Velvet is re-emerging as a defining material in contemporary interiors, no longer bound to historical opulence, but reinterpreted through restraint, craftsmanship and modern sensibility.
Once associated with palaces and grand salons, velvet has evolved into a material that speaks softly yet confidently within today’s design language.
In this renewed context, velvet becomes a medium of quiet expression, valued for its depth, tactility and ability to soften architectural forms. Its surface absorbs and reflects light in subtle ways, creating a sense of intimacy and warmth that contrasts with the sharpness often found in minimalist interiors. Rather than serving as a symbol of luxury for luxury’s sake, velvet now enhances comfort and emotional connection within a space.
Today’s velvet is chosen as much for performance as for aesthetics. Technological advancements have elevated its durability and versatility, making it suitable for both residential and hospitality environments. High-quality contemporary velvets withstand daily use while retaining their richness and texture. When paired with clean lines and honest materials, velvet introduces warmth and dimensions without compromising clarity, an essential balance in modern design.
This refined approach is exemplified by the Goa armchair, designed by Francesc Rifé. The armchair’s silhouette is clean and composed, yet subtly inviting.
Upholstered in velvet, the Goa armchair gains a tactile softness that contrasts elegantly with its architectural structure. The ash wood frame provides visual depth and material authenticity. grounding the piece while enhancing its refined presence. The interplay between velvet upholstery and solid wood construction creates a dialogue between comfort and precision, between sensory richness and structural clarity.
A similar philosophy can be seen in the Pipo Lounge Chair, a furniture design piece inspired by Oporto’s internationally known Porto wine. This cultural reference informs the chair’s voluminous and protective shape, resulting in a design that feels enveloping yet elegant. Upholstered in velvet and handcrafted in ash wood, the Pipo Lounge Chair combines craftsmanship with conceptual depth, translating tradition into a contemporary form.
Light interacts delicately with the velvet surface, revealing tonal variations that echo the atmospheric inspiration behind the design. This dynamic quality brings the piece to life within a space, offering a sense of movement and warmth that evolves throughout the day.
In this modern velvet renaissance, materials are not decorative afterthoughts, but integral to the design narrative. Texture, form, and craftsmanship work together to create pieces that feel intentional and enduring. Velvet, when used thoughtfully, brings humanity to contemporary spaces, inviting touch, slowing the pace, and encouraging moments of pause.
In Sentta, we embody this philosophy, presenting velvet as a material of balance rather than excess. They stand as quiet statements within contemporary design, defined not by ornamentation, but by intention, precision, and a renewed appreciation for sensory experience.
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