
Velvet, Velour or Dralon: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
When you’re buying vintage furniture, the fabric it’s upholstered in can make a big difference — not just in how it looks but in how long it lasts. If you’ve come across the words velvet, velour or Dralon, here’s a breakdown of what they actually mean (and which one’s right for you).

Velvet
Velvet is a woven fabric with a dense pile that gives it that signature softness and shine. Originally made from silk (fancy!), modern velvet is usually a blend of cotton or polyester. It’s the go-to choice for those luxurious statement chairs or glamorous vintage sofas.
- Soft to touch
- Looks high-end
- Ideal for occasional chairs or low-traffic areas

Velour
Velour is the more relaxed sibling of velvet. It’s knitted rather than woven, so it has a bit of stretch and a slightly more casual vibe. You’ll often see velour fabric on retro furniture from the 60s and 70s — especially in lounge chairs and cosy three-seaters.
- Slightly stretchy
- Often more affordable than velvet
- Great for comfy, slouchy seating

Dralon
Dralon is a synthetic acrylic fabric known for its toughness. It’s often used outdoors or on furniture that needs to handle wear and tear. Resistant to UV, water and general chaos, it’s perfect for durable vintage sofas or armchairs in busy homes.
- Fade-resistant
- Great for outdoor or high-use spaces
Not quite as plush, but super practical
Which One’s Right for You?
If you want luxury and elegance, go for velvet upholstery.
If you’re after something a bit retro and soft, velour is your best bet.
And if you’ve got kids, pets or a busy household, Dralon fabric is the way to go.
Whatever you pick, the fabric is just one part of what makes vintage furniture so unique. Whether it’s a 1960s sofa or a mid-century lounge chair, you’re getting character, craftsmanship and comfort all in one.
Whether it’s velour or velvet, we’ve got seats worth sinking into. Shop our Vintage Seating here.
Check out more Vintage products below...
-
2 Antique Hall Chairs in Oak Frame and Floral Upholstery EB7362 VCAR
Regular price £375.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
Vintage Leather Wing Back Georgian Style 1970s Retro EB10457a VLEA
Regular price £325.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
Vintage Danish Country Cottage Rocking Chair Oak Frame Traditional EB10321 VCAR
Regular price £275.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
Vintage Burdekin Two Seater Rattan Settee Timeless Classic Shape EB10440 VBER
Regular price £350.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
Vintage Burdekin Rattan 2 Chairs and Footstool Set Quality Brand EB10442 VBER
Regular price £350.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
Vintage Settee in 1980s Fabric Cottage Style 1920s Retro EB10446 V3SS
Regular price £375.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
Vintage Faux Leather White Chesterfield Three Seater Retro Sofa EB10450 VCHE
Regular price £475.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per -
White Vinyl Vegan Leather Chesterfield Armchair Retro Club Chair EB10455 VCHE
Regular price £275.00 GBPRegular priceUnit price / per