GP & J Baker | Harwood

Harwood is a fine textured weave in the Baker House Textures range, its surface built from a very small, all-over pattern rather than a true plain, so at 1.5 by 2.5 centimetres the repeat reads as texture rather than motif. It has more body than a plain linen and a slightly crisper hand, which suits it to both curtains and upholstered furniture.

The cloth is 48 per cent viscose, 28 per cent cotton, 18 per cent linen and 6 per cent polyester, 139 centimetres wide, and rated at 35,000 rubs on the Martindale test, so it is rated for upholstery as well as curtains and bedspreads. GP & J Baker specify it for curtains, loose and fixed upholstery and bedspreads. Seven colourways: Sand, Parchment, Tomato, Soft Blue, Indigo, Aqua and Forest, giving a full run from pale neutrals through blues and greens to one warm red.

We use it for upholstery on a sofa or a pair of chairs where a plain would feel flat but a print would be too much, and it makes practical, hardwearing curtains in a family sitting room. Forest or Indigo work well on a single upholstered piece; the paler neutrals are useful for a large run of curtain. Pair with one of the Ashmore prints for a scheme that mixes texture and pattern. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

With such a fine repeat there is effectively no pattern to match, so widths can be joined freely. Line and interline curtains for a good hang. For upholstery, railroading is straightforward given the fine, even texture, and it is a forgiving cloth for a busy household because the surface hides light marking better than a flat plain.

• Composition: 48% viscose, 28% cotton, 18% linen, 6% polyester
• Width: 139 cm (55 in)
• Pattern repeat: 1.5 cm vertical, 2.5 cm horizontal
• Abrasion resistance: 35,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Care: Dry clean only; do not wash, bleach or iron
• Collection: Baker House Textures, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 7 (Sand, Parchment, Tomato, Soft Blue, Indigo, Aqua, Forest)