Like black licorice or cilantro, there seems to be only polar-opposite opinions about velvet. The negative side might say it’s too soft and luxurious, or too vintage – in a nutshell, it represents something we’re not. I’ve heard it all (and I would have to agree for the most part). But to take a stand for the middle ground, this week’s Top Ten list takes a detailed look at how designers pair deep wood accents, mid-century style, and sophistication with a fabric, like velvet that deserves all the attention it can muster up within the world of interior design.

Pared Down, Mid-Century Modern to Buttoned-Up, Red Carpet-Style: Velvet Sofas Hit Every Fashionable Cue

1. Regal

DESIGNER: Antonello Mosca
MANUFACTURER: Giorgetti
PRICE: approx. $11,900
Dimensions: 30.3″H x 102″W x 40″D

The wide armrests and deep cushions of the Regal three-seater sofa by Antonello Mosca for Giorgetti form a gorgeous, modern Italian piece of furniture that can be upholstered in 14 different fabrics. If the velvet is chosen, a special stitching is featured atop the structure and legs made from polished beech wood.

2. Cassiopea
DESIGNER: Lievore, Altherr, and Molina
MANUFACTURER: Poltrona Frau
PRICE: $8,900+
Dimensions: 78″W x 38.25″D x 30.25″H

Versatile as both a modular sofa and as a sectional, the Cassiopea sofa by Lievore, Altherr, and Molina is a classy spectacle. When you add its option of velvet upholstery to the gammut of leathers and fabric, the sofa takes on an edgy, ultra smooth effect of its own atop the birch plywood frame. Unlike the other materials, velvet upholstery means the cushion covers are not removable.

3. Newlin Chesterfield, Mushroom Velvet
MANUFACTURER: Anthropologie
PRICE: $2,898
Dimensions: 28.5″H x 61″W x 31″D

Set low to the ground compared to other sofas, the Newlin Chesterfield shape in a Mushroom Velvet sits high in my book. Inspired by a piece that an Anthropologie buyer saw at a flea market, this button-tufted lovese that was handcrafted in the United States comes with caster-finished legs, a poly-dacron fill hardwood frame, and room for two.

4. Velvet
MANUFACTURER: Sand & Birch
PRICE: Available upon request
Dimensions: 61″W x 37″H x 35.4″D

A bent wood underlying frame magically reshapes the way velvet is seen on sofas (and actually, the way sofas are seen in general). Unlike overstuffed couches, the Velvet by Sand & Birch is all about the polyurethane-coated wood frame. The Velvet sofa’s spiral shape is upholstered in smooth velvet and come in the colors: Anthracite, Grey, Light Beige, Beige, Orange, Olive, Blue, Violet, or Custom.

5. Lorimer
MANUFACTURER: West Elm Contemporary Furniture
PRICE: $849 – 1,029
Dimensions: 81″W x 35″D x 30″H

Like a lounge sofa, the Lorimer by West Elm allows the velvet to do the talking. Described as being “long and low-slung”, there’s nothing that makes an overstatement. Tailored upholstery atop the clean, angular frame with a wide-arm profile gives off a comfortable look while keeping it all together.

6. Italian Walnut Finished Sofa #4530-741
MANUFACTURER: Maitland-Smith
PRICE: Available upon request
Dimensions: 73″W x 40″D x 49″H

With high rattan caning and a topaz velvet upholstered seat, this exclusive little number by Maitland-Smith pairs textures to create a neutral palette. Adding more fun to the combination are its lustrous Italian Walnut finished legs and gorgeous pillow details that could only come from a fine interior design company who specializes in limited edition pieces.

7. Boa
DESIGNER: Fernando and Humberto Campana
MANUFACTURER: Edra
PRICE: approx. $20,000
Dimensions: 295′ total length

Resembling a nest, the threaded Boa sofa by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra is a definite winner of the unconventional velvet sofa award. Starting with 90 meters (or 295 feet) of soft, velvet tubing, it is then filled with flexible polyurethane chips. From there, the Boa is knotted with what Edra calls “extreme manual expertise” to create the snake-like, irresistible couch.

8. Linden
MANUFACTURER: Z Gallerie
PRICE: $1,399
Dimensions: 92”W x 48”D x 35”H

Like a piece of velvety rich milk chocolate, the Linden sofa by Z Gallerie is just the right amount of everything comfortable (including the seven pillows that are part of the package). Oversized, hemmed up for exquisite beauty with the antique brass nail heads, and rolled armrests extending around the back, Z Gallerie shares this sofa in Beluga (shown) or in a lighter tone they call Buckwheat.   Stocked as shown in ”Beluga” brown, a beautiful soft velvet fabric that is highly durable and easy to clean. Check out the Linden sofa in Buckwheat if a lighter color suits your style.

9. Hutton
MANUFACTURER: Room & Board
PRICE: $2,199
Dimensions: 98″W x 41″D x 31″H

Gussy up with a deep-seated velvet sofa by Room & Board that goes by Hutton. It’s mid-century flair is tailored and vintage in spirit, yet with the cool, gray-blue velvet upholstery, its kept sophisticated with epic ebony-stained legs bearing the beautiful load beneath.

10. Kennedy
MANUFACTURER: Jayson Home
PRICE: $3,195
Dimensions: 87″W x 36″D x 35″H

The ideal sofa for a walkway or small space comes in understated forms just like the smoke grey, flanders-coal velvet upholstered Kennedy sofa by Jayson Home. Without bulky armrests or pillows, its purpose is clear: to seat its guests with true elegance. Accentuate the feeling with a look at its black walnut wood finished legs or upgrade to a down and feather cushion if desired.

Hope you enjoyed our roundup of the Top Ten Velvet Sofas!

Top Ten articles publish every Tuesday. Email 3rings@designerpages.com if there’s a category you’d like to see.