Threads | Archipelago

Archipelago is a heavy textured plain from the Threads Quintessential Textures collection, a group of substantial upholstery cloths built from natural and technical yarns together. The surface has a dense, slightly irregular grain, with no motif at all, so it gives a plain sofa or chair real weight and presence without adding colour or pattern. It is the kind of cloth that reads as quietly luxurious rather than decorative.

The composition is 32 per cent viscose, 20 per cent polyacrylic, 17 per cent wool, 12 per cent linen, 11 per cent cotton, 4 per cent polyester and 4 per cent nylon, on a 146 centimetre width with no pattern repeat. It is rated at 50,000 rubs on the Martindale test, so it is rated for upholstery and will stand up to daily use, and the page also lists it for curtains. It comes in a single colourway, Parchment, a warm, pale neutral that hides marks better than a true white.

We tend to use Archipelago on the main sofa in a living room, on a large ottoman, and on dining chairs that see constant use. It pairs well with a printed cushion from the Faraway collection or a striped accent on an occasional chair, and with heavy plain curtains in a matching tone. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

With no repeat, quantities are straightforward, but the weave has a clear direction, so ask your upholsterer to keep the grain running the same way on every panel and to cut all pieces from one bolt to avoid shading between batches. The cloth is substantial, so have seams trimmed and pressed open on tight corners; dry clean only, and do not bleach or iron it.

• Composition: 32% viscose, 20% polyacrylic, 17% wool, 12% linen, 11% cotton, 4% polyester, 4% nylon
• Width: 146 cm (57 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: Quintessential Textures, Threads
• Colourways: 1 (Parchment)