GP & J Baker | Seismic

Seismic is a fine-textured weave from the Essential Colours group, its even 7 by 7 centimetre repeat giving the surface a light, all-over grain rather than a flat plain face. It is offered in just two colourways, both pale, which keeps it a quiet, versatile cloth rather than a statement one, suited to a scheme where the texture should be felt more than seen. The small, even repeat reads as a fine grain from across a room and only resolves into a pattern close up.

The composition is 40 per cent viscose, 38 per cent cotton, 16 per cent linen and 6 per cent polyester. It is 137 centimetres wide, with a 7 centimetre vertical and 7 centimetre horizontal repeat, and GP & J Baker tested it to 40,000 Martindale rubs, which is rated for upholstery. Two colourways, Pearl and Sea Foam; Pearl is a soft, warm white, Sea Foam a pale, chalky green that leans more neutral than green in most rooms.

We use it for a sofa or curtains in a pale, restful scheme, where the texture adds a little interest without introducing pattern or strong colour. Pair Pearl with almost any archive print, and use Sea Foam to bring in a whisper of green without committing to a stronger colour elsewhere in the room. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light, since the fine texture reads differently under daylight and lamplight.

Allow one repeat per drop and match the texture across widths on a large piece, since a small even repeat can still show drift at a seam. Line curtains for a good fall; for upholstery, standard construction applies, and at 40,000 rubs it is rated for genuinely heavy daily use on a well-used chair or sofa, including a piece that sees daily family use.

• Composition: 6% polyester, 40% viscose, 38% cotton, 16% linen
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Pattern repeat: 7 cm vertical, 7 cm horizontal
• Abrasion resistance: 40,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Suitable for: Upholstery, Curtains
• Care: Dry clean professionally; do not wash, bleach or iron.
• Collection: Essential Colours, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 2 (Pearl, Sea Foam)