GP & J Baker | Coniston Velvet

Coniston Velvet is GP & J Baker's plain velvet range, the house's answer for a solid-colour pile fabric to run alongside its printed and embroidered patterns. There is no woven or printed motif; the depth comes from the pile itself, which shifts tone with the light and with the direction you brush it, and with six colourways to choose from it is the most flexible plain in the house's velvet offering.

Composition is 100 per cent polyester, chosen for the density and durability of the pile. It is 137 centimetres wide, tested to 50,000 rubs on the Martindale, which is comfortably rated for upholstery, and GP & J Baker specify it for curtains and fixed upholstery. Six colourways: Flax, Rose, Blush, Soft Blue, Emerald and Ochre, running from pale neutrals through to two stronger tones in Emerald and Ochre.

We use Coniston Velvet on a sofa or a pair of armchairs where a strong solid colour is wanted, Emerald or Ochre for a room that can take it, Flax or Soft Blue for one that wants restraint. Because it is also specified for curtains, a full-length pair in the same tone as the upholstery is an easy way to unify a room, and a run of it along a window seat or bench gives real depth of colour underfoot of the window. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

Velvet needs care in the cutting and sewing: keep the pile running one direction across every piece so it catches the light consistently, and avoid pins in the face of the fabric. At 50,000 rubs it will take genuine daily use on furniture. For curtains, line as usual; there is no pattern to match, so wastage is minimal, and a light steaming will lift any travel creases without flattening the pile.

• Composition: 100% polyester
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Abrasion resistance: 50,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Suitable for: Curtains, fixed upholstery
• Care: Dry clean recommended; if machine washing, use a cool, minimum-wash cycle, and do not tumble dry, bleach or iron.
• Collection: Coniston Velvet, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 6 (Flax, Rose, Blush, Soft Blue, Emerald, Ochre)