Skopos is embracing Autumn and Winter 2024 with some exciting news, which supports and strengthens our printed fabric offer. With over 50 years’ experience, Skopos have built up a wealth of design experience, bringing template designs into hospitality, cruise, office, healthcare and student spaces. Known especially for our eye-catching florals and providing interior solutions from both fabric collections and also via our specialist Bespoke design team, the Skopos designers are ready to open up the doors to the Studio a little further, and invite the specifiers in. An ever-growing library, Skopos Studio is a collection of amazing designs that have been developed from archive ideas, document artworks, with current and new/ exciting artists; and ideas based on trend research. The concept of Skopos STUDIO awards each design in the studio equal status, rather than presenting a traditional, co-ordinating collection. Through this concept we want to simply let the specifier determine how to bring things together, rather than suggest a scheme…after all, that’s what they do best!
Designs within Skopos Studio will start to appear on the Skopos website this Autumn, so keep checking back on skoposfabrics.com/studio-prints and a physical binder of designs will also be available shortly, updated regularly, as fresh new ideas are launched. Skopos Studio aims to delight and inspire you, stir your imagination and allow you to bring ideas to life for your customers, creating statement contract interiors? Skopos Studio is about letting our customers explore deeper into the hearts and minds of the Skopos Design Team.
Designs in Skopos Studio have been developed to work hand in hand with our beautiful accent collections and upholsteries for a cross-section of projects. All of our printed designs are offered on a vast choice of base-cloths including blackout fabrics, dimouts, velvets and impervious upholstery qualities. Base-cloth shade cards are available to demonstrate the full offer. If you require something unique, our Bespoke service can offer custom colour options for a minimum meterage.
With a locally based print facility in Yorkshire, our relationship with print is now even stronger in 2024 than it has ever been over our 50 year history, allowing us to deliver outstanding with a low carbon footprint. Having achieved Carbon Neutral status in 2023, knowing our Carbon footprint has also allowed us to effectively invest in future-proofing initiatives which can offset our emissions and give something back to our environment.
As a business we are setting our goals high in order to substantially reduce our Carbon emissions over the next 2 decades, however we recognise that, as a manufacturing business, though there are many steps we can take, we still need to find the balance in managing the carbon we do emit. Our measures of our current position help us to find initiatives which balance out our effect and take full responsibility for our operations.
About Skopos Fabrics Ltd
Skopos has over 50 year's experience of supplying innovative statement fabrics and soft furnishings into flagship hotels, marine interiors and other commercial spaces. Working globally with designers and specifiers, the Skopos brand thrives on innovation. Skopos fabrics deliver on style but also meet the needs of customers looking for technical assurance and key attributes, such as acoustic options, impervious upholstery fabrics, antimicrobial and blackout; providing a fabric-only, or made-to-measure and installation service. Accredited as a Carbon Neutral organisation in 2023, sustainable operations go hand in hand with the development of new recycled products and the use of local suppliers.
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Complimenting other flame-retardant velvets in the Skopos collection, Dove offers a luxurious cotton-look matt velvet with a soft handle and gentle reflection. Offered originally in trend-inspired colours, ranging from calm neutrals to bright berry tones and botanical greens and blues, this collection is perfect for elegant upholstery (passes Crib 5 tests over 50kg foam), drapery, cushions and bedding within contract interiors.
In-line with the enthusiasm already demonstrated for this timeless collection, since its’ launch in 2021, Skopos has now enlisted 22 sumptuous new colours, displayed on a new single card, which slots neatly into the current binder. Tones which embrace the trends for earthy terracotta and spice colours, sit in a cosy envelope around brave Celtic inspired greens, blues and hot pink hues. With a current choice of over 50 shades, this multi-use collection is specifier’s scheme-board ‘got to’.
100% FR Polyester, and washable to 40∘C, the collection provides a perfect solution for contract soft furnishings within hospitality, leisure and luxury care environments. As with all Skopos fabrics, Dove has been tested to ensure compliance with British Standards for contract fabrics. Visit skoposfabrics.com for free samples and to order a shade-card.
The collection meets the requirements for Flame Retardancy standards across the UK and Europe and meets IMO standards confirming suitability for marine/cruise-line interiors. Available immediately, with short lead-times for larger order quantities, Skopos are pleased to add this collection into their Accents range. For a copy of our full Dove shade card or the new insert of colours, contact our customer service team: [email protected], or for free samples of our collections, visit our website: skoposfabrics.com.
Adding to the family of impervious contract upholstery solutions from Skopos, Encanto provides a burst of colour and texture into commercial spaces. Marrying the key attributes: antimicrobial, impervious, soil and stain resist, the 3 designs offer amazing performance without compromising on style. Following in the footsteps of Chamonix, Moritz and, most recently, Chamonix Deuxième, the choice within the collection is designed to compliment a range of different interior schemes. With 23 completely new Skus, and 13 hot colours from our Cuba quality, each design works beautifully alone or in combination, to create simple, contemporary and stylish contract furniture pieces.
The fractured herringbone, Onda, injects a familiar yet unique texture, alongside a flexible small-scale check and our familiar Cuba linen design. The palette provides pops of colour or a choice of classical neutrals.
The three designs are provided are Halogen-free, Oeke-tex 100 compliant, Reach compliant, with Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing, the designs achieve 50,000 Martindale rubs, offering a beautiful choice for any contract interiors, whether office, education, care or high-end hospitality and cruise interiors. Along with many other Skopos upholstery fabrics, this collection comes under the Skopos Protect+ banner. Perfect for flagship interiors, with colours that compliment Skopos drapery and bedding designs, the full palette can be viewed on-line.
The collection meets the requirements for Flame Retardancy standards across the UK and Europe and meets IMO standards with the added benefit of the MED wheelmark, confirming suitability for marine/cruise-line interiors. Available immediately, with short lead-times for larger order quantities, Skopos are pleased to add this collection into their Accents range. For a copy of our Encanto shade-card pls contact our customer service team: [email protected], or for free samples of our collections, visit our website.
Rhoda Parry explains how to successfully use this timeless material.
Wool upholstery fabric has ‘slow design’ superpowers. Totally natural, renewable, biodegradable and with a hardwearing longevity, it reigns supreme to keep us and our homes warm, cool (yes, you read that right), moisture free, and, above all, uber fashionable.
It’s all down to the sheep breeds that for generations have grazed highlands and downlands. Their naturally grown fleeces are sheared annually, cleaned, carded, spun and woven to create a unique wool cloth that is the epitome of timeless and beautiful upholstery, window treatments and accessories. Each breed brings with it its own unique yarn signature, from short and dense to long and crimped.
At Linwood, we believe in only the best for your home. Our pure wool fabric collections and blends are second to none; paying homage to the fact that interiors should be created elegantly, thoughtfully and responsibly. Come with us to understand wool’s comforting and durable qualities and its many designs, how to use it in a range of interiors’ projects, plus its easy care and maintenance.
Why does wool make the ideal choice for fabric upholstery? Well, its ‘beautility' (that’s short for ‘beautiful utility’ as coined by The Sunday Times recently) is all thanks to four key reasons…
Firstly, durability and longevity. Wool fibres are made up of a protein called keratin that results in a strong and complex structure. Woven wool fabric lasts for years as a result, making it ideal for high-traffic seating, such as lounge and dining chairs or sofas, or as curtains. According to British Wool, ‘Wool can endure wear and compression, and its natural bulk allows resistance to crushing and matting providing better appearance retention and resulting in less frequent replacement and waste.’ Shown here is Tay fabric, from the new Balvenie pure wool collection, a hard-wearing pure wool weave available in 19 hues.
Secondly, everyday resilience. Thanks to its inherent water-repelling DNA, wool upholstery is naturally stain resistant. Piling on the fabric is rare. Reassuringly, it is also slow to burn because of its high moisture and nitrogen content.
Comfort and insulation are the third reasons for opting for wool fabric on upholstery or other soft furnishings. Wool fabric has a natural ability to regulate temperature, providing heat-trapping properties in winter and cooling ones in summer. ‘Wool not only naturally absorbs humidity and moisture within the home but also common airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (known as VOCs),’ adds British Wool.
And, finally, conscious consumption is an important deciding factor. Favour wool fabric for its eco-friendly attributes, including its renewable source, biodegradability and role in regenerative agriculture. There are also recycled fabric options, such as Lana that is spun from soft Italian wool and available in a rainbow of beautiful plains.
The beauty of wool fabrics lies in the multitude of designs on offer. The weave technique dictates the pattern result: a relaxed tartan check, such as Beachcomber Southerness, is made up of varying horizontal and vertical bands of width and colour; while a smart melton is a fabric made in twill form with a diagonal pattern; a tailored houndstooth is a two-colour broken check; and the distinctive herringbone is a zig zag column design, such as Foss.
It pays to consider fabric weight and texture. Some wools have a heavy and chunky handle and thus hang fluidly and crease-free on curtains (there may be no need for a lining thanks to their density); others are softer-to-the-touch, perhaps better for lounge seating and cushions (try Faroe with a touch of cotton and linen in its blend).
People often assume that wool fabrics are limited to the classic light and dark neutral colourways, such as grey, black, navy, brown and sand. These are handsome choices that will stand the test of time and work as good foils for more elaborate patterns, but you can also up the tempo and add transitional season refreshes with feel-good lime, cerise, tangerine orange and azure too.
Think creatively about how and where to use wool fabrics. Statement furniture, such as sofas, armchairs and headboards are your first ports of call. Just like a forever suit, smart wool fabric, such as herringbone, tartan or check, is a good investment and will always look at home on a classic buttoned or scrolled armed sofa or armchair. Add contrasting piping for a bohemian edge – think grey or navy as the hero fabric with a pop of red perhaps. Look too to woven fabric headboards with dashing silhouettes, from curvaceous to regal; finished with chrome or brass studs. Ottomans and dining chairs are the perfect spots for unexpected patterns, so head to an eye-catching wool fabric to bring bravado into a scheme. Shown is Kumo Flame from the Odyssey collection with its jazzy jacquard design.
Interior designers are mad for wool fabric window treatments, bed canopies and pelmets right now. Consider navy blue four poster curtains for a five-star bedroom; a cosy checked cottage-style door curtain; and dapper herringbone Roman blinds edged with leather trims for city apartments. Applying wool to walls as an alternative to wallpaper creates a true cocoon-like experience – perfect for a snug, library or movie room.
Accent wool fabrics in plains, textures or contrasting patterns are dashingly refreshing. Swap in tartan wool cushions for a seasonal living room update, plump for a bed-scape of decorative tweed pillows and bolsters or sew bench and banquette cushions for kitchen diners. Finally, to add further dimension and warmth, adorn a much-loved table lamp with a textured wool shade and layer up with blankets and throws.
Follow these daily care guidelines to keep wool upholstery in tip-top condition. Shown is the pretty Westray Lavender.
- Vacuum wool fabric upholstery regularly to stop dust from collecting. - Follow the care instructions. Dry cleaning only is recommended for wool. - Keep upholstery fabrics out of direct sunlight, excessive moisture or heat to avoid any adverse effects. - Turn cushions and pillows regularly to maintain their shape and reduce need for cleaning. - Blot any spills immediately and call-in professional cleaning services if needs be.
We hope this article has helped you appreciate the aesthetic and functional benefits of wool fabric for upholstering furniture, fashionable curtains and seasonal soft furnishings. For a blend of comfort, style and sustainability, explore Linwood’s new Balvenie fabric collection for inspiration. Woven in Lancashire using 100% pure wool, Balvenie takes its colours from the serene, ageless hues of the English countryside making it the perfect range to start your design journey.
About Linwood
Our Hampshire-based family business puts excellence at the heart of everything we do. We straddle the worlds of creativity and innovation to produce distinctive collections of fabrics, wallpapers and cushions that are bursting with fresh ideas, while retaining the quality and artistry we are renowned for.
Deborah Franklin, Design Manager and Special Projects Manager at Skopos Fabrics, has given her insights into the industry. With more than 50 years of specialist design and manufacturing experience, Skopos provides high-quality flame-retardant fabrics and soft furnishings to the contract market.
Offering full-service (design, measure, make-up and install), or fabric-only options, Skopos specialises in innovative flame-retardant fabrics which lead the way in the contract sector. Fabrics meet the requirements of various sectors with attributes, such as antimicrobial, acoustic, soil and stain-resist and new recycled fabrics. With a Bespoke design and colour matching service Skopos can provide customers with the opportunity to create unique statement solutions.
Defining signature styles of flagship hotels and cruise-liners, working with key brands within the commercial sector, Skopos prides itself in leading the way in fabric innovation.
Skopos was started in the early 70’s by Art College students, Stephen Battye and David Richards. Skopos began by hand-printing Greek inspired geometric designs onto lengths of cotton fabric. It wasn’t until a couple of years later, when joined by a third partner, Bernard Thomas that the company decided upon the name Skopos, roughly meaning ‘design’ or ‘range’ in Greek.
In the mid’ 70s the company started making up curtains and in the late 70’s developed a process to produce fabrics that were flame retardant, initially, specifically for the healthcare market. The first export market for the company was the Middle East, with project teams wanting to specify British product.
In the 80s Skopos explored the retail sector. Roll ends and small leftover quantities were sold here to ensure nothing was wasted. Until 2015 Skopos wet-printed fabrics on site at Providence Mills. Now printing takes place down the road, all via the transfer print method.
Skopos’ fabrics, and expertly made soft furnishings, provide the finishing touch to interior design projects across the globe. Providing flagship schemes for hotels, cruise-liners and a vast array of commercial environments, Skopos are the leaders in textile design, bringing new ideas and innovations into interiors. Designs are not limited to collection fabrics. With the offer of Bespoke Design, the Skopos team are ready to create something new and unique for brands that like to stand out. Designers can specify Skopos fabrics with the knowledge that style comes hand in hand with quality: beautiful fabrics that meet stringent technical requirements and soft furnishings produced by a skilled team of craftsmen.
Innovations within textile design, production and supply, mean that fabrics are a key part of the interior architecture of any space. Designers can knit together schemes knowing that they have on-hand knowledge including acoustic properties, light reflective values, thermal properties etc…to make informed decisions when creating schemes. All Skopos products are flame retardant as standard, without the need for extra treatments. The contract fabrics sector is ever-evolving and an exciting and key part of the design industry. Skopos’ purpose is to assist the role of the specifier, offering design and colour, enabling the creation of beautiful and functional interiors.
Our next day sampling service is a core tool for designers. Fabrics are tactile and therefore mood-boards with textures and surfaces are a key precursor to decision making or confirming any fabrics or soft-furnishings order. We provide designers with key tools, including sample books and cards or swatches for their library and via our website we allow fabric swatch downloads or the tools to visualise patterns and designs on 3D models…. a bit of a try before you buy idea. Our website also provides designers with downloads of ready-made surfaces that can be adopted straight into AutoCad or other 3D modelling software models.
In 2023 Skopos achieved Carbon Neutral status as an organisation, recognising the business’ commitment to supporting our environment. A lot of effort has been made to reduce carbon emission and set achievable goals for the future, offsetting any remaining emissions, to assist worthwhile environmental projects in the UK and overseas. Everything is measured. Every journey, whether person or product, is recorded, to ensure we are realising those efforts for a cleaner future. Alongside Skopos’ wider sustainability drive we are focussing on new recycled product, as a key part of the portfolio ongoing. New recycled fabrics, which re-engineer waste products are a key part to our portfolio. Skopos also make an effort to utlise local suppliers to minimise the carbon footprint of their products. Skopos is an ISO 9001 company, focussed on delivering the best for its customers.
Customers are increasingly aware of sustainability, but also the need to create designs which can be owned by a brand. There are a huge variety of textures being requested. Customers are also keener than ever to understand the architectural qualities of fabrics. Elements which are a consideration in the interior architecture of a room. Colours are a little braver with straight neutrals becoming warmer and used alongside stronger yet muted tones.
We are also seeing an increased use of bolder, brighter colours and the injection of more pattern, with brands striving to reinforce their identities.
There are some exciting trends running side by side at the moment. The maximalist look is still very much apparent, with an abundance of textures and layers in a room filled with colour and the contrast of dark and light. Texture is a big part of the finishing touches. Higher piles with a natural woolly look sit alongside metallics, velvets, woods and stone. Biophilia is still very relevant, bringing the outdoors in, goes hand in hand with sustainability. Shapes in print are often irregular and organic, yet bold and confident.
We are working on an exciting new project for later in the year, with the idea that we are virtually inviting the specifier to have a peek into the Skopos studio, to choose from a special library of prints for a variety of end uses.
The SBID Industry partnership gives us access to a broader scope of people in the industry. Designers who have previously concentrated on more domestic projects are branching into commercial challenges, rather than limiting their talents. We are ready to take the challenge and embrace SBID members and work with them to realise their visions.
We are delighted to introduce a new collection of small-scale, geometric designs that builds on the success of our recent Small Prints and Bibi launches.
These 5 designs are printed onto tumbled, 100% linen cloth with a relaxed, soft touch. Perfect for curtains, blinds, fixed and loose upholstery.
The free-flowing and tonal movement of this stylized coral, which was inspired by a small section of a traditional chintz from the 1800s, give it an endearingly natural appearance.
LF2398C / LF2427FR Available in 7 colourways
This pattern is derived from 17th-century domino paper used as book endpaper. The Linwood design team successfully blended a contemporary aesthetic into the design. Through its gentle, delicate flow, Helter Skelter celebrates the natural feel of the stylized fern.
LF2399C / LF2429FR Available in 19 colourways
With the immutable quality of a traditional block print, this basketweave pattern has a dynamic movement created by its multidirectional lines and varied tones.
LF2395C / LF2425FR Available in 9 colourways
With scalloped edges redolent of passementerie, Waltzer has an informal feel that captures the enchantment of sound waves.
LF2397C / LF2427FR Available in 7 colourways
This lively, casual stripe is presented on pure linen fabric and is based on an old Indian pattern discovered by the design team during their travels.
LF2396C / LF2426FR Available in 4 colourways
Tapping into the beauty of linen, Laon from Skopos offers up 22 chalky linen tones in a superb linen-look quality. Broadening the offer of Skopos flame retardant blackout fabrics, Laon brings natural matt texture to contract curtains. The distinctive texture of the woven face gives a natural variation in the colour and with a choice of calming blues, neutrals and soft greens, Laon provides a beautiful finishing touch for pelmets and windows and has an incredibly soft handle and elegant drape. Perfect for build to rent, hospitality and other commercial environments. Laon provides 100% blackout, without the need for curtain lining.
The collection is offered as wide-width, for easy and quick curtain make-up for contract windows. 100% Polyester with FR backing, 4 pass blackout, the fabric is washable at 30 degrees and achieves UK, European and IMO standards for fire retardancy.
Skopos also offers a comprehensive range of FR blackout (and dimout) roller blinds, available in a wide range of colours, with printed options for further choice.
Blackout curtains and blinds, alongside expert fitting, provide a complete blackout solution for areas such as bedrooms and cinema rooms, where light obscurity is vital for complete relaxation.
The Skopos team offer a full service or fabric only option, providing choice for our customers, with expertise in design, make-up (curtains, cushions and bedding), fitting and installation. Skopos Fabrics Ltd are dedicated to design, service and best performance.
Samples and shade-cards of Laon are available immediately. All colours available as a stocked item.
There is nothing quite like a velvet sofa for bringing a touch of glamour and luxury to a scheme. From velvet sofas in whimsical prints – witness the naïve quality of Linwood's gorgeous Songbird design pictured here – to arresting pieces in jewel-like plains or the laid-back elegance of crushed velvet sofas, these pieces not only elevate a room but also add all-important comfort and texture. Read on to discover their endless versatility, as well as some handy tips for keeping velvet sofas pristine…
Velvet is a popular choice for some of the most stylish sofas, and for good reason: ‘By choosing velvet customers can ensure that they are getting a durable, comfortable and luxurious sofa that will elevate their interiors,’ comments Jane Susan Upholstery. ‘Linwood’s velvets are, in our experience as makers of upholstered items and drapery, the best in terms of ‘ease of use’ which inevitably leads to the most exquisite, finished products.’ Due to its extreme softness, velvet is an incredibly inviting option for a classic sofa or even a corner sofa bed. It holds colour and pattern like no other fabric, with the texture of the pile interplaying with light to enhance the design and colours: witness the beauty of our Jungle Rumble printed velvet, whose jewel-like hues are intensified by the fabric’s luxurious pile. And as well as its tactile and visual qualities, velvet is also a highly practical choice for a sofa. Most of Linwood’s velvet fabrics are stain resistant and all have a high Martindale rub count (a measure of how much abrasion a fabric can take before it shows distress), making them well suited to busy households that don’t want to compromise on style.
The trend for distressed velvet sofas goes hand in hand with our desire for homes that exude a sense of comfort and informality. Tactile and cosy, they bring a timeworn quality to a space, giving the impression of a décor that has evolved over the years. Our Hali printed velvet is a perfect example: inspired by a vintage kilim rug, it combines pleasing textural qualities with an innovative printing technique that captures the feel of a gently faded textile. It marries beautifully with the classic style of the sofa, which in turn teams well with an eclectic mix of pieces that include an antique side table and a mid-century style oil painting. Effortless luxury at its best.
The beauty of velvet is that it complements any number of sofa styles, from sleek, minimal shapes to traditional designs. Velvet can be shown off to stunning effect on a curvy 1950s-style piece yet will look equally glorious on a classic tufted sofa, where buttoning allows the pile to catch the light in different ways. And whilst it is of course important to consider how your choice of velvet sofa will look in the scheme, it is just as crucial to think about how it will be used: an elegant, streamlined design might be perfect for a room that is primarily intended for formal gatherings, but it will probably not be ideal if it is destined for the household to pile onto for a movie night. With its turned legs and soft scrolled arms, the sofa pictured here is a classic piece that lends itself well to traditional settings whilst offering a good level of comfort. The style of the piece is perfectly complemented by our Chora printed velvet; a timeless design inspired by a traditional Turkish kilim. The monochromatic colour palette makes this print particularly versatile – perfect for bringing a touch of pattern to a neutral scheme.
It may well be that you already have a scheme in place when choosing your new velvet sofa, in which case there will be several factors to consider, from the colour palette of the existing décor to the style of the pieces you already own. The striking, angular shape of this sofa fits well with the room’s bold joinery, while the arresting abstract print – Kichana, which is based on a Peruvian document – picks up on the warm terracotta colours of the walls, lampshade and side table, as well as the aqua accents of the accessories and the ottoman’s velvet stripe (Cosmic, our versatile ombré design). Conversely, you can use the design of a velvet sofa to inform an entirely new décor: let the colour options and style of the print – or simply the colour, if you are choosing a plain velvet – guide your choice of pieces, from accessories to cushions, throws and rugs. And when it comes to selecting more fabrics for the scheme, don’t be afraid to introduce different textures: velvet sofas team beautifully with a variety of designs, from linens to wools, silks to leather.
Velvet sofas fit into a huge array of rooms, bringing a touch of luxury to living spaces, from sitting rooms and snugs to bedrooms and the more unexpected areas of the home such as a study or even a hallway. Velvet sofas can bring a bohemian air to a space – crushed velvet sofas are particularly good for creating a sense of laid-back luxury – or a resolutely modern feel: think a clean-lined contemporary sofa in plain velvet in a rich, jewel-like hue. Velvet sofas can be used to blend in or stand out, this conversation sofa being a good example of the latter. The arresting abstract velvet, Kimono Dreams, complements the circular design of the sofa, which serves as a centre piece for the unusual marble floor. A luxurious design that befits the grandeur of the space.
Velvet sofas have come a long way since the days when they were the preserve of formal rooms forbidden to children and pets. All of Linwood’s velvets are contract grade, making them an ideal choice for any number of room settings. When it comes to maintaining the velvet, Linwood has two very different velvet “families”. Our Omega, Alpha, Tango and Cosmos velvets are woven with durable polyester velvet piles and can be washed if you have loose covers or wiped with a wet wipe to remove spills and stains on fixed upholstery (pictured here is our Omega III velvet, which has the added advantage of being made from 60 per cent recycled polyester). Velvets with 100 per cent cotton piles or a mix of cotton and viscose, such as our Velvet Wonderland collection, are dry clean only and we recommend finding a dry cleaner that is familiar with velvet to get it returned in pristine shape. Whichever type of velvet you choose, we suggest regular maintenance to keep the fabric looking good. Once a week, give it a light vacuum with an upholstery attachment or use a soft hand brush, making sure to hoover or brush in the direction of the pile. This will get rid of any dust or fluff that has settled on the fabric’s surface.
If you have been hesitant about taking the plunge with a velvet sofa, we hope you are now ready to embrace this supremely elegant option. Choose the sofa shape and the velvet carefully and you will have a sophisticated, versatile piece that you will enjoy for years to come. Here’s to luxuriating in the comfort of your perfect velvet sofa…
Learn to mix, match and maintain vibrant linen upholstery for a lively home decor…
Linen fabric is synonymous with quiet luxury – the deliciously muted interiors’ trend that has been hot on interior designers’ lips of late. Yet, this much-loved and versatile furnishing textile also has a confident and gregarious alter ego; one that leans wholeheartedly towards playful and high-spirited colour. With confidence and design at its heart, it's no less luxurious but oh-so joyful.
Colourful linen fabric – with the tactile texture we know and love – holds pattern beautifully and thus by default is a quality choice for upholstered sofas, chairs, ottomans, headboards and other soft furnishings throughout the home.
Here we explore why to choose colourful linen for upholstery, deep-dive into the perfect palette and reveal the art of mixing and matching patterns. Plus why colourful linen has top credentials for sustainability and durability.
There are three good reasons why interior designers reach for colourful linen upholstery fabric when building moodboards for their clients’ room schemes.
Firstly, dynamics. Vibrancy is the raison d’etre of a coloured upholstery pattern. From directional horizontal, vertical or wavy stripes to the liveliness of geometrics and spots or the sprightliness of organic-inspired florals and botanicals, these patterns bring untold interest and movement to the eye as shown here by Kala Emerald on a classic sofa.
Secondly, the colour of an upholstery fabric can transform a space’s atmosphere. Varying from deep and moody to light and airy, the breadth of choice is unparalleled and will be dictated by the form and function of the room.
And finally, durability. Linen is a sustainable and hardwearing textile that will last a lifetime.
Ask a psychologist about colour and they’ll tell you that in times of uncertainty, humans lean towards life-affirming hues in search of positivity and reassurance. When considering colourful upholstery fabric, mull over what colour tribe you fit into...
If you consider yourself a ‘classic maximalist’, for instance, you’ll naturally veer towards the dark grounds of inky indigo, dark claret, deep forest and domino black. By applying these choices to upholstery, you’ll put furniture front and centre in a space, making it feel dramatic and powerful.
Lovers of ‘modern country’, on the other hand, will dip into the soft and subtle cottage-style hues of garden green, rose pink and sky blue that will suit a casual armchair or decorative ottoman. While those that subscribe to ‘rustic luxe’ will tack towards the earthy tones of dark red and spicy orange. This palette will wrap a handcrafted piece of furniture, such as a loveseat in High Wire Jockey, with a resonant and grounding warmth.
Once you’ve established your hero colourway, you can start to hone what contrasting and complementary colours can combine with varying printed linen motifs to create interesting and exciting combinations. Check out the colour wheel and – with your style tribe in mind – consider themes such as Modern Vibrancy – where a collection of colours are layered confidently together (as shown here with Khiva Grass’s trellis design and Chitgar Marmalade’s spot). A Rustic Charm direction mingles a melange of florals with stripes. Eclectic bursts – introducing one pattern onto an accent chair, headboard or dining chairs – are also a fabulous way to infuse the excitement of colour into more neutral schemes.
When it comes to coordinating colourful patterns within the same space, it pays to follow established design rules. Choose one large-scale pattern for a hero piece of furniture that will act as the focal point in the room. Then balance with two to three other supporting small prints that will complement the colour theme. Keep to this cohesive thinking and you won’t overdo it.
A good example of this principle is shown here with Garden Gate Strawberry Mousse on the signature sofa leading the way to Maypole Peony on the ottoman and then other soft furnishings such as curtains in Hopscotch Frog and Buttons Pink Icing on cushions.
Sustainability is a hot topic in interiors and quite rightly so. We all want to be sure that redecoration and refurbishment is done with the planet in mind. That’s why linen is a low-impact upholstery choice – it’s one of the most inherently sustainable fabrics available. The flax plant, from which it is made, is grown organically in poor soil, is resilient to pests and requires no additional water other than rainwater. The resulting yarn is strong and made to last. Linwood’s pure linen fabrics have a ‘heavy domestic use’ rub count rating, making them suitable for all household pieces as well as light commercial use (the exception is Belleville collection of linen prints).
Look to Elba, a timeless linen collection of coloured and neutral plains, including ivory, that will ground schemes, or Small Prints II, an array of small-scale versatile patterns.
What other factors can help with choosing the right coloured upholstery for furniture? It pays to pause and consider your existing decor – wall colours, flooring, window treatments and layout – but also how much natural light enters the room itself.
Establish the orientation of the room. As a general rule of thumb, north-facing rooms are by nature darker and cooler and benefit from the warmer hues of yellows, oranges and pinks. South facing rooms receive good light and heat throughout the day but can suffer from glare and heat so look to cooler hues of blues and greens, such as Trapeze Miami on the living room suite shown above.
Follow these tips for preserving and keeping your linens at their best: - Protect colours from fading by keeping upholstered furniture away from direct sunlight, intense heat and excessive moisture. Drawing curtains, pulling blinds or positioning pieces carefully also helps. - Vacuum your upholstery on a regular basis to avoid dust and debris settling. - Spot cleaning and the use of proprietary products is best avoided as you could damage the fabric. - Seek out professional cleaning help for stain removal and hardcore cleaning.
Shopping for the right hues for upholstery fabric has never been easier. Use the filters online to sort your favourite colours and see the range of collections of patterns that are available. Order free samples to get the feel for the textile and check that you are on the right path. It’s also worthing making a visit to an interior design store to chat with staff and get their advice. Linwood’s showrooms in London and Ringwood are the recommended go-to for high-quality, colourful linens and excellent in-store guidance.
We hope we’ve encouraged you to take a bold approach to using coloured and statement upholstery fabrics in your next home décor project. Inspiring creativity and personal expression through colourful upholstery is what redecoration is all about so take time to research and understand how pattern can combine to elevate your home to the next level and give new life to inherited or tired furniture whether classic or contemporary in style.
The new collection is one of substance, not only for the number of articles being presented, but also and above all for the way in which it probes a variety of topics. To spark the imagination, some ideas are closely associated with the course undertaken so far, while others are slightly more unexpected.
For Plain Classics, a small selection of velvets of incomparable quality. Two irresistible alpacas of the utmost softness and an intense luminous cotton that has no equal: three plains of great distinction that speak of pleasure and sumptuous beauty.
The exploration of Texturologie continues to be centred on light or natural colours but is also accompanied by some more pronounced chromatic statements. Mottled effects – quite distinct at times – recall the living matter of nature: tree barks, an undergrowth of moss and lichens, rocks, and even references to the animal kingdom. Another direction takes us on a foray into "Modern Crafts" to explore processes, textile experience and artisanal vocations: played out between textural curtains whose transparency adopts new forms, and fabrics for voluptuous seating projects.
The Contemporary Archives, poised between classical and contemporary, forge new roads but also focus more closely on familiar concepts that have already impassioned past research. Emotion, light, an elegance bordering on opulence, the reinvention of classical styles, the art of jacquard weaving: the road winds its way through the various spirits of the immortal tiger skin and soft enigmatic labyrinths; it passes through the geometric motifs of suit fabrics, historiated effects reminiscent of jewellery making, abstract revisitations of Japanese figurative art. In constant expansion is the branch of Contemporary Archives dedicated to the nuances of what is generally considered to be a non-colour but in fact is the synopsis of all others: the White Writings, an immersion of pronounced artistic fervour into the most textural and streaky of whites.
The Contemporary Archives comprise several new fire-retardant fabrics: with a particular focus on the bicoloured theme, but also and especially with an unmistakable aura of couture.
The magical formula of the entire collection remains unvaried: an innate curiosity to increase our knowledge of textile archetypes; a desire to grasp radically new intuitions; a rare “savoir-faire”, thanks to which ideas are transformed into fabric.
The exploration of the most captivating visual narrations pertaining to each period of the past, radically reinterpreted and innovated, is pursued with an eclectic and curious vocation.
Vivid and densely woven jacquard velvets interpret the tiger’s skin, the archetypal garment of royals and great leaders, naturalistically interpreted in a shade of deep orange.
How to avoid getting lost on entering a labyrinth with its myriad of blind alleys and secret passageways? This archaic and conceptual graphic motif, with its mere semblance of familiarity, lends itself to various interpretations that are almost bewildering. However, the labyrinth itself is inspired by Ariadne to draw a connective thread that becomes gradually more apparent.
A new foray into the "white on white" of White Writings is accompanied by various quotations, from the anarchistic doves guided by the spirit of Jean Arp to the tribal suggestions close to Keith Haring’s vision, or the soft neo-Picassian masks.
As a tribute to historiated artworks and the meticulous workmanship of goldsmiths, a lavish jacquard celebrates the luminosity of the most precious of metals. Ever fond of the “hidden side” of things, the Archives presents its alter ego, to which fil coupé regales three-dimensionality.
The journey continues through other suggestions and abstractions.
A soft geometric motif of couture inspiration is driven by a strong artisanal vocation; an impenetrable jacquard garden recalls the Oriental decorative language with its long bamboo canes, flying creatures and insects; an amazing tempest, interlaced by silky and lamé threads in a honan weave, contributes to enhancing the more abstract side of Japanese art.
The happiest possible conclusion of a tiger hunt: having fled its pursuers, triumphant, the tiger snuggles down on a sofa, or nestles between curtains that feel soft and cosy. This vividly coloured snug velvet interprets the jungle queen’s skin in its purest and most natural expression. The repetition of stripes scans the fabric rhythmically: the effect is more pronounced on large surfaces but just as appealing on smaller elements, where the stripe is the focal point.
A close-up view of a majestic creature. Its skin pattern is idealized, its stripes soften. The proud feline sheds its ferocity and welcomes cuddles. The sinuous lines of the stripe, conferring an overall rhythm, are the protagonists of a charming and lively jacquard velvet, together with the tiger’s unmistakable shade of orange. A hardwearing fabric with a soft and thick hand-feel.
The tigers grow in number as they make their way into an abstract jungle. The jacquard velvet is stage to a ferocious conflict between wild felines. The skins form a new pattern of blurred shapes, rich in movement. Stripes devoid of their natural sinuousness, eyes and curly tails are regenerated as ideograms of an enigmatic graphic texture.
The lustrous velvet of an animalier geometric motif, poised between the enticing atmospheres of a Twenties’ speakeasy, the stylized language of the Cubists, the American street art of Haring and Basquiat, jazz and hop hop. Between the threads of a jacquard endowed with personality and silky luminosity, a multitude of suggestions generate an impromptu jam session. The large irregular labyrinth - an archaic motif that has found its way into countless art forms - is interpreted in a bicoloured version whose chromatic inspirations range from nature to pop.
A bold luminous jacquard, inspired by mid-century Informalism. Gesture, painting, and speed come together in a free and uninterrupted stroke. Matter and colour create strong contrasts: a shiny synthetic raffia, akin to the experimental materials used by Carla Accardi or Alberto Burri, stands out with its lustrous feel against a matt ground, together with small textural knots in silk. A similar contrast is provided by the primordial evocation of the labyrinth and the modernity of the colour palette. Kafkian in the way it takes you by surprise and because it sparks a paradoxical dialogue between different elements: its spirit, however, is more playful than serious.
A jacquard velvet with a full and drapey hand-feel, pervaded by a sense of mystery. Delicately poised between a re-emerging ancestral recollection and the totally unprecedented: "déjà vu" and "jamais vu" in equal parts. The Egyptian mako cotton pile is very thick; the finishing process brings out its flock, while blurring the lines of the pattern. The labyrinth is transformed into an engraving that lends itself to interpretation. A trace of the memory on which the key dimension of colour intervenes: each of the possible monochromatic variants is a door leading to a different world.
Geometric shapes engage in a lively contrast on matka silk, hand woven on artisanal looms and screen printed. A visual world music attempts to embrace the entire world, encouraging multiple artistic currents to mingle. The interrupted motif evokes the painted figures of certain tribal traditions and their influence in the course of time on authors such as Keith Haring or Leni Riefenstahl. Colours range from the Kaolin of Piero Manzoni’s Achrome works to auriferous minerals and earthy tones. Each of the two spirits – drapey fabric or wallcovering – is willing to live alone or cohabit.
A dove traces the sinuous trajectory of its flight, moving freely across the white-on-white fabric that celebrates the formal purity of Jean Arp and Abstract Art. Chain stitch embroidery adds a precious touch to a pure wool textural satin in which overstitching confers greater emphasis to the linear motif. This elegant monochromatic fabric joins a well-established Dedar tradition, that of embroidery on a white ground.
A motif of impacting dimensionality peeps out: like a theatre character, it is ready to play its role. Its face has the dynamic forms of Twentieth century avant-garde art movements. Its curvy lines trace an endless to and from on an original velvet that is textural and extremely irregular. The play of tone-on-tone effects enlivens the neutral shades. The long-fibre Egyptian mako pile completes the overall sensation of blossoming softness which, when released, caresses the senses of sight and touch.
An extremely luxurious alpaca velvet with a very thick pile. Warm, soft, and sensual, touch it and enjoy the sensation of sinking your hand into its deep pile: the fabric itself caresses, embraces, and hugs us. Alpaca and wool come together, just as the three colours used to dye the cloud of yarn create a subtle melange, in a palette that comprises the most classical shades of wool, together with some more personal colour accents. An invitation to accept without hesitation: like that of an elegant outer garment asking to be worn, or a gentle and affectionate animal wanting to be stroked.
Luminous, soft, and seductive, like the visions of a refined and pleasure-loving poet. This is cotton velvet at its best, sumptuous and beyond compare to the point of being unique, fruit of uncommon material and textile expertise. With an extremely long pile: so thick and deep that several dyeing sessions are needed to absorb the colour and reach the exact intensity of tone required. A cotton of high standing, of regal and luxurious elegance. Such an abundance of luminosity recalls expressions of pomp and splendour that are no longer part of our everyday scenario.
The research behind the 2024 Texturologie Collection has been conducted on two different fronts. Firstly, a lively medley of mottled and irregular fabrics, which are textural and often highly structured, with a personality that is intentionally artisanal: the spotlight is on yarn, in its countless different nuances. Savoir-faire and an in-depth knowledge of fibres foster a beauty permeated with that of nature: tree bark, rocks and mosses inhabit expressive and comfortable fabrics. Shading, mottled effects, details. Perception changes according to the distance. When viewed close-up, each tonal variation can be appreciated; a few metres away, the overall chromatic impact prevails. The thread turns into a visual expression. Fabrics become unpredictable in terms of material and colour. The intrinsic value of yarns is never an end in itself: rich in content and form, they support elaborate effects.
A curious interest in manufacturing and artisanal processes is the driving force behind Modern Crafts, the other side of Texturologie. Its fabrics are alimented by transparencies, subtractions, backlighting. The spectrum of sensations is a vast one, from the softest tactile voluptuousness to wild textural expressions. Suggestions are equally variegated: snowy slopes, straw mats hand made in distant times and places, the peacefulness of a Japanese karesansui.
Luxury fibres such as ultra-fine cotton mako, caressing chenille, unrefined linen bouclé — together with techniques and processes such as fil coupé, special finishing processes, or the insertion of slits — pave the way to a universe of natural textures and unprecedented expressivity, to be almost disconcerting at times.
Jute and light, the odd couple. A bulky yet elegant plain weave with an amazing touch of luminosity, quite a rarity for the most distinctive fibre of its composition. An intervention of great textile expertise has added a scintillating thread, interlaced with intentional irregularity, to the matt canvas weave in cotton/jute string. The matt surface entraps and reveals uncommon glints, to create an effect akin to metallic enamel. This unpredictable, natural-looking weave has the personality of macrame bags and straw hats.
A macro tweed of sartorial inspiration with a lively artisanal character. The introduction of irregular yarns transforms the bulky ground weave and confers an haute couture personality. The complex construction exploits a rare textile expertise. It combines two threads of a totally different nature: a particularly textural ondé yarn in linen and wool and a cotton ribbon, which differ not only in terms of fibre but also in thickness. The ivory and linen combination is always associated with a chromatic note which may be more delicate or more contrasting, according to the variant. The overall effect evokes the colours and atmospheres of the wilderness.
An abstract chenille, an irregular jacquard of broad scope, endowed with the voluptuousness of velvet. Ideally balanced between material exuberance and expressive loveliness, between elegance and durability. The fibre is a special variety of chenille that seduces at first sight: the special finishing process has conferred even greater softness to a smooth round thread of exquisite quality. A voluptuous fabric, with a soft and compact hand-feel, whose colours range from natural to pastel shades.
A snowfall of geometric shapes: a fil coupé pervaded by a sense of poetry and by the airiness of snowflakes falling from a winter sky. A snowy landscape of abstract forms, poised between art and nature, translates into a sumptuous curtain with echoes of haute couture. The transparent effects are mere suggestions. Symbols are drawn from sculpture, architecture, a graphic design of delicately vibrant strokes. A reference to the textile process — scissors that cut — creates backlit effects and recalls the deconstructed aesthetic of Nineties’ fashion. The variant in combed Egyptian mako is white, pure and drapey; the one in coarse cotton has a fuller hand-feel.
About Dedar
Founded in 1976, Dedar is a family-run fabric house located close to Como, in the heart of a manufacturing district. Dedar experiments and innovates to attain product perfection through an ongoing dialogue with those craftsmen and textile specialists who are most familiar with the techniques employed in the production of excellent fabrics. Characterized by seductive colour palettes and unexpected patterns, Dedar’s fabrics combine precious yarns with research into fiber technology to offer various solutions for curtains, upholstery and wallcovering of timeless elegance.
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