Lelievre | Frivole

Frivole is a plain from Lelièvre, woven entirely in flame-retardant polyester at a useful 147 centimetre width. It has the even, dependable hand of a well-made plain cloth, with enough body to hold its shape on upholstery while still draping properly as a curtain, which is exactly what a scheme needs as the quiet ground against a more decorative fabric elsewhere in the room.

Composition is polyester FR 100 per cent, at a width of 147 centimetres, with no pattern repeat. Because the flame-retardant performance is woven into the yarn rather than applied afterwards, it does not diminish with cleaning, which is why we reach for this cloth on contract work, hospitality interiors and holiday lets as much as on private houses. It is tested to 100,000 Martindale rubs, so it stands up to heavy domestic upholstery, and rated to M1 and EN1021 parts 1 and 2. There are twenty colourways in total; Blanc, Beige, Camel, Terracotta and Marine give a fair sense of the range, which runs from clean neutrals through warm browns and oranges to greens and a single strong navy.

We use Frivole as the main upholstery cloth on a sofa or dining chairs, as a lined curtain where a calm, solid colour is wanted, or as piping and welt on a patterned piece to tidy the edge. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light, as a plain this size of range needs checking against your own walls and floor before committing. With twenty colourways to choose from, it is easy to find a tone that sits exactly right in a scheme.

With no repeat to match, cutting is straightforward and economical, and the 147 centimetre width is wide enough to railroad on some upholstery cuts, worth checking with the maker before ordering. As with any FR polyester, keep the iron on a moderate heat and away from direct pressing on the right side of the cloth.

• Composition: Polyester FR 100%
• Width: 147 cm (58 in)
• Suitable for: Upholstery, curtains, cushions
• Care: Wash at 30 degrees Celsius or below; do not bleach. Iron on a medium heat, keeping the iron away from any water.
• Colourways: 20 (Blanc, Beige, Camel, Terracotta, Marine and 15 more)