The Lovesac Corded Velvet and Padded Velvet fabrics both offer a luxurious feel, but their core differences are texture and resilience. Corded Velvet has a distinct ribbed texture that adds visual depth and is excellent at hiding everyday wear, while Padded Velvet provides an ultra-smooth, cushioned surface for maximum softness. The choice comes down to whether you prioritize a textured, durable finish or a sleek, plush feel.
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right velvet for your Lovesac Sactional.
Lovesac Corded Velvet
Lovesac's Corded Velvet is a family-friendly favorite known for its unique, tactile finish. Instead of a flat surface, this fabric features parallel cords or ribs, creating a texture that feels soft yet structured. This design not only adds a sophisticated visual detail but also makes the fabric very forgiving for high-traffic environments or homes with pets and kids.
- What it is: A durable and soft velvet upholstery fabric characterized by its distinct, ribbed texture.
- Key features: Textured corduroy-like appearance, plush hand-feel, designed for high durability and washability.
- Price: It is one of Lovesac's premium fabric options, with pricing varying by the size of the cover.
- Style: Adds visual depth and a touch of modern or even slightly retro sophistication. Works well in contemporary, industrial, and eclectic spaces.
- Materials/Construction: It's a high-quality synthetic velvet blend engineered to withstand machine washing and heavy use.
- Pros: Excellent durability that holds up to daily life. The ribbed texture helps conceal pet hair, light scratches, and general wear. Provides a unique, tactile feel and a rich look. Machine washable for easy maintenance.
- Cons: The texture may not appeal to those seeking a classic, smooth velvet. It can feel slightly less "fluffy" or plush than the Padded Velvet. Can sometimes flatten slightly in high-use spots, though this is often fixed by washing or brushing.
Corded Velvet is ideal for households with children, pets, or anyone who wants a luxe look without the stress of delicate upkeep.
Shop this fabric: lovesac.com/sactionals/covers
Lovesac Padded Velvet
As the name suggests, Padded Velvet is built for ultimate comfort and provides an exceptionally soft, cushioned experience. This fabric has a traditional smooth, plush surface with an extra layer of backing that gives it a subtle pillowy feel. It offers the classic, elegant appearance of velvet with a gentle-to-the-touch finish that is perfect for cozy lounging.
- What it is: An ultra-plush, smooth velvet upholstery fabric featuring a padded backing for enhanced softness and comfort.
- Key features: Smooth, uniform texture with a slight sheen. Padded construction for a cushioned feel.
- Price: Aligned with Lovesac's premium fabric tier, price is determined by the cover configuration required.
- Style: Sleek, elegant, and luxurious. It suits a wide range of decor styles, including classic, minimalist, and contemporary interiors where a smooth, rich fabric is desired.
- Materials/Construction: A durable synthetic velvet blend with added cushioning built into the fabric backing.
- Pros: Exceptionally soft and inviting to the touch. The padded feel adds a noticeable layer of comfort. Offers a clean, uniform look that provides sophisticated elegance. It's also fully machine washable.
- Cons: The smooth surface can show imprints, smudges, or pet hair more readily than a textured fabric. May require more frequent brushing or "fluffing" of cushions to maintain its pristine look. Less forgiving of pulls or snags from pet claws.
Padded Velvet is the perfect choice for anyone whose top priority is a cloud-like, soft seating experience and a polished, luxurious look.
Shop this fabric: lovesac.com/sactionals/covers
Lovesac Corded Velvet vs. Padded Velvet Comparison
Texture & Feel
The most immediate difference between these two fabrics is the feel. Touching the Corded Velvet reveals its distinct ribs, which are soft but provide a structured, tactile sensation. It has a cozy and durable quality, almost like a high-end, plush corduroy.
In contrast, the Padded Velvet is perfectly smooth and uniform. Your hand glides over a cloud-like, plush surface thanks to its cushioned backing. If your primary goal is the softest, most traditionally "velvety" experience, Padded Velvet delivers that in a way Corded Velvet cannot.
Durability & Maintenance
Both fabrics are designed to be durable and are fully machine washable, which is a major benefit of the Lovesac system. However, Corded Velvet has a clear advantage in high-traffic settings. Its ribbed texture is exceptional at camouflaging everyday wear and tear, from pet hair to minor stains or scuffs that might occur between washes. The texture breaks up the surface, making imperfections much less noticeable.
Padded Velvet, while still tough, has a uniform surface where imprints, hair, or smudges can stand out more easily. While a quick wash will solve most issues, it requires a bit more day-to-day mindfulness to keep it looking perfect, especially in homes with active pets or young children.
Style & Aesthetics
Corded Velvet lends a modern, textural element to a room. It catches light in varied ways along its ribs, giving it visual depth and character. This makes it a great fit for spaces that aim for a cozy, layered look and complements decor styles from mid-century modern to casual contemporary. It feels sophisticated yet approachable.
Padded Velvet brings a more classic and elegant aesthetic. Its smooth, rich surface has a uniform sheen that creates a sleek and refined appearance. It's a perfect choice for minimalist, traditional, or luxe modern interiors where you want the furniture to have a polished and seamlessly luxurious feel.
Who Each One Works Best For
Corded Velvet is an excellent upholstery choice for active households. If you have pets that shed, children who sometimes climb on the furniture, or are simply not interested in constant upkeep, this fabric offers beauty and peace of mind. Its forgiving nature makes it practical without sacrificing a premium feel.
Padded Velvet is designed for comfort enthusiasts. It's for the person who wants their Sactional to be an unbelievably soft and cozy sanctuary. While still durable enough for everyday life, it truly shines in households where ultimate plushness is the top priority and furniture traffic is moderate.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both velvet options offer a high-end experience, but your final choice depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic priorities.
Choose the Corded Velvet if:
- You have pets or children and need a durable, forgiving fabric.
- You appreciate a textured look and added visual interest in your decor.
- Your living room is a high-traffic zone.
- You want a stylish, sophisticated look that is also incredibly practical.
Choose the Padded Velvet if:
- Maximum softness and a cloud-like feel are your top priorities.
- You love a sleek, smooth, and traditionally luxurious aesthetic.
- Your Sactional is in a lower-traffic area or you don't have pets.
- You want your furniture to feel like an exceptionally cozy and inviting retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Corded Velvet and Padded Velvet?
The core difference is texture. Corded Velvet has a ribbed, textured surface that's highly durable and hides wear. Padded Velvet has a smooth, uniform surface with extra cushioning for maximum softness.
Which Lovesac velvet is more durable?
Both are highly durable and machine-washable. However, Corded Velvet is considered more resilient for daily life because its textured pattern helps conceal pet hair, scratches, and minor stains better than the smooth Padded Velvet.
Are both Lovesac velvet covers machine washable?
Yes, one of the best features of Lovesac Sactionals is that all covers, including both Corded and Padded Velvet options, are removable and machine washable. Always follow the specific care instructions, which typically recommend washing in cold water and hanging to dry.
Which velvet is better for homes with dogs or cats?
Many pet owners prefer Corded Velvet. Its texture is excellent at hiding fur, and resists showing small snags or pulls better than a smoother fabric. It provides a luxe look without the constant worry about pet-related wear and tear.
Does Padded Velvet get crushed or show imprints?
Like any traditional flat velvet, Padded Velvet can show temporary imprints from sitting or pressure marks. These can usually be smoothed out with your hand or will relax over time. Proper, gentle cleaning also helps maintain its uniform plushness.
Does Corded Velvet feel rough?
Not at all. While it is textured with distinct cords, the fabric is still exceptionally soft to the touch. It provides a tactile feeling but remains comfortable and cozy for lounging.
How do you clean Lovesac velvet covers?
Standard care for Lovesac covers involves zipping them closed, machine washing on a cold, gentle cycle, and then hanging them to air dry. Tumble drying on low heat may be an option for some fabrics, but it is critical to check the specific care tag on your cover before doing so to avoid shrinkage.
Is there a significant price difference between the two?
Generally, Corded Velvet and Padded Velvet are in the same premium price tier within the Lovesac fabric options. Any minor difference in total cost for a Sactional configuration is usually minimal.
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