cotton to polyester. “Not all velvet is the same, and low-quality velvet can matte and shed,” says Andra DelMonico, lead interior designer for Trendey. “Silk velvet is the most beautiful but also the most delicate and may not be a wise choice for your bedding. Cotton velvet is the most affordable but can crush easily. Mohair velvet is the highest quality but is also very expensive.”
Color
Velvet is most commonly associated with rich, jewel-tone colors, but it can also come in everything from metallics to pastels. And some velvets even feature colorful patterns! The sky is the limit with the fabric in terms of color, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Care
Most high-quality velvets should be spot cleaned or dry cleaned, but some can be machine washed. “Velvet can be made from a variety of fibers from natural cotton to synthetic polyester, so it’s best to check your product’s care label for recommended instructions on how to keep your specific product looking nice for a long time,” says Tracy Miller, CEO of Inventive Sleep.
FAQs
How do you care for velvet bedding?
Since velvet can be made from a variety of materials, you should check the care label to find out how to clean your product. Many velvet products are dry clean only.
But if you’re lucky and your velvet bedding is machine washable, there are some tips you should keep in mind. “Use cold or cool water to either hand or machine wash your velvet bedding," says DelMonico. "If you’re using a washing machine, always choose the gentle cycle. This will prevent damage to the fibers. A gentle laundry detergent will prevent premature color fading. Be careful not to use too much detergent, or your velvet will feel stiff and begin to matte.”
Is velvet bedding good for hot sleepers?
In general, velvet is a dense fabric that doesn't exactly allow for breathability. But if you’re a hot sleeper who is set on making velvet work, make sure you pay attention to the actual material used in the fabric. “Natural fiber velvets will be more breathable, light, and overall more comfortable to sleep under,” says Miller. Stick with cotton and avoid polyester, which is known for trapping heat.
Is velvet bedding good for pets?
No, velvet is among one of the worst fabrics for pet owners. Because of its texture, it collects pet hair easily. On top of that, it’s a relatively fragile material, so claws are not velvet’s friend! If you have a pet and are set on velvet bedding, go for a crushed velvet piece that will hide any snags, and stick with affordable polyester options that you don't have to be as careful with.
Why Trust MyDomaine?
This article was written by Stefanie Waldek, a seasoned writer and editor who covers architecture and design. For this roundup, Stefanie considered dozens of velvet bedding pieces, taking into consideration the quality of the products, customer reviews, and expert insights. She evaluated multiple features of each product, from material to care instructions to color options. All of the bedding pieces here are not only strong design pieces, but also comfortable for sleeping.