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.
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.
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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.
Linwood Fabrics shares their top tips for working wonderful weaves into your home designs…
The true heroes of the textile industry, woven fabrics are both strong and versatile, making them highly adaptable to a vast array of purposes. From lightweight cotton fabric to durable twill weave fabrics, to elaborate designs showcasing intricate patterns and textures, woven fabrics can cater to many different needs in the realms of fashion and interiors.
Here, we delve into the world of woven fabrics to showcase the artistry and adaptability of these much-loved textiles, exploring their many colourful and textural iterations and offering advice on how to work them into interior schemes. Plus a few tips to ensure their longevity…
A woven fabric is a type of textile made by interlacing two sets of yarn or threads – known as the warp yarn and the weft yarn – at right angles to each other. The two threads create a structured, grid-like pattern that gives woven fabrics their inherent strength and durability. Unlike knit fabrics, which have a looped structure that gives them stretch, woven fabrics tend to be much more rigid, so while a knit fabric may be brilliant for clothing, it wouldn’t be as suited to, say, upholstery as woven fabrics are.
Woven fabrics are typically produced on looms and can vary in appearance depending on the choice of fibres and the weaving technique employed, meaning that there are many different types of woven fabrics. They are a staple of the fashion industry – think of the universal popularity of cotton fabric, and particularly denim fabric, for example – and woven fabrics are also used in industrial contexts, from protective equipment for firefighters to seatbelts for cars and aeroplanes. In the home, the scope of woven fabrics is vast: they are used for everything from accessories such as cushions and headboards to curtains and upholstery. Pictured here is Sashay in Teal from our new Tango Weaves II collection, a durable woven fabric that showcases a sophisticated abstract geometric pattern, perfect for a subtly contemporary window treatment, and equally fabulous for upholstery.
The beauty of monochromatic woven fabrics is that they will sit effortlessly in almost any interior, teaming just as well with a palette of neutrals as they will with a more colourful scheme. And don’t be deceived into thinking that a monochromatic woven fabric is going to be dull: the palette may be restrained but it is the nature of the weave itself that will bring character to the piece, from a nubbly tweed – ideal for upholstering a favourite armchair you want to curl up in with a book – to lightweight fabric woven to exude a sense of airiness, such as a breezy linen or an open weave cotton fabric. Shown here is Freya in Granite, a classic tweed-style fabric that brings lovely texture to the 1950s style sofa. The fabric is made from a wool blend that makes it incredibly robust, ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of a busy household whilst creating a smart, subtly tailored feel.
When it comes to selecting woven fabrics, your choice of colours really can affect the feel of a space, in turn influencing your mood. Vibrant hues are particularly effective: a pop of yellow, for example, can bring an uplifting feel to a room, while woven fabrics in lively green hues nod to the natural world and lend a sense of optimism to a scheme. Bold blues are good for creating energy and confidence, or, for a sense of drama, try a punchy red – it is fantastic for creating a sense of energy, making it a good choice for sociable spaces. If you are nervous about using bold colours in a scheme, start small: cushions in different types of woven fabrics in vibrant hues may be all the room needs, as well as a few choice accessories such as lampshades or plant pots in similar hues. A small piece of furniture such as an occasional chair, a bench or a footstool is another good way to introduce a punchy weave, and again you can tie it in with accessories throughout the space. Here, a neat side chair is covered in Bolero in Parakeet which, like the cushions, is from our Tango Weaves collection. Each design has a distinctively contemporary edge, perfect for bringing modern glamour and texture to a space.
Woven fabrics in earthy tones are wonderful for creating a grounded feel and a sense of calm within a home. Natural fibres are the perfect choice, complementing earthy hues whilst adding all-important texture to the space. Linen is one of the most sustainable types of woven fabrics, as it is made from the hardy flax plant which can grow in poor soil and requires little more than rainwater to thrive. Linen woven fabrics are also hardwearing, naturally breathable and entirely biodegradable, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious homes that don’t want to compromise on style. Our Elba range in pure linen includes a palette of rich, earthy neutrals, and we also offer a number of textural woven fabrics that combine linen with manmade fibres for added strength and durability: Orta is a tumbled, heavyweight linen blend weave that comes in 16 soft, muted shades and features natural linen slubs for added character, while our Serrano collection includes a textural plain weave fabric called Collodi, a linen-blend design that comes in three versatile neutrals.
You really can’t go wrong with a woven fabric in a classic stripe. Bringing a sense of tailoring to a room, striped woven fabrics are an enduring favourite, teaming effortlessly with all manner of designs, from textural plain weave fabrics to bold prints. A tone-on-tone stripe is a particularly useful way to bring structure to a piece of upholstery without overpowering it, this Bressay Stripe in Duart being a case in point. The stripe lends a pulled-together look to the simple armchair, while the soft, neutral shades make it a highly adaptable piece. The fabric is made from pure Shetland wool, a cosy option that is also incredibly durable.
The terms checks and plaids are often interchanged but in fact they are distinctly different: checks are formed from two colours and feature the same stripe pattern in the warp and the weft threads, while plaids feature more than two colours and more variety in their layouts. Sometimes the warp and the weft threads of a plaid don’t feature the same pattern, and so they are not symmetrical. And if you are wondering where tartans come in, these are types of plaid associated with specific colourways for different Scottish clans. The appeal of both checks and plaids no doubt lies in the way in which they can bring a sense of familiarity to a scheme, making them a choice that designers return to again and again. Witness how this Beachcomber wool plaid in Stroma brings warmth to a simple armchair, with its tactile feel and palette of natural colours.
Just as herringbone is favoured by fashion designers for bringing sophistication to tailored pieces, so it is beloved in the interiors world for lending a chic touch to a room. The neat geometric zig zag pattern is highly versatile: it can be used to subtly enliven a scheme, for example, or it can serve to temper an exuberant print. The scale of the herringbone will usually inform its role in a room: a small-scale herringbone can be incredibly subtle, almost reading as a plain-woven fabric from a distance, while a large-scale version is invariably punchier. Here, the distinctive pattern of our Zeus herringbone woven fabric in Delft helps to break up the large expanse of the sofa whilst giving it a lively, dynamic touch.
A twill weave is a distinctive type of woven fabric characterised by its diagonal rib pattern, which is created by an offset in the warp threads. Twill woven fabric is renowned for its durability and it hides stains well, making it popular in both fashion – the best known twill weave being denim – and home decor. Twill woven fabric tends to be a very forgiving choice for upholstery, as it is not only incredibly durable, but it also doesn’t wrinkle or crease. This Livorno design is a robust twill weave in a linen mix, which lends itself well to upholstery or heavy curtaining. It comes in Portland, a go-with-anything neutral.
A woven fabric in a satin finish is guaranteed to bring a touch of old-school glamour to a scheme. Perhaps the most beloved of satin weaves is the damask, a symmetrical, mirror-image foliate design where the monochrome pattern is picked out with different warp and weft threads. The organic patterns reference nature while the mix of matt and shiny threads is supremely elegant. Our Miletto damask is woven from a linen and viscose yarns to create a design that is at once contemporary yet timeless. A beautiful fabric for showcasing upholstery, it also looks fabulous made into curtains and cushions – and we love to see it teamed with contrasting textures such as tactile wools or plush velvets.
Jacquard is another type of timeless weave that lends understated elegance to a room scheme. The name comes from the special loom used to create these fabrics, invented by French textile artisan Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 1804; rather like damasks, it creates raised motifs that give these textiles their inherent elegance. This glorious Pisqu design is a jacquard velvet, a rich, tactile fabric inspired by a Peruvian appliqué textile. As demonstrated here, it lends itself beautifully to upholstery and is equally wonderful for thick, indulgent curtains.
The joy of most types of woven fabrics is that they are incredibly durable, meaning that with a little care and attention, they will last for years to come. It is important to always check the care label of your woven fabric carefully: some are machine washable at a low temperature while many, such as our Hartland textural weaves pictured, are dry clean only, meaning that it is best to avoid spot cleaning as this could permanently damage the fabric. Some types of woven fabrics are inherently stain resistant or they come with a stain repellent finish, making it possible to mop up spills using a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Leave it on the spot until as much liquid is absorbed as possible, but if the stain remains visible, we advise approaching an expert. As with any fabric, woven fabrics benefit from regular maintenance to avoid them becoming dull and lack-lustre: use the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from curtains as well as upholstery pieces such as sofas, armchairs and headboards, and regularly plump cushions to remove dust and redistribute the fillings. From time to time, it is advisable to undertake a professional deep clean of your woven fabrics, and when you do this, remember to have all the pieces in the same fabric cleaned in one go, to ensure a consistent colour balance.
We hope we have shown that the possibilities of woven fabrics within the home really are endless, offering the chance to bring personality and character to a scheme. From the timelessness of stripes, checks and herringbones to the elegance of complex weaves such as jacquards and satin, to the punchiness of colourful woven fabrics, the choices are vast, ensuring there is a woven fabric for every aesthetic. And not forgetting the stalwarts such as sturdy twills, versatile monochrome weaves and natural fibre weaves in earthy tones – effortless designs that are perfect for creating calming interiors or for tempering bolder choices within a dynamic scheme. Choose your woven fabrics well – and show them a little care along the way – and you will be enjoying them for years to come.
Amidst threads that intertwine to recount stories and materials of new dimensional suggestions, Dedar presents an all-embracing collection, in which yarn is the protagonist with its unique and unrepeatable irregularities. An impassioned focus on natural fibres reveals a candour and tactile charm that emanates refinement. Silk, linen, and raffia take centre stage in the Plain Classics, Texturologie and Transparencies collections, in which fabric assumes unique forms and features. The Chatwin plain weave expresses the wild side of tussah silk, enhanced by irregular streaks. Gabor dresses up in matka silk with its bulky yarns and soft flexuous drape.
A progenitor of the linen family is Chintz Nature, a glazed chintz fabric that evokes suggestions of the natural environment. Originally produced in India and adopted in Europe in the XVII century, chintz - term deriving from the Hindi word “chint”, meaning “variegated” - was usually accompanied by multicoloured floral motifs. Dedar celebrates its relevance with a well-balanced intermingling of linen and light, in an expression of elegant nonchalance and spontaneity. The embrace between a bulky weft of technical raffia and a linen warp in Didgeridoo provokes a fascinating encounter that confers depth of colour, fruit of a double dyeing process.
In a play of material and chromatic associations, the collection applies fabric to vertical surfaces with its coordinated wallcoverings to create an enveloping sense of continuity, an all-over visual effect, in a consistent configuration and colour philosophy. Hence the ancient tradition of fabric wallcovering coordinated with curtains and upholstery is reinterpreted in a contemporary key: a revival of the camouflage effect typical of the 19th century furnishing style.
In the new fabric collection, the union between light and matter finds inspiration to evolve in the art of jewellery-making which, with faultless precision, produces exceptional artifacts. The masterly use of yarn brings fabric to life in plays of light and transparency, regaling a touch of preciousness that is always artfully calibrated.
Poised between gravitas and fluidity, Argento Vivo’s elegant chequerboard of metallic yarn recalls experimental fashion garments of the sixties. Lightness and movement recount the informal elegance of Wide Linen Ulisse, while a delicate embroidery on linen traces an evocative abstract landscape of Yukiguni. In a subtle contrast of matt and lustrous effects, an alternate play of different weaves defines Olympia, a bulky linen jacquard with a dual personality, depending on which side of the fabric is used.
Plain Classics - Texturologie - Wallcoverings Silk, linen, and raffia, three natural fibres interpreted in proposals that reveal all the force of expression and contemporary elegance of Dedar fabrics. This collection recalls the evocative power of natural yarns: timeless fibres of superb quality that constitute the natural habitat of Dedar research and creativity.
Pronounced texturality and the refined yet assertive personality of wild silk and raffia are extended to walls. Yarn plays a protagonist role with its unique and ever varying irregularities. From raffia weaves to hand-spun silk woven on artisanal looms, the collection evokes a wide spectrum of visual and tactile sensations. A coordinated fabric is available for each wallcovering to create an enveloping sense of continuity, in a play of material and chromatic associations. Hence the ancient tradition of fabric wallcovering coordinated with curtains and upholstery is revived but also transformed, to generate a collection whose mood is decidedly contemporary. These wallcoverings surmount the restrictions formerly associated with the task of hanging wallcoverings, thanks to a practical adhesive non-woven fabric backing, while a reduced number of surface joints is enabled by a width comprised in the range of 120-140 centimetres.
Chatwin - Tussah Silk Plain Weave A plain weave of pure tussah silk, spun and woven by hand to put the accent on the beauty and spontaneity typical of artisanal workmanship. Its yarns and weave create a streaky fabric with pronounced knots and slubs, in which irregularity is an intrinsic part of the product’s preciousness. Ideal for curtain applications. Also available backed for wallcovering applications.
Chatwin Wall - Tussah Silk Wallcovering A wallcovering in pure tussah silk that is spun and woven by hand to put the accent on the beauty and spontaneity typical of artisanal workmanship. The choice of yarns and weave creates a fabric rich in streaks, knots and slubs, in which irregularity of weave and colour is an intrinsic part of this product’s precious nature. Coordinated fabric for curtains also available.
Gabor - Matka Silk Plain Weave A pure matka silk plain weave of bulky irregular yarns is hand woven on artisanal looms. Textural in appearance, soft and drapey when hung, this fabric is ideal for curtain-making. Also available backed for wallcovering applications in a selection of colours.
Gabor Wall - Matka Silk Wallcovering With Water-Repellent Treatment A wallcovering in pure matka silk of bulky irregular yarn woven on artisanal looms. With its textural look and subtle luminosity, it brings all the beauty and exuberance of wild silk to walls. Wallcovering with water-repellent treatment for ease of maintenance. Coordinating fabric for curtains also available.
Chintz Nature - Linen Chintz A pure linen chintz with a glazed effect evidences a lustre that is somewhat unusual for linen. The refined and harmonious luminosity evokes reflections of nature. Flowing, drapey and soft to the touch, this fabric is ideal for curtain-making or decorative applications. Also available in the version of a coordinated wallcovering.
Chintz Nature Wall - Linen Chintz Wallcovering A wallcovering in pure linen chintz with a glazed effect evidences a lustre that is unusual for linen. The refined and harmonious luminosity of this wallcovering evokes reflections of nature that reverberate subtly on wall surfaces. Coordinating fabric for curtains also available.
Didgeridoo - Technical Raffia A bulky weft of technical raffia is interlaced with a linen warp in a hardwearing textural canvas weave, fruit of artisanal workmanship. The weft yarn evokes the natural look and typical hand-feel of raffia weaves, while the double dyeing process regales depth of colour. Ideal for seating upholstery, this article is also available backed for wallcovering applications in the same colour range.
Didgeridoo Wall - Technical Raffia Wallcovering With Water-Repellent Treatment A weft in technical raffia is interlaced with a linen warp to create a textural canvas weave. Thanks to its artisanal workmanship, Didgeridoo Wall regales the look and typical hand-feel of the finest natural raffia weaves to the walls, while the double dyeing process confers depth of colour. Wallcovering with water repellent treatment for ease of maintenance. Coordinating fabric for upholstery also available.
Transparencies Luminosity and transparency accompany the harmonious equilibrium of Dedar fabrics, animated by refined metallic yarns that interplay with the sparkle of fibres and reflections of light. Natural fibres either intermingle spontaneously with a silver thread or hang in solitary splendour, in a crystalline luminescence embellished by meticulously worked embroidery, textural weaves or melange-effect finishes.
Argento Vivo - Metallic Crochet An elaborate metallic crochet shapes a precious composition of tesserae thanks to a refined textile savoir-faire. The architectural structure and the assertive yet elegant presence of an extremely fine silvery yarn evokes the experimental research on avant-garde garments of the sixties. Geometric precision encounters the movement of yarn and the softness of its weave in a fascinating balance poised between gravitas and fluidity.
Yukiguni - Refined Embroidery On Linen A lightweight linen sheer is embellished by an extremely refined embroidery depicting an abstract landscape. Meticulous workmanship and a hazy motif define the charmingly elegant personality of this sheer, making it an ideal solution for lightweight curtains.
Olympia - Double-Face Linen Jacquard A play of alternating weave patterns defines a bulky and irregular linen jacquard. An artful use of yarn enables the creation of a subtle contrast between lustrous and matt effects. This reversible fabric presents a two-sided personality.
Wide Linen Ulisse - Stonewashed Linen In Double Width A light and billowy pure linen sheer of informal elegance is enlivened by mélange streaks fruit of a “stonewashed” finish that confers movement and unique depth to its colour. Extra-wide, with a soft hand-feel and a flowing, flexuous drape, this fabric offers an ideal curtain solution.
To mark the second chapter of the “Re-enchanting Villa Medici” project, the historic rooms of the French Academy in Rome have been re-imagined and rearranged by the French-Iranian designer India Mahdavi.
Frequented by popes, princes, poets and artists, Villa Medici dominates the capital from the Pincio Hill with the austere elegance of its fortress-like façade.
Embracing the requirements of modernity, the rebirth of Villa Medici highlights all of its surrounding beauty and history, in the name of continuity with a glorious past.
India Mahdavi plays with geometric forms and bright colours, which give a sense of intimate warmth to the rooms while mingling in a triumph of styles and surprising colour combinations.
Dedar fabrics contribute to renewing the spirit of the rooms, where elements with a contemporary flair dialogue with the villa's heritage.
Discovered in the archives of Mobilier national, the sofas designed by Jean-Albert Lesage in the Lili Boulanger salon are adorned by Tabularasa cotton satin in the shade of Giallo bombo.
Dedar has also contributed to the development of the print defined by an octagonal decorative motif, used on the four-poster bed in the Galileo Room.
Former fashion editor Sophie Doherty dressed the interiors of her Georgian family home with glorious Linwood fabrics that reflect the character of both the house and its surroundings.
It took almost a decade of renovating her beautiful Georgian house before Sophie Doherty could turn her attention to what for her was by far the most appealing part of the project: ‘The soft furnishings were the really exciting bit because I was so ready to do something really creative after project managing the renovation,’ recounts the former Senior Fashion Editor of Wallpaper magazine. She continues, ‘I absolutely poured my heart and soul into choosing the designs. This house has a lot of windows and the ceilings are very high, so I knew I could go to town with colours and patterns.’
‘Most of the pieces in this room, including the coronet are French, and so I liked the fact that the floral stripe is based on an archive French design,’ comments Sophie.
‘If you are likely to see the lining, why have it plain white?’ she opines.
‘I love the fact that this traditional design has been given a modern update with a stripe featuring a decorative scalloped edge,’ notes Sophie.
‘I was sitting on the bed surrounded by fabric samples and all I could see from the window was the bright blue sky and the vivid green of the garden and this print captured that colour palette perfectly,’ says Sophie.
‘My husband uses the office the most and he says he feels like he is sitting in the canopy of a forest, which is exactly what I wanted,’ Sophie explains.
About The Linwood Fabric Company Ltd
Inspired by fragments of cloth found on their travels, Linwood’s design studio has created a new collection of prints that retain the handcrafted characteristics of block printing.
Join Linwood on a journey across the ancient silk routes to discover the decorative prints of Uzbekistan. Since the 11th century communities of skilled artisans – weavers, wood carvers and dyers – have produced colourful block printed fabrics adorned with ornamental floral motifs.
Presented on tumbled linen for a relaxed feel, the five homely designs enjoy a considered palette, from classic red and black to earthy blues and greens.
Charming and mysterious, Bibi confidently draws on the past to create a collection for today.
Dedar's 2023 collection explores the nuances that emerge when colour is asked to lower its presence discreetly. At the same time, it celebrates variety through themes of the brand's ongoing research, which are either being introduced or renewed this year and are inspired by a love of materials, sensorial aspects, and great art.
The first of these themes, the new White Writings family, unleashes the countless possibilities of white: a unique colour that contains and embodies all others and because it lets in the light – a lesson imparted by stratifications of symbolisms passed down to us over thousands of years. Not an indistinct white: it is textural and stands out against a background of striations, unexpected nuanced effects, and expressive strokes. The fibres are interwoven in an arpeggio that multiplies dimensions and sensations; the indispensable ingredient of this process is outstanding textile know-how.
Colour comes back strongly as one of the protagonists of this year's collection by Dedar. It plays a vital role in the informed yet passionate colour pairings of Playful Stripes, a deliberate plunge into the game with references to the fashion accessories world. Similarly, Plain Classics affirms the relevance of waves and textures through a range of refined and delicate shades in a composition of fibres, including a rare and highly precious baby alpaca wool. Also, in Contemporary Archives, colour often appears as a tool of a distinct and assertive graphic stroke. However, more frequently, it is a driver of emotion, luminosity, or elegance worthy of being in the most scintillating jeweler's shop.
This year, Dedar ventures into the labyrinth of the Archives to conduct far-reaching research that toes the line between a form of artistic expression associated with the historical period of Abstraction and the sensations recalling nature or non-European cultures. Assertive signs, often evidenced by the graphic use of colour, stem from lines that may be either softly curved or precisely geometric. With their invitingly soft hand feel, these fabrics owe much to the presence of velvet, flanked by satins and enlivened by jacquard weaves.
Playful, but with the air and bearing of a new classic. The bold stripe has already been creatively developed by Dedar in various other collections, constantly evolving interpretations and being a textile archetype.
Combinations of lines, colours, and details represent a challenge for all those wishing to play and dare to respond to the provocation. The simplicity of materials contrasts with a vivid chromatic impact. You can’t help imagining these playful stripes used in interiors that give the textile element the significance it deserves.
A plunge into luster and abstraction, an immersion in white that takes us along a trail of discovery. The protagonist is a classic of interior decor and high fashion but also “eternally misunderstood” by those who would deny it the status of being an actual colour. Instead, Dedar celebrates white as a colour in its own right, an expression of luminosity.
White Writings is a collection imbued with the energy of the dawning light, but this is undoubtedly no indistinct glare: this is a faceted and textural white. Sensorial references range from plaster and stuccowork to the irregularities of stone and wood to form delicate shadows and nuances. The five fabrics of 2023 — dressed in all shades of white and created with a nod to the various themes of Abstract Art – pursue artistic research along the same lines as that of Magnolia last year.
This is a textile family poised between couture, painting, and sculpture. In sync with the conceptual research of an Arp or a Mondrian in some cases, a Manzoni or a Dorazio in others, the expression of each fabric reflects the nature of the yarn or the technique. The fibres and processes are the elements that leave their mark. Embroideries, jacquards, and graphic strokes break loose from detail in a great abstract narration endowed with the urgency and propulsion of Art.
The eternal return: the appointment with plains in the broadest sense of the term is always one of the stops on the exploratory Grand Tour undertaken by Dedar, intent on touching on the primary themes of the textile culture.
This year’s research on plain fabrics is particularly attentive to the features of the materials, from the close encounter with a yarn that is both noble and highly seductive, alpaca wool, to the ground-breaking technical achievement of fibres that flank visual and tactile appeal with extreme practicality and freedom of use.
Two new fire-retardant shantung fabrics in extra width combine the charm of silky iridescence with functionality. A generous offering of new colours renews some of the best-loved fabric ranges, including merino wool satins and linen basket weaves.
Cover image: TIGER BEAT - Jacquard velvet with tiger coat, col. 4 Papaya
Photography by Ilaria Orsini
About DEDAR
This month's product news highights from SBID members explores the latest luxurious textures and captivating prints, with new smart technologies for the bathroom and functional design solutions for the workspace; from ergonomic office chairs to intelligent toilet technology.
New for 2021, Kinesit Met is a sophisticated evolution of the Kinesit office chair, now available in a refreshed palette. Created as Arper’s first regulatory-compliant office chair, Kinesit Met is available with metallic finished armrests and in new, rich and nuanced materials, colors, and textures. Inspired by the contemporary moment and the evolution in our workplaces and spaces, Kinesit Met is designed for how (and where) we work today – softer, adaptable, and from anywhere. This new palette selection adds refinement and style to imbedded soft technology, marrying performance and style in a sleek silhouette. Design has come home.
Light and minimal in design, Kinesit Met features built-in mechanisms hidden discreetly under the seat. An invisible, adjustable lumbar support is concealed within the backrest’s thin frame to give additional flexibility and comfort. Kinesit Met is available in a low or medium back option customisable in a range of textured and shaded fabric options. Aluminum armrests and base are available in metallic finish options of copper, light grey and anthracite.
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The rimless, wall hung Veil WC by international bathroom brand, Kohler integrates motion-activated hands free opening, closing and flushing for a complete sanitary experience. For a personalised user experience, a stainless steel cleansing wand adjusts the water spray temperature, shape and position; whilst a UV light and electrolysed water sanitises the wand’s surfaces providing a fully-integrated self-clean system.
The intelligent Veil toilet incorporates a warm glow nightlight and a heated seat that is made from antibacterial materials. Front and rear wash modes and a warm air-drying system also benefit from adjustable temperature settings to ensure a comfortable experience. With an ergonomic seat design to ensure complete comfort, Veil’s seamless finish offers a luxurious yet practical addition to any high-end bathroom.
Sleek woodgrains are combined with a subtle overprint. LACEWOOD takes inspiration from classic oak, ash or cedar. Smooth and unadorned Lacewood provides a seamless pared-down backdrop, while LACEWOOD GEO features geometric lines in matt and burnished metallic inks to give a contemporary twist with biophilic pattern.
Driftwood white and the warmth of oak are offered alongside the rich, intense hues of mahogany and ebony. Combined with classic woodgrain and a simple structured overprint, Tektura creates a visual connection to the patterns, colours and textures found in nature.
A deep viscose pile, super soft feel and vivid colours elevates these printed velvets to the pinnacle of luxury. The nine designs, which celebrate fantastical dreamscapes, are enlivened with a bold, contemporary colour palette with the occasional glint of glamorous metallic. This is Linwood’s premium printed velvet collection… not only is it sumptuous in look and feel, it’s also durable and water repellent.
From capturing the serene beauty of an ornamental garden which are perfectly expressed in scenic designs, to recreating the charm of the 1920s with whimsical printed velvet fabrics to celebrate the mystery and magic of the Orient; this exuberant collection of patterns offers a versatile choice for any kinf of upholstery.
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We spend about a third of our lives asleep. According to the Mental Health Foundation, it is as important to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing, and is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health.
The bedroom is also one of the most important rooms of the home in feng shui philosophy. By incorporating certain elements into bedroom spaces, you can create harmony and comfort which can lead to improved wellbeing, better sleep and increased relaxation. Yves Delorme, specialists in luxury home linens and bedding, share key decoration tips for designers to maximise bedroom designs for the comfort and wellbeing of clients.
Choice of Bedlinen
To get the perfect bedding, first decide whether non-allergic filling is needed, then consider which tog rating is right for your client and appropriate for the time of the year. While thread count is a consideration, there are other important features to measure comfort, quality and value: the type of cotton, the feel of the fabric, and the nature of the finishing. The thread count of “standard” cotton or muslin is around 150; good-quality sheets start at 180-thread count; and a count of 200 and higher is considered ‘percale’.
Thread count also has to do with the yarn construction and quality of the yarn. With finer threads, like those produced with Egyptian cotton, more can be woven into each square inch, producing a finer, softer, more flexible fabric.
Choosing the right size duvet:
If the client in prone to toss and turn in their sleep, choose an overhang of 30-40 centimetres!
Bed Width (cm)
Recommended Duvet Size (cm)
Smells and Relaxation
Good interior design should appeal to all the senses: vision, hearing, touch and smell. Smell tends to be the most powerful link to emotions and feelings so should not be overlooked when it comes to the bedroom!
Whether you opt for fragrances in the form of candles, pillow mist, or room sprays, these soothing smells are proven to promote rest and relaxation. Another trick is to spray perfume on crystals; amethyst is a widely known as the sleep crystal - it provides a soothing and serene frequency. Perfect for placement on a bedside table!
According to feng shui, you should incorporate five elements in a home:
Fire elements are often considered the most powerful and can be represented through candles, or by incorporating the colour red!
Earth gives a sense of security and grounding. For this, using textiles in a granite or earthy colours, adding rock features, thick carpet and antique pottery can help to bring the earth element indoors.
Metal stimulates mental strength and intellectual abilities, making it easier to focus and think clearly; try incorporating metal elements with sculptures or bed frames for example.
Water helps promote calm energies in a room. Reflect this with additions like aquariums, water features, free-form artwork, or fluid glass statues.
Wood helps to develop creative energies such as inspiration, motivation and passion. This can be represented through wooden floors and furniture, as well as plants or trees.
Avoid Sharp Edges
Soften your space by adding more natural decor like plants, lamps, sculptures and other smooth edges to provide balance and fluidity.
Window Coverage
Daylight can disrupt sleep and influence our biological clock. Adding darker drapes or curtains along both sides of the window can create a cosier feel and keep light from the outside blocked out.
Minimise Electronics
EMFs are electric and magnetic fields created by electronic devices. They can be harmful and affect wellbeing, including influencing quality of sleep. Keep your smartphone at least three feet from where you rest your head.
Organise Your Bookshelf
Clutter is a low, stagnant and confusing energy that drains our energy, so organisation can make or break a room’s feng shui. Organise your books based on colour and weight - placing the heavier books at the bottom of the book case.
Adding a Headboard
A headboard represents stability and support in your life - adding a sturdy headboard to your bed creates a more secure feeling over a bare wall.
Bring Down Tall Ceilings
With a larger spaces, we can feel less in control of surroundings, causing us to sleep on high alert rather than fully relaxed. If you want to bring down the height, there are a few tactics like painting the ceiling a darker colour or adding visual interest to the lower half of the room with pillows, area rugs or vases. You can also hang crystals or use low hanging lights!
Keep Work Out
This is designed to be a restful space so if possible, resist the urge to convert some of this space into a small home office. Work associated items like laptops and phones create a distracting environment, making it more difficult to swtich off, de-stress and relax.
About the Author
SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Yves Delorme shares its passion for luxury home linens since 1845, with a sophisticated collection of quality bed and bath linens made of the finest Egyptian Cotton.
This article was written by Prune Allain des Beauvais, Head of Marketing at Yves Delorme.
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