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).

A Vintage Danish Lounge Chair Deep Red Velvet Velour 1960s Retro EB9031 MNOR - UKDK FURNITURE

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 Originally made from silk (fancy!), modern velvet is usually a blend of cotton or polyester.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
2 Vintage Danish Lounge Chairs Pale Blue Stouby Tub Form 1980s Retro EB8759 MNOR - UKDK FURNITURE

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.

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