Inspiring Fabrics

For Top Designers & Architects

Exceptional quality, inspiring collections, extensive colourways. Core fabrics for your design scheme: extended neutrals; striking designs; technical fabrics; professional support and guidance for fabric specification and treatment.

From upholstery velvet fabrics to luxury cashmere throws; and from upholstery linen to upholstery faux leather fabrics. The very best quality fabrics for professional Interior Designers.

Mohair Velvet Upholstery for Interior Designers

Mohair Velvet & Silk Velvet Upholstery Fabric

Mohair Velvet Upholstery Fabrics and other designer upholstery Velvets are our specialities; we are inspired and excited by exquisite velvets made from high-quality yarns such as silk, mohair, cashmere, linen and cotton.

For full specification guidance on velvet types, fire standards, and hotel applications, see our velvet types guide, hotel fabric specification guide, and wall panels and headboards guide.

For our contract clients, we have a significant number of contract velvet collections, ranging from the most durable Mohair Upholstery Velvet to FR Treveria Contract Velvets. Contract velvet fabrics from KOTHEA offer the very best Wyzenbeek / Martindale test values for upholstery where rubs exceed 100,000. We have shiny and non-shiny velvets; long- and short-pile velvets; dense and less-dense velvet weaves.

Our Upholstery Mohair Velvet is very much on-trend for 2025, perhaps because of the high-quality and 100% natural yarn we use or perhaps it’s the durability of contract-grade options with 100,000 rub counts. An extensive colour palette, often with your precise colour requirement, is available across a series of collections.

As all our velvets are woven in Europe, you know the quality will be the best – with our high-profile customers ranging from royalty to a home cinema in a local new build.

Some tips for narrowing down your velvet choice

  • Velvet refers to the type of weave. A velvet fabric can be made from an extensive range of fibres; mohair wool is just one of those fibres.
  • Mohair fibre comes from the underbelly of a specific goat variety.
  • Mohair Velvet is one of the most popular options as it is typically very durable and has an inherent Crib 5 pass. There are no further costs associated with FR treatment.
  • Silk Velvet can look fantastic but is typically only for domestic use.
  • Cotton velvet can be a good alternative to Mohair Velvet and is often around half the price whilst still representing a 100% natural product. Our cotton velvet is sufficiently durable for many contract applications and certainly for domestic uses; however, it requires Crib 5 treatment.
  • More interesting and unusual weaves are available in linen, man-made yarns, and our super-luxury Italian Cashmere & Silk Velvet, available only to our current clients.

Specify colours from our online colour cards and click here to receive cuttings.

KOTHEA will never compromise on elegance in our design and recognise that our velvets offer you a safe choice when specifying for your discerning and demanding clients.

Collections


Mohair Velvet

Fibre type: Mohair

Composition: Pile 100% mohair; base 57% mohair 43% cotton

Martindale rub count: 100,000. See our complete guide to the Martindale rub test.

Fire rating: BS 5852 Crib 5

Fire rating type: Inherent to the fibre; no topical treatment required

Width: 137 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 24

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings


Mohair Velvet Seven

Fibre type: Mohair

Composition: Pile 100% mohair; base 100% cotton

Wyzenbeek rub count: 80,000 double rubs. See Martindale vs Wyzenbeek explained.

Fire rating: BS 5852 Crib 5

Fire rating type: Inherent to the fibre; no topical treatment required

Light fastness: ISO 105-B02; grade 4 to 5 (light colourways), grade 5 to 6 (dark colourways)

Width: 140 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Suitable uses: Upholstery, curtains

Weaving origin: Europe

Colourways available: 24 or more

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings


Mohair Velvet Three

Fibre type: Mohair

Composition: 100% mohair pile

Rub count: 90,000

Fire rating: BS 5852 Crib 5

Fire rating type: Inherent to the fibre; no topical treatment required

Width: 140 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings


Mohair Velvet Four

Fibre type: Mohair

Composition: 100% mohair pile

Rub count: 80,000

Fire rating: BS 5852 Crib 5

Fire rating type: Inherent to the fibre; no topical treatment required

Width: 140 cm

Pile type: Cut pile

Repeat: None (plain)

Sample availability: Cuttings available; request via kothea.com/cuttings


Frequently Asked Questions

Does mohair velvet have an inherent Crib 5 fire rating?

Yes. All mohair velvet ranges from Kothea carry an inherent BS 5852 Crib 5 fire rating. The certification is a property of the mohair fibre itself and requires no topical flame-retardant treatment, meaning the rating is unaffected by cleaning and the handle and appearance of the fabric remain unchanged throughout its life.

What rub count does Kothea mohair velvet achieve?

Kothea mohair velvet ranges are tested to between 80,000 and 100,000 rubs depending on the collection. The primary Mohair Velvet range achieves 100,000 Martindale rubs. Mohair Velvet Seven achieves 80,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs. Both figures place these fabrics in the contract performance category.

Is mohair velvet suitable for contract and hospitality upholstery?

Yes. The combination of inherent Crib 5 fire certification and rub counts at or above 80,000 makes Kothea mohair velvet suitable for high-use upholstery across hotel, restaurant, residential, and commercial interiors, with no additional fire treatment required.

What is the difference between Martindale and Wyzenbeek rub count tests?

Martindale and Wyzenbeek are both standard abrasion tests for upholstery fabrics, but they use different methods and are not directly comparable. Martindale is the standard used in the United Kingdom and Europe, and involves a figure-of-eight motion against a wool abradant. Wyzenbeek is the standard more commonly specified in the United States, using a straight back-and-forth motion. A fabric specified to 100,000 Martindale rubs or 80,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs both indicate heavy contract performance. Kothea can confirm which test applies to each range on request. For a full explanation see our complete guide to the Martindale rub test.

Does mohair velvet require dry cleaning?

Cleaning requirements vary by range. Contact Kothea for the specific cleaning code and care instructions applicable to the range you are specifying before finalising your specification.

Where are Kothea mohair velvets woven?

All Kothea mohair velvet ranges are woven in Europe.

Can I order a sample of mohair velvet before specifying?

Yes. Kothea offers free cuttings to trade customers across all mohair velvet colourways. Samples can be requested at kothea.com/cuttings.


Request a cutting of any mohair velvet colourway at kothea.com/cuttings.

Pure Cashmere Throws, Handwoven to Order – Trade – KOTHEA

Cashmere Throws & Luxury Bed, Sofa Blankets

Luxury Cashmere Throws and Designer Cashmere Bed Blankets from KOTHEA are the very best you can buy in the UK.

We only use 100% Pure Cashmere wool, hand woven by expert artisans for our bespoke cashmere throws. We offer an extensive collection comprising beautiful designs in a range of muted, neutral colourways.

100% Cashmere Wool – Many Competitor throws are 30% cashmere and 70% mixed fibres, that’s why they’re cheap.

2-Ply – Cheaper throws are also more likely to be 2-ply ie made like a scarf with the bare minimum wool content. KOTHEA Cashmere throws vary from 4-Ply to 10-Ply.

We have precise attention to every detail, right down to the: intricacy of the weave; the tassels; the extravagant thickness & feel; the design and colour matching. The main image shows one of our Inspiring Cashmere Bed Throws at the Simon Horn King’s Road store.

Handwoven pure cashmere throw, Kothea, at Simon Horn on the Kings Road
Luxury Cashmere Throw by Ben Nicholson for Simon Horn

We have 13 different designs, many standard colourways, bespoke options and 3 standard fringe designs.

 

Cashmere Throws Luxury Cashmere Throw – Designers’ Worksheet
Cashmere ThrowsCashmere Throws – Summary Document
 Cashmere Throws – Colour Chart
Luxury Cashmere Throw – Design Chart
Cashmere Throws – Fringe Chart

Collections


Cashmere Throws

Fibre type: Pure cashmere

Composition: 100% cashmere

Construction: Handwoven; made to order

Trade only: Yes

Stock held: No; each throw is woven to order

Lead time: Approximately 2 to 3 weeks

Ply options: 4 ply, 6 ply, 8 ply, 10 ply

Ply and weight: Higher ply count means greater material density and increased thickness. Lower ply produces a lighter throw; higher ply produces a denser, heavier throw. Ply selection affects drape, appearance in situ, and cost. Very high ply may be too heavy for use as a bed blanket; very low ply may not hold its shape or appearance when draped.

Standard sizes available (cm): 125 x 180, 150 x 225, 230 x 260

Custom sizes: Available within the constraints of the loom width; contact Kothea to confirm dimensions

Designs available: 13

Design names: Wattle, Double Diamond, Zig Zag, Bee Hive, Basket Weave, Arica Trellis, Horsetail, Checker Board, Vespa Herringbone, Mosaic, Wicker, Dune, Vence Herringbone

Ply availability by design:

  • Wattle: 4 ply and 6 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Double Diamond: 4 ply, 6 ply, 8 ply, and 10 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Zig Zag: 4 ply, 6 ply, and 8 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Bee Hive: 4 ply, 6 ply, and 8 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Basket Weave: 4 ply and 6 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Arica Trellis: 4 ply, 6 ply, and 8 ply; sizes 125 x 180, 150 x 225, and 230 x 260
  • Horsetail: 4 ply and 6 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Checker Board: 4 ply and 6 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Vespa Herringbone: 4 ply, 6 ply, and 8 ply; sizes 125 x 180, 150 x 225, and 230 x 260
  • Mosaic: 4 ply and 6 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Wicker: 4 ply, 6 ply, and 8 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Dune: 4 ply, 6 ply, 8 ply, and 10 ply; sizes 125 x 180 and 150 x 225
  • Vence Herringbone: 4 ply, 6 ply, 8 ply, and 10 ply; sizes 125 x 180, 150 x 225, and 230 x 260

Bespoke colour: Available; specify colourway on order

Tassel finish: 3 standard fringe designs available; specifiable at point of order. See Fringe Chart for options.

Border: Available on selected designs; confirm at point of order

Sample availability: Contact Kothea via kothea.com/cuttings


Frequently Asked Questions

What ply cashmere throw should I specify for a hotel bedroom?

For a hotel bed throw or bed runner, 6 ply is the most commonly specified weight. It is substantial enough to drape and hold its shape at the foot of a bed without being so dense that it sits awkwardly when layered with bedding. 8 ply suits larger throws intended as the primary bed covering in cooler climates. 4 ply is better suited to sofa throws or lighter decorative applications.

What is the difference between 4 ply and 10 ply cashmere?

Ply count refers to the number of cashmere strands twisted together to form the yarn. A higher ply count produces a denser, thicker, and heavier throw using more material per piece. 4 ply is lighter and more supple; 10 ply is significantly denser and warmer. The difference is visible and tactile. Higher ply also affects cost, as more raw cashmere fibre is used. Not all designs are available in all ply counts; Kothea can advise on the most appropriate specification for your project.

Are Kothea cashmere throws made to order?

Yes. All Kothea cashmere throws are handwoven to order with no stock held. Lead time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks from order confirmation. This allows designers to specify colourway, ply, size, tassel finish, and border treatment rather than selecting from a fixed inventory.

Can cashmere throws be ordered in a custom size?

Yes, within the constraints of the loom width. Standard sizes are 125 x 180 cm, 150 x 225 cm, and 230 x 260 cm. Custom dimensions outside these standards should be discussed with Kothea directly to confirm feasibility before specifying.

Can the colourway be specified to match an interior scheme?

Yes. Colourway is specifiable at point of order. Kothea offers a range of standard colourways and can discuss bespoke colour matching for projects with specific requirements. Contact Kothea with your colour reference before placing an order.

Are Kothea cashmere throws available to the trade only?

Yes. Kothea supplies exclusively to the trade, including interior designers, architects, and contractors. Throws are not available for direct retail purchase.

What is the difference between a cashmere throw and a cashmere blanket?

The terms are used interchangeably in most contexts. In specification, a throw typically refers to a lighter, decorative piece used draped over furniture or at the foot of a bed, while a blanket implies a heavier piece used as primary bedding. Ply count is the practical distinction: a 4 ply or 6 ply cashmere piece functions as a throw; an 8 ply or 10 ply piece in a larger size functions as a blanket. Kothea offers both weights across multiple designs and sizes.

Are these throws 100% pure cashmere?

Yes. Kothea cashmere throws are 100% pure cashmere. Many competitor products described as cashmere throws contain only 30% cashmere blended with other fibres, which affects both the handle and the durability of the piece. Kothea does not offer blended cashmere products.


Contact Kothea to discuss your cashmere throw specification at kothea.com/cuttings.

Cuttings

Request Trade Samples – Faux Leather & Mohair Velvet

We offer interior designers 12cm x 12cm cuttings, A4 returnable samples, or returnable show-lengths (subject to availability). Please specify your needs clearly, as we cannot send entire collections.

Trade Status Required: Use a business email (e.g., name@yourcompany.com, not gmail.com) and provide a website or other details for trade verification.

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Alternatively, email your request to samples@kothea.com.