Here at Linwood, we have long been singing the praises of wool as a robust, eco-friendly fabric that defies passing trends. For our latest wool collection, we are thrilled to be using Romney wools. A centuries-old British breed, Romney sheep are renowned for their soft, strong fleeces that are used to make premium wool products that are guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Our new collection of upholstery weaves represents the best of British, from the quality of the wool to the finest spinners, dyers, weavers and finishers in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Romney sheep are ‘long wool’ sheep, producing fleeces that are lustrous, strong and hardwearing, yet incredibly soft. The evolution of the breed over the centuries has resulted in the sheep developing fleeces that remain healthy in harsh weather, producing wool fibres that are perfect for both clothing and homewares. Another huge plus is that the fibre is predominantly white, so it can take any form of dye beautifully.
We are hugely excited to announce the launch of our Romney British Wool collection that combines the excellent qualities of Romney wool with the talents of the finest spinners, dyers, weavers and finishers, all based in Yorkshire and Lancashire. ‘The wool has been finished to give it a luxuriously soft texture, making it the perfect choice for upholstery as well as curtains,’ says Warrick Gloyn, Sales Director of Linwood. He continues, ‘It’s durable, eco-friendly, stain- and fire resistant by design, and it has been piece-dyed to provide an alluring array of colours.’
Products made using Romney Marsh wools contribute to a sustainable lifestyle as the wool is readily renewable as well as being entirely biodegradable, and it is ethically produced. ‘British wool textiles are affordable, practical and environmentally responsible,’ notes Warrick, adding, ‘As a British firm, we want to support British farmers and the industry – and so do our customers.’
Tactile, sustainable and British through-and-through, our new collection is a must for any interior, adding a sense of refinement and quiet luxury that people will never tire of.
The collection has been certified as 100% British wool by British Wool, and we are thrilled that it bears the coveted Shepherd’s Crook Mark.
Watch our video, which shares the story of this collection.
There are 23 colours and it is priced at £99.90 a metre (rrp).
About The Linwood Fabric Company Ltd
Linwood draws on classic English style and imbues it with a contemporary spirit, producing exclusive collections of fabrics, wallpapers and cushions that brim with personality and charm. The brand’s artistic vision is an individualistic one – they don’t offer a specific Linwood look: rather, every collection that they produce – be it pleasing small-scale prints or quintessentially English botanicals; informal plain linens or sumptuous printed velvets – is driven by a desire to captivate and delight, bringing a playful, distinctive style to all manner of interiors. Please visit us at our London showroom: Studio Two, Worlds End Studios, 132-134 Lots Road, London, SW10 0RJ
If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.
Launching this Winter, URSA from Skopos truly flies the flag for texture in hospitality interiors. A deep-pile velvet upholstery fabric, URSA brings a decadent feeling of comfort into hospitality spaces. Latin for ‘Bear’, Ursa wraps itself around furniture shapes to bring a stunning tactile fabric to the forefront of hospitality interiors. With a sumptuous deep pile and an incredible softness rating, this upholstery velvet shouts luxury, whilst still meeting all of the requirements for safety and durability in commercial spaces.
Available in 12 gorgeous tones, Ursa comes with flame retardant Crib5 backing (no additional FR treatment required), achieves 100,000+ Martindale rubs, for severe contract, and provides luxurious, eye-catching drama for relaxing spaces. 75% Polyester, 25% Cotton, URSA also works for furniture scatter cushions to provide pops of colour to break up interior spaces.
With over 50 years’ experience in textile innovation, Skopos have built up a wealth of design experience, providing flame retardant fabrics and key attributes that meet the needs of designers and end users alike.
URSA is available to order with no minimums. Request loose samples via the website: skoposfabrics.com or speak to your account manager about a shade-card for your binder.
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.
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.
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…
Join SBID
Find out more about our flexible membership structure.
By subscribing, you agree to be added to SBID’s mailing list. As an industry’s standard bearer organisation, we strive to bring you the most up to date news and access to exclusive industry content through our various newsletters.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
I accept the SBID Terms of Use