Casamance | Rivalet

Rivalet is a plain velvet with a dense, short pile and the matt, slightly dusty look of a cotton velvet, but it is woven entirely from recycled, inherently flame-retardant polyester. That combination is unusual: it has the softness and depth of colour we want from a velvet on a sofa, with the practical advantages of polyester in a house that gets sun, children and sandy feet. The pile is even and close, so it does not shade as dramatically as a silk or viscose velvet.

It is 100 per cent recycled flame-retardant polyester, woven in Turkey, 140 centimetres wide and 575 grams per square metre, with no repeat to match. There are twelve colourways: Opaline, Perle and Beige at the pale end; Kaki, Céladon Foncé and Émeraude in the greens; Bleu Nuit and Noir for depth; and Ambre, Orange Brûlé, Mordoré and Lie De Vin for warmth. The greens and the deep blue are the ones we come back to most; Beige and Perle are the safe choices for a rental property.

We use Rivalet on sofas and armchairs in family living rooms and holiday lets, on dining chairs that need to be wiped down, on a bed base and headboard, and as a full-length curtain in a bedroom where its weight helps keep out early light. It pairs well with the Cher Ami jacquards in the same colours and with a linen plain. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

Decide on the pile direction and keep it the same on every panel; we usually run it downwards on seats and backs and down the drop on curtains. Because it is a free match, cut plain widths with no allowance. Ask for the current abrasion and fire test data if you are specifying for contract, and for curtains use a lining and interlining to give the pile a soft, full fold.

• Composition: 100% recycled flame-retardant polyester
• Width: 140 cm (55 in)
• Weight: 575 g per square metre
• Match: Free match
• Care: Dry clean recommended
• Origin: Made in Turkey
• Collection: Cher Ami, Casamance
• Colourways: 12 (Opaline, Kaki, Bleu Nuit, Ambre, Perle, Mordoré, Beige, Orange Brûlé, Céladon Foncé, Noir, Émeraude, Lie De Vin)