Lelievre | Mysterieux

Mystérieux is a heavy plain weave with real body to it, at 960 grams one of the densest cloths in this run, and a slightly grainy, matte surface that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which is where the name comes from. It hangs with weight and stays still, the opposite of a lightweight sheer, and reads as a solid block of colour rather than a woven texture.

It is 100 per cent FR polyester, so flame-retardant performance is built into the yarn, and at 301 centimetres it is wide enough to railroad most window drops. Of the twelve colourways, we would point first to Argent, a soft warm grey, Beige, Terracotta and Sauge, a muted sage green, as the most versatile; the range also runs into deeper, more particular notes such as Marine, a dark navy, and Chartreuse, a sharp acid green, for a scheme that wants to be braver.

We would specify this for full-length curtains and heavy interlined drapes in a sitting room or bedroom that wants gravity rather than pattern, and for wall upholstery where a large flat area of deep, matte colour sets off art or a strong piece of furniture. It sits well against dark timber, aged brass and leather, and against a patterned rug or cushion it becomes the calm the rest of the room needs. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light, as the matte finish reads differently in daylight and lamplight.

With a 301 centimetre width, a pair of curtains can usually be railroaded off one continuous length rather than joined, which matters here given how visible a seam would be on a matte, dense cloth like this. Because of the weight, we would brief the curtain maker on heavier-duty heading tape and hooks, and always interline it if the room gets direct sun, since the cloth's density is part of what makes it work.

• Composition: Polyester FR 100%
• Width: 301 cm (119 in)
• Suitable for: Curtains
• Care: Wash ≤60°C, do not bleach
• Colourways: 12 (Argent, Beige, Terracotta, Sauge, Marine)