Harlequin Heatherton: Performance Velvet Fabric in Singapore

Velvet is one of the most inviting fabrics for a sofa or headboard, but many people worry it will mark, crush or stain too easily for daily life. Harlequin’s Heatherton is designed to answer that. It is a performance velvet for Autumn/Winter 2026 with a softly brushed, mohair-like texture and a stain-repellent finish, made for real homes and busy commercial spaces. Goodrich Global now supplies Heatherton in Singapore.

What Is Heatherton Velvet?

Heatherton is a plain velvet from Harlequin, the British studio known for colour and pattern. Its gently brushed surface catches the light and gives the fabric a soft, tactile quality that adds depth and warmth to a room. It is offered in a broad, versatile palette drawn from the wider Harlequin portfolio, so it can partner existing Harlequin patterns as a solid coordinate.

On the Goodrich Global site the collection is listed in 25 colourways, from soft neutrals such as Chalk to deeper, bolder tones. See them all on the Heatherton fabrics page.

Performance Features

• Stain-repellent finish: the fabric is treated to help resist spills, so everyday marks can be blotted away before they set.
• 50,000 Martindale rubs: a high abrasion rating that puts Heatherton in heavy-duty territory, suitable for daily-use sofas and contract seating.
• Crib 5 compliance: Heatherton meets the Crib 5 ignition test, a demanding flammability standard used for upholstery in contract settings.
• Cotton-polyester blend: the blend combines a soft hand with strength and shape retention.

For context, a Martindale rating of around 15,000 to 25,000 rubs is usually considered suitable for general domestic use, while 30,000 and above is often specified for commercial seating. Read more in our guide to velvet upholstery fabric.

Where to Use Heatherton

Living rooms and bedrooms

Heatherton suits sofas, armchairs, ottomans and upholstered headboards. In a Singapore condo or HDB flat, a velvet sofa in a warm neutral or a deep jewel tone can anchor the whole living room. It also works as a curtain, adding a softly lustrous drape to a bedroom window.

Hotels, restaurants and offices

Harlequin describes Heatherton as suitable for high-traffic hospitality, such as hotel lobbies and restaurant booths. The combination of stain repellency, a high rub count and Crib 5 compliance makes it a strong candidate for banquettes, lounge chairs, meeting-room seating and reception sofas, where a plain velvet gives a premium look that is easy to coordinate.

As a coordinate

Because the palette is drawn from Harlequin’s wider collections, Heatherton is an easy way to pick out one colour from a patterned Harlequin fabric or wallpaper, for example piping a cushion, upholstering a chair or covering a headboard that sits against a statement wall.

Choosing a Velvet for Singapore Homes

When you compare velvets, look beyond colour:

• Abrasion rating: check the Martindale figure for seating that will be used every day.
• Finish: a stain-repellent or easy-clean treatment helps in homes with children, pets or frequent guests.
• Pile direction: velvet looks lighter or darker depending on the angle of the pile, so ask your upholsterer to keep the pile running the same way across all panels.
• Sunlight: deep colours can fade in strong sun, so use sheers or blinds on west-facing windows.

Pets are a common concern. Velvet has no loose loops for claws to catch, which can make it more practical than some textured weaves. See our guide to performance fabric for sofas for more options.

Caring for Heatherton

Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment, brushing gently in the direction of the pile. Blot spills promptly with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing. If the pile is crushed, light steaming from a distance can help it recover. For deeper stains, use a professional upholstery cleaner and follow the fabric care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is velvet a practical upholstery fabric?

A performance velvet can be very practical. Heatherton has a stain-repellent finish and a 50,000 Martindale rub rating, so it is designed for everyday sofas and busy commercial seating rather than occasional use only.

Can Heatherton be used for curtains?

Yes. Heatherton is suitable for both upholstery and drapery, so it can be used for curtains as well as sofas, chairs and headboards.

Is Heatherton suitable for hotels and restaurants?

Yes. It is designed for residential and contract interiors, including high-traffic hospitality spaces such as hotel lobbies and restaurant booths, and it meets the Crib 5 ignition standard.

Discover Heatherton with Goodrich Global

Goodrich Global represents Sanderson Design Group, including Harlequin, in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Read more about our partnership with Sanderson Design Group, or visit the Goodrich Gallery at 8 Changi South Lane to see our fabric collections.

To ask about samples or availability, call +65 6586 8700 or email info@goodrichglobal.com.

Looking for a hard-wearing velvet for your project? Request a quotation today.

Sources

• Harlequin, “Heatherton: A Performance Velvet for Everyday”, harlequin.design journal, September 2026.
• Goodrich Global, Heatherton Fabrics product information.
• BS 5852, Crib 5 ignition source test for upholstered furniture.