Classic Fabrics

"Rich, seductive velvets, pretty chintzes, crisp cottons, and delicate brocades -- beautiful fabrics bring elegance and style to any interior, from a small city studio to a spacious country retreat. In 'Classic Fabrics' Henrietta Spencer-Churchill shares her knowledge of the long history and art of decorating with fabrics, enabling anyone to recognize and use traditional textures and patterns to shape great rooms. The first section of the book examines the history of fabrics, from medieval tapestries and eastern silks, to eighteenth-century Toile de Jouy and the latest innovations in synthetics. This is followed by a series of beautifully photographed rooms that show how textiles are used in the home for curtains and drapes, table linens and bedspreads, cushions and lampshades, and the more specialized canopies and awnings. The final section describes the textures, patterns, and weaves of cottons, linens, wool, silks, satins, velvets, damasks, jacquards, laces, and tapestries. Finishes such as felting, glazing, waterproofing, and moiré are explained, and hundreds of fabric samples are reproduced. Illustrated with over 200 vibrant color photographs, 'Classic Fabrics' offers hundreds of inspirational ideas and practical tips. This volume is essential for the professional and home decorator, and will fascinate anyone interested in the history of fabrics, interior decoration, and achieving classic style in the home."--