GP & J Baker | Petropolis

Petropolis is a small-scale patterned velvet from the Signature Velvets collection, its motif set at a compact 26 by 28 centimetre repeat so it reads as a rich, all-over texture rather than a pattern you trace across the cloth. It is the sort of velvet that gives a room depth and colour without asking to be read as a print.

The cloth is 55 per cent viscose and 45 per cent cotton, a blend that keeps the pile soft while giving the ground enough structure to hold the small repeat crisply. It is 140 centimetres wide, with a 26 centimetre vertical and 28 centimetre horizontal repeat, and no rub count is stated for this design, so we would treat it as a curtain and occasional-upholstery weight rather than a daily-use cloth. Three colourways: Teal, Emerald and Sienna; Teal and Emerald are the cooler pairing, Sienna the warm alternative.

We use it for cushions and a small chair where the close repeat can be appreciated at hand height, and it makes rich, enveloping curtains in a room that wants colour without introducing another pattern to place against it. Pair Sienna with warm timber and brass, and Teal or Emerald with stone and cool metals. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

The small repeat wastes little fabric in the cutting, though pile direction still needs checking across all pieces before you begin. Line and interline curtains for a well-used window, since velvet holds heat and light well but benefits from support. As no rub count is given, keep Petropolis to lightly used furniture until you have confirmed suitability with the mill for anything in daily use.

• Composition: 55% viscose, 45% cotton
• Width: 140 cm (55 in)
• Pattern repeat: 26 cm vertical, 28 cm horizontal
• Suitable for: Upholstery, Curtains
• Care: Dry clean professionally; do not wash, bleach or iron
• Collection: Signature Velvets, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 3 (Teal, Emerald, Sienna)