Lelievre | Elan

Elan is a jacquard from Lelièvre's Empreintes collection, woven predominantly in cotton and viscose with a small amount of polyamide, in a mid-scale repeat that gives it a settled, all-over texture rather than a single dominant motif. It has the firm, slightly dry hand typical of a well-made jacquard, which is what allows it to hold its shape on upholstery rather than just draping like a curtain weight cloth.

Composition is cotton 61 per cent, viscose 28 per cent, polyamide 9 per cent and PC 2 per cent, at a width of 139 centimetres, with a repeat of 40 centimetres vertical by 35 centimetres horizontal. It is tested to 20,000 Martindale rubs, which is a reasonable performance for general domestic upholstery rather than the heaviest contract use. There are three colourways: Boise, a warm mid brown; Camel, a classic tan; and Kaki, a muted khaki green. All three sit comfortably with natural materials such as oak, rattan and leather.

We use Elan mostly on upholstery, a pair of armchairs or a sofa where the jacquard's texture reads as a considered, tailored surface rather than a loud pattern, and on cushions to echo the same texture elsewhere in a room furnished mainly in plains. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light and to feel the weight of the cloth against your hand, which is firmer than a typical curtain fabric.

For upholstery, allow for pattern matching across cushions and arms so the repeat sits consistently, and brief the upholsterer on the 40 by 35 centimetre repeat before cutting. Given its firmness, it is best suited to a straightforward upholstered shape rather than heavily buttoned or deeply pleated work, where a softer cloth would sit more easily.

• Composition: Cotton 61%, Viscose 28%, Polyamide 9%, PC 2%
• Width: 139 cm (55 in)
• Pattern repeat: 40 cm vertical, 35 cm horizontal
• Suitable for: Upholstery, cushions
• Care: Do not wash or bleach; if ironing is needed, use a low heat and keep the iron away from any water, as slight shrinkage can occur. Dry clean using perchlorethylene.
• Collection: Empreintes, Lelièvre Paris
• Colourways: 3 (Boise, Camel, Kaki)