Velvet is a fabric that can conjure up some pretty disparate images: You've got the Old Money traditionalism and a refined aesthetic (think elegant Victorian drawing rooms). Then there's New Money ostentation (think over-the-top opulence in a mogul's McMansion). And don't forget the "money's no object" tackiness of velvet paintings!
But to me, velvet is an incredibly versatile and glorious upholstery fabric that--when done in small doses--can bring life and personality to almost any kind of decor. Soft, inviting, and sensual, velvet sofas can soften up even the most sterile and sharp-edged room.
Here are some wonderful velvet sofas from Apartment Therapy house tours:
FIRST ROW
• 1 Suzi’s European Countrystyle Condo. I've always loved the look and feel of a single long cushion on a sofa.
• 2 Kristin’s Hollywood Home in the Historical Il Borghese. Part bohemian, part Hollywood glam, this rose colored vintage velvet couch is a showstopper. And you don't have to worry about spilling red wine on it.
• 3 Philip & Leong’s Live/Work City Space The contrast between this lively, child-like, candy-colored sofa and the deep "grown-up" brown of the walls is brilliant.
• 4 Kristy & Phil’s House of Little Treasures. The crushed velvet sofa gives a real bohemian, flea market edge.
• 5 Emily & Erick’s Modern Eclectic British Eccentric Bungalow. This charming and original chartreuse velvet sofa is just one of the many delights in this truly eclectic and funky living room.
SECOND ROW
• 6 Terri and Evan’s Blue Velvet Home. Soft blue velvet is the epitome of comfort. And its lushness provides a nice contrast with the modern geometric patterns on the wall behind it.
• 7 Elisa’s Red, White & Cozy. Can you imagine how different this room would look without this extraordinary and dramatic red velvet sofa?
• 8 Sharon & Chris’s Monochrome Wonder. This luscious grey sofa from ABC Carpet & Home is so versatile. It would look equally at home in a sleek modern setting as in an bohemian one.
• 9 David & Wade’s Cocktail Oasis. The soft dusty blue of this sofa provides a softness and warmth to this streamlined and masculine room.
• 10 Danielle’s Story Filled Home House Call. This fabulous orange chesterfield takes this traditional room to a whole new level.
10 No-Fail Decor Tricks & Tips for Small Spaces
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Shaw's Original Fir...
How to Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
#6 I love the couch itself, love velvet couches in general, but I'm pretty sure letting a long haired cat festoon it with shed fur would be the death of me.
I wonder how well they hold up to regular/heavy use? Also, love all the bright and bold colors!
I loooooove brown and pink!
The link to Suzi's Country Condo is coming up with a 404 error for me, and I really want to check it out!
Does velvet furniture shed?
I once bought black velvet blanket that while comfy, soon turned my white walls into black speckled walls. I gave the blanket away and spent a great deal of time using swiffer cloths and lint rollers to remove shed fibers.
I love the gray. And the chartruese, though I can't see my husband being all "oh, yes, chartruese, why didn't I think of that." - he's a neutrals person.
My sister has wanted a blue velvet sofa forever, I think the Anthropologie one.
But, for myself, oh, AT gods, which is less tacky - black velvet sofas or black leather sofas? And can I have a sofa of one and a chair of the other?
I'm craving some velveteen furniture. I was thinking about how swank my Klippan would be with a warm grey velvet slipcover... but having one made would probably cost as much as buying a whole new couch.
Hahaha, I stopped by this post to drool over my big love - velvet sofas. And... noticed that #6 is my own home.
bonjourmiette - It's not as bad as you'd think. We have THREE cats shedding all over that sofa! But compared to our previous sofa, and other upholstery in our home, the velvet is the easiest to remove fur from.
lynell - We've had no problems. I was careful to choose a high-quality fabric, rated at over 90,000 double rubs There are definitely much more delicate fabrics out there...
Love the velvet, but my favorite thing on the page is the corgi.
i am pretty sure that the sofa in #2 isn't vintage, but the currently available Templeton by Jonathan Adler.
6, 7, and 8 are my favorites. they look good and seem live-able.
Please go back and fix #1 I keep getting a 404 error. Please read comments on your posts!
They're pretty, but my dogs would destroy them.
That orange chesterfield makes me want to weep. It's gorgeous.
loving the orange chesterfield too. who knew it would look good with peachy-pink chairs (which look almost exactly like a pair my grandparents had). we've got an orange couch and I'm desperately trying to decide what color to re-do the chairs and not clash...