GP & J Baker | California Velvet

California Velvet is a plain velvet from the Signature Velvets collection, woven so the pile takes colour with an even, soft depth rather than any printed or jacquard motif. It is a substantial cloth with real body, the kind of velvet that holds its shape on a generous sofa or a pair of full-length curtains, relying entirely on colour and sheen rather than pattern to do its work in a room.

The composition is 60 per cent viscose, 30 per cent cotton and 10 per cent polyester, a blend chosen for a soft hand and a durable, even pile. It is 137 centimetres wide, with a 72 centimetre vertical and 68.5 centimetre horizontal repeat, and GP & J Baker tested it to 21,000 Wyzenbeek rubs. Five colourways: Indigo/Teal, Emerald, Charcoal, Red/Cream and Denim/Mole; Charcoal and Indigo/Teal are the two we reach for most often, since both sit easily against timber, stone and brass.

We use it for a sofa or a pair of armchairs where the colour needs to carry the room, and it makes handsome full-length curtains in a formal sitting room or bedroom. Pair it with a plain linen or a fine stripe in one of its underlying tones, and keep trims simple so the velvet does the talking. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

Velvet needs care in the cutting: work all pieces with the pile running the same way, and brief your upholsterer to cut with rather than against the nap. For curtains, line and interline, and have the cloth steamed rather than pressed to keep the pile standing. At 21,000 Wyzenbeek rubs it suits a well-used chair rather than the heaviest family traffic.

• Composition: 60% viscose, 30% cotton, 10% polyester
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Pattern repeat: 72 cm vertical, 68.5 cm horizontal
• Abrasion resistance: 21,000 rubs (Wyzenbeek)
• Suitable for: Upholstery, Curtains
• Care: Dry clean professionally; do not wash, bleach or iron
• Collection: Signature Velvets, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 5 (Indigo/Teal, Emerald, Charcoal, Red/Cream, Denim/Mole)