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.
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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
There is nothing quite like a velvet sofa for bringing a touch of glamour and luxury to a scheme. From velvet sofas in whimsical prints – witness the naïve quality of Linwood's gorgeous Songbird design pictured here – to arresting pieces in jewel-like plains or the laid-back elegance of crushed velvet sofas, these pieces not only elevate a room but also add all-important comfort and texture. Read on to discover their endless versatility, as well as some handy tips for keeping velvet sofas pristine…
Velvet is a popular choice for some of the most stylish sofas, and for good reason: ‘By choosing velvet customers can ensure that they are getting a durable, comfortable and luxurious sofa that will elevate their interiors,’ comments Jane Susan Upholstery. ‘Linwood’s velvets are, in our experience as makers of upholstered items and drapery, the best in terms of ‘ease of use’ which inevitably leads to the most exquisite, finished products.’ Due to its extreme softness, velvet is an incredibly inviting option for a classic sofa or even a corner sofa bed. It holds colour and pattern like no other fabric, with the texture of the pile interplaying with light to enhance the design and colours: witness the beauty of our Jungle Rumble printed velvet, whose jewel-like hues are intensified by the fabric’s luxurious pile. And as well as its tactile and visual qualities, velvet is also a highly practical choice for a sofa. Most of Linwood’s velvet fabrics are stain resistant and all have a high Martindale rub count (a measure of how much abrasion a fabric can take before it shows distress), making them well suited to busy households that don’t want to compromise on style.
The trend for distressed velvet sofas goes hand in hand with our desire for homes that exude a sense of comfort and informality. Tactile and cosy, they bring a timeworn quality to a space, giving the impression of a décor that has evolved over the years. Our Hali printed velvet is a perfect example: inspired by a vintage kilim rug, it combines pleasing textural qualities with an innovative printing technique that captures the feel of a gently faded textile. It marries beautifully with the classic style of the sofa, which in turn teams well with an eclectic mix of pieces that include an antique side table and a mid-century style oil painting. Effortless luxury at its best.
The beauty of velvet is that it complements any number of sofa styles, from sleek, minimal shapes to traditional designs. Velvet can be shown off to stunning effect on a curvy 1950s-style piece yet will look equally glorious on a classic tufted sofa, where buttoning allows the pile to catch the light in different ways. And whilst it is of course important to consider how your choice of velvet sofa will look in the scheme, it is just as crucial to think about how it will be used: an elegant, streamlined design might be perfect for a room that is primarily intended for formal gatherings, but it will probably not be ideal if it is destined for the household to pile onto for a movie night. With its turned legs and soft scrolled arms, the sofa pictured here is a classic piece that lends itself well to traditional settings whilst offering a good level of comfort. The style of the piece is perfectly complemented by our Chora printed velvet; a timeless design inspired by a traditional Turkish kilim. The monochromatic colour palette makes this print particularly versatile – perfect for bringing a touch of pattern to a neutral scheme.
It may well be that you already have a scheme in place when choosing your new velvet sofa, in which case there will be several factors to consider, from the colour palette of the existing décor to the style of the pieces you already own. The striking, angular shape of this sofa fits well with the room’s bold joinery, while the arresting abstract print – Kichana, which is based on a Peruvian document – picks up on the warm terracotta colours of the walls, lampshade and side table, as well as the aqua accents of the accessories and the ottoman’s velvet stripe (Cosmic, our versatile ombré design). Conversely, you can use the design of a velvet sofa to inform an entirely new décor: let the colour options and style of the print – or simply the colour, if you are choosing a plain velvet – guide your choice of pieces, from accessories to cushions, throws and rugs. And when it comes to selecting more fabrics for the scheme, don’t be afraid to introduce different textures: velvet sofas team beautifully with a variety of designs, from linens to wools, silks to leather.
Velvet sofas fit into a huge array of rooms, bringing a touch of luxury to living spaces, from sitting rooms and snugs to bedrooms and the more unexpected areas of the home such as a study or even a hallway. Velvet sofas can bring a bohemian air to a space – crushed velvet sofas are particularly good for creating a sense of laid-back luxury – or a resolutely modern feel: think a clean-lined contemporary sofa in plain velvet in a rich, jewel-like hue. Velvet sofas can be used to blend in or stand out, this conversation sofa being a good example of the latter. The arresting abstract velvet, Kimono Dreams, complements the circular design of the sofa, which serves as a centre piece for the unusual marble floor. A luxurious design that befits the grandeur of the space.
Velvet sofas have come a long way since the days when they were the preserve of formal rooms forbidden to children and pets. All of Linwood’s velvets are contract grade, making them an ideal choice for any number of room settings. When it comes to maintaining the velvet, Linwood has two very different velvet “families”. Our Omega, Alpha, Tango and Cosmos velvets are woven with durable polyester velvet piles and can be washed if you have loose covers or wiped with a wet wipe to remove spills and stains on fixed upholstery (pictured here is our Omega III velvet, which has the added advantage of being made from 60 per cent recycled polyester). Velvets with 100 per cent cotton piles or a mix of cotton and viscose, such as our Velvet Wonderland collection, are dry clean only and we recommend finding a dry cleaner that is familiar with velvet to get it returned in pristine shape. Whichever type of velvet you choose, we suggest regular maintenance to keep the fabric looking good. Once a week, give it a light vacuum with an upholstery attachment or use a soft hand brush, making sure to hoover or brush in the direction of the pile. This will get rid of any dust or fluff that has settled on the fabric’s surface.
If you have been hesitant about taking the plunge with a velvet sofa, we hope you are now ready to embrace this supremely elegant option. Choose the sofa shape and the velvet carefully and you will have a sophisticated, versatile piece that you will enjoy for years to come. Here’s to luxuriating in the comfort of your perfect velvet sofa…
Learn to mix, match and maintain vibrant linen upholstery for a lively home decor…
Linen fabric is synonymous with quiet luxury – the deliciously muted interiors’ trend that has been hot on interior designers’ lips of late. Yet, this much-loved and versatile furnishing textile also has a confident and gregarious alter ego; one that leans wholeheartedly towards playful and high-spirited colour. With confidence and design at its heart, it's no less luxurious but oh-so joyful.
Colourful linen fabric – with the tactile texture we know and love – holds pattern beautifully and thus by default is a quality choice for upholstered sofas, chairs, ottomans, headboards and other soft furnishings throughout the home.
Here we explore why to choose colourful linen for upholstery, deep-dive into the perfect palette and reveal the art of mixing and matching patterns. Plus why colourful linen has top credentials for sustainability and durability.
There are three good reasons why interior designers reach for colourful linen upholstery fabric when building moodboards for their clients’ room schemes.
Firstly, dynamics. Vibrancy is the raison d’etre of a coloured upholstery pattern. From directional horizontal, vertical or wavy stripes to the liveliness of geometrics and spots or the sprightliness of organic-inspired florals and botanicals, these patterns bring untold interest and movement to the eye as shown here by Kala Emerald on a classic sofa.
Secondly, the colour of an upholstery fabric can transform a space’s atmosphere. Varying from deep and moody to light and airy, the breadth of choice is unparalleled and will be dictated by the form and function of the room.
And finally, durability. Linen is a sustainable and hardwearing textile that will last a lifetime.
Ask a psychologist about colour and they’ll tell you that in times of uncertainty, humans lean towards life-affirming hues in search of positivity and reassurance. When considering colourful upholstery fabric, mull over what colour tribe you fit into...
If you consider yourself a ‘classic maximalist’, for instance, you’ll naturally veer towards the dark grounds of inky indigo, dark claret, deep forest and domino black. By applying these choices to upholstery, you’ll put furniture front and centre in a space, making it feel dramatic and powerful.
Lovers of ‘modern country’, on the other hand, will dip into the soft and subtle cottage-style hues of garden green, rose pink and sky blue that will suit a casual armchair or decorative ottoman. While those that subscribe to ‘rustic luxe’ will tack towards the earthy tones of dark red and spicy orange. This palette will wrap a handcrafted piece of furniture, such as a loveseat in High Wire Jockey, with a resonant and grounding warmth.
Once you’ve established your hero colourway, you can start to hone what contrasting and complementary colours can combine with varying printed linen motifs to create interesting and exciting combinations. Check out the colour wheel and – with your style tribe in mind – consider themes such as Modern Vibrancy – where a collection of colours are layered confidently together (as shown here with Khiva Grass’s trellis design and Chitgar Marmalade’s spot). A Rustic Charm direction mingles a melange of florals with stripes. Eclectic bursts – introducing one pattern onto an accent chair, headboard or dining chairs – are also a fabulous way to infuse the excitement of colour into more neutral schemes.
When it comes to coordinating colourful patterns within the same space, it pays to follow established design rules. Choose one large-scale pattern for a hero piece of furniture that will act as the focal point in the room. Then balance with two to three other supporting small prints that will complement the colour theme. Keep to this cohesive thinking and you won’t overdo it.
A good example of this principle is shown here with Garden Gate Strawberry Mousse on the signature sofa leading the way to Maypole Peony on the ottoman and then other soft furnishings such as curtains in Hopscotch Frog and Buttons Pink Icing on cushions.
Sustainability is a hot topic in interiors and quite rightly so. We all want to be sure that redecoration and refurbishment is done with the planet in mind. That’s why linen is a low-impact upholstery choice – it’s one of the most inherently sustainable fabrics available. The flax plant, from which it is made, is grown organically in poor soil, is resilient to pests and requires no additional water other than rainwater. The resulting yarn is strong and made to last. Linwood’s pure linen fabrics have a ‘heavy domestic use’ rub count rating, making them suitable for all household pieces as well as light commercial use (the exception is Belleville collection of linen prints).
Look to Elba, a timeless linen collection of coloured and neutral plains, including ivory, that will ground schemes, or Small Prints II, an array of small-scale versatile patterns.
What other factors can help with choosing the right coloured upholstery for furniture? It pays to pause and consider your existing decor – wall colours, flooring, window treatments and layout – but also how much natural light enters the room itself.
Establish the orientation of the room. As a general rule of thumb, north-facing rooms are by nature darker and cooler and benefit from the warmer hues of yellows, oranges and pinks. South facing rooms receive good light and heat throughout the day but can suffer from glare and heat so look to cooler hues of blues and greens, such as Trapeze Miami on the living room suite shown above.
Follow these tips for preserving and keeping your linens at their best: - Protect colours from fading by keeping upholstered furniture away from direct sunlight, intense heat and excessive moisture. Drawing curtains, pulling blinds or positioning pieces carefully also helps. - Vacuum your upholstery on a regular basis to avoid dust and debris settling. - Spot cleaning and the use of proprietary products is best avoided as you could damage the fabric. - Seek out professional cleaning help for stain removal and hardcore cleaning.
Shopping for the right hues for upholstery fabric has never been easier. Use the filters online to sort your favourite colours and see the range of collections of patterns that are available. Order free samples to get the feel for the textile and check that you are on the right path. It’s also worthing making a visit to an interior design store to chat with staff and get their advice. Linwood’s showrooms in London and Ringwood are the recommended go-to for high-quality, colourful linens and excellent in-store guidance.
We hope we’ve encouraged you to take a bold approach to using coloured and statement upholstery fabrics in your next home décor project. Inspiring creativity and personal expression through colourful upholstery is what redecoration is all about so take time to research and understand how pattern can combine to elevate your home to the next level and give new life to inherited or tired furniture whether classic or contemporary in style.
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.
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.
A fabric and wallpaper manufacturer Linwood presents two new colourful linen and wallpaper collections that feature detailed design and are suitable for an array of interiors. The products bring colour and friendly atmosphere into the design, allowing to create unique statement peaces and feature walls.
New for Autumn 2022, their Small Prints collection embodies the new mood for casual living. Presented on pure linen, which has a delightful, relaxed feel, the designs – inspired by a multitude of sources from Japanese craft paper to a 19th-century Italian book – have been sensitively reimagined by the creative team.
‘Small Prints is an exciting addition to our extensive library,’ says Ella Richards, Linwood’s Head of Design. ‘It’s a very usable collection that includes a variety of patterns from on-trend stripes to charming small-scale designs. A fresh colour palette underpins the friendly, informal nature of the collection.’
The 10 designs feature hand-drawn leaf motifs, painterly lattices and delicate trails on a specially treated linen cloth that has a soft handle for curtains and excellent durability for upholstery.
For Spring 2023, our creative studio has designed four exclusive wallpapers – Miyagi, Wild, Lumen and English Oak. Each one feels different in terms of overall look, therefore offering exciting possibilities for all manner of interiors, but all draw on classic English style and infuse it with a contemporary spirit.
Honouring the beauty of the original document, Miyagi has been hand-drawn and hand-painted over countless hours to capture the beauty of the forest floor. This floral wallpaper, printed on parchment paper, is available in five colour ways, including Lichen and Black. Price: £184 a roll.
Presented in a fresh colour palette, this beautifully detailed design features parrots, lions and exotic flowers. Printed on parchment paper, which has an interesting textural quality, this wallpaper is perfect for statement decorating. Price: £184 a roll.
Showcasing stylised wisteria, this wallpaper is printed on our new parchment paper, which enhances the luminous quality of the design. A subtle wallpaper equally at home in both modern and traditional schemes. Price: £184 a roll.
This stunning wallpaper, which takes its inspiration from an 18th century garden tapestry, has been sensitively refreshed by our design team. Rich tones highlight the timeless beauty of the English oak's canopy. Available in two colour ways, including Blue. Price: £154 a roll.
Cover image: Armchair, Fortune Teller; sofa, Magic Lantern
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