Threads | Alvar

Alvar is a textured plain from the Threads Luxury Weaves collection, woven in a viscose and cotton blend that gives it a soft surface with a low, even sheen. There is no motif to speak of; what you see is the structure of the weave itself, a fine, slightly irregular grain that catches light across a sofa arm or a curtain fold. It is the kind of cloth we reach for when a room needs a quiet, architectural surface rather than a pattern.

The composition is 64 per cent viscose and 36 per cent cotton on a 137 centimetre width, with no pattern repeat to plan around. It is rated at 50,000 rubs on the Martindale test, which makes it a proper upholstery cloth, and the page lists it for curtains and for loose and fixed upholstery. It comes in three colourways, Parchment, Soft Grey and Woodsmoke: Parchment is the warm neutral, Soft Grey is cooler and reads well with black metal and pale oak, and Woodsmoke is the deeper, smoky option for a large piece.

We tend to use Alvar on sofas and armchairs where a plain has to carry the room, on a tall upholstered headboard, and as heavy curtains in a bedroom where its weight helps the drape. Pair it with one of the Nala Prints on cushions or a single occasional chair, and let the rest of the scheme stay tonal. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

There is no repeat, but viscose weaves can shade slightly along the roll, so cut all the pieces for one item from the same bolt and keep the direction of the weave consistent between seat, back and arms. For curtains we line it, and interline where the drop is long, so the weight of the cloth hangs straight rather than pooling; it is dry clean only, so ask for loose covers to be made with that in mind.

• Composition: 64% viscose, 36% cotton
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Abrasion resistance: 50,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Suitable for: Curtains, loose and fixed upholstery, cushions
• Care: Do not wash; dry clean professionally, do not bleach and do not iron
• Collection: Luxury Weaves, Threads
• Colourways: 3 (Parchment, Soft Grey, Woodsmoke)