Ancient figured velvet. Velvet is a fabric that has a thick, dense pile that is traditionally made of silk but today can also be made of acrylic and other fibers. Its production involves warps — tightly stretched threads that are drawn over rods to make loops. As the weaving progresses, the rods are removed, leaving loops that can be cut or uncut.

To appreciate figured velvet, we need to take a visit down the Silk Road. For quite some time, a country's wealth could be measured by its rolls of silk. Byzantine emperor Justinian sent two monks to Asia in the early 550s on a mission to bring back the source of silk. They returned to Constantinople with their bamboo canes filled with silkworm eggs and mulberry seeds.

By the 11th century, state-controlled silk factories were popping up all over the Mediterranean. Royal factories were later founded in Spain and Italy, which imported silk artisans from Greece.

This eclectic sitting room has a figured velvet–style fabric used on classic sofas to full effect. Strong golds and reds bounce off the ceiling mural, creating a warm glow.

Figured velvet in the 14th century. By the 1500s, 7,000 looms and more than 15,000 weavers could be found working in the silk industry in Florence alone. Figured velvet had become a popular fabric; stylized pinecone, artichoke and thistle motifs were the designs of the time.

Eventually, Florentine silks became too expensive, and only the royal court could afford to keep the factories in business. The Venetians and the Genoese — who were especially famous for their elaborate velvets — started making more affordable but still equally beautiful pieces. Images of peonies, lotus flowers, eagles and dragons embellished these velvets.

This seat cushion design feels a little inspired by the traditional patterns used centuries ago. The tassels are a delightful finishing touch.

Figured velvet in the 18th century. In the 1900s the English became a force, producing high-end figured velvets — although much of the fabric they designed initially was intended for wear rather than furnishings. The velvets had floral patterns on light backgrounds, and by the middle of the 19th century, British weavers were reinventing the French patterns from a generation earlier.

Figured velvet is always a welcome addition in a serene and classic room like this. The daisy pattern is a modern take on the pleasant English floral patterns that were so popular in the 18th century.

Modern figured velvet. These days few private patrons keep the hand-operated machines alive; 300-year-old machinery produces less than an inch of silk a day. Rubelli, a famous Venetian firm, still produces upholstery for a few major patrons. Figured velvets made of silk are now more often produced on mechanized thousand-loom machines, on a 24-hour schedule.

Today figured velvet can also be made from viscose on either a linen or cotton backing. Viscose is a very versatile product that can provide the look and feel of velvet without the hefty price tag. Velveteen — made of cotton or a blend of cotton and silk — is another modern option. However, this fabric does not drape as well as true velvet and will not have as high a sheen.