Threads | Mica

Mica is a textured linen plain from the Threads Quintessential Naturals collection, a compendium of easy woven cloths for curtains and blinds. The weave has a fine, slightly glinting surface, like the mineral it is named after, with the natural slubs of the linen yarn breaking up the light so the cloth never looks flat. It is a little wider than most of the collection at 147 centimetres, which helps on larger windows, and it has the heavy, easy drape of a good pure linen.

The cloth is 100 per cent linen, 147 centimetres wide, with no pattern repeat. The page lists it for curtains, and the collection is designed for curtains and blinds; there is no rub count, so we do not use it on seating. It comes in two colourways, Ivory and Parchment: Ivory is the cooler, cleaner white for rooms with grey or pale blue walls, while Parchment is the warmer off-white that suits plaster pinks, creams and timber.

We tend to use Mica for full-length curtains in a bedroom or living room where the scheme is tonal, and for Roman blinds in a bathroom or kitchen where a flat panel shows the texture properly. It pairs well with a heavier textured weave on the sofa and with the Nala Prints or Great Stripes on cushions for a note of pattern. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

There is no repeat, but linen can shade slightly along the roll, so cut all the drops for one window from the same bolt and keep the direction of the weave consistent. Line and interline the curtains to give the cloth weight and to protect it from sun, allow a generous hem for the natural movement of linen, and dry clean rather than wash to avoid shrinkage.

• Composition: 100% linen
• Width: 147 cm (58 in)
• Suitable for: Curtains, blinds
• Care: Do not wash; dry clean professionally, do not bleach and do not iron
• Collection: Quintessential Naturals, Threads
• Colourways: 2 (Ivory, Parchment)