Sizing throws and table linen

A 170 x 130 cm throw covers one person on a sofa or can be folded lengthwise across the foot of a queen bed. On a sofa, drape it loosely over one arm or a corner of the backrest instead of folding it flat, and pick a shade that already appears in your cushions.

A 250 x 150 cm table cloth suits a rectangular table of about 180 x 90 cm, leaving a drop of 30 to 35 cm all round. To size one for your own table, add twice the drop you want to its length and width.

Cotton and linen breathe well in Malaysian heat, so they are comfortable for daytime use, while wool blends suit air-conditioned bedrooms. Air throws before folding them away and store them somewhere dry, so damp does not linger in the fibres.