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Careful and regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the life and retaining the appearance of soft furnishings. The following notes are offered as a brief guide on the care and cleaning of fabrics.
The principal causes of soiling are airborne dust, cigarette smoke, gas or open fires and accidental spillage or staining. Most of these can be avoided or at least reduced; others can be remedied by timely and appropriate maintenance.
The regular use of a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate attachment can significantly extend the life of furnishings. Curtains and upholstery should be vacuum cleaned once a week.
The professional application of a proprietary stain resist agent can aid in preventing premature soiling, particularly on upholstery.
Always follow the recommendations given by the care symbols in price lists and pattern books.
Never wait until an article is visibly dirty before washing or cleaning.
Washing is an appropriate cleaning method for small items and has the advantage that it can be carried out at home, although there are certain pitfalls to be avoided.
Wash fabrics regularly and do not wait until heavy soiling has occurred.
It is important not to wash large items such as full-length curtains or loose covers in a domestic washing machine as the abrasion resulting from too large a load will cause colour loss, shrinkage and/or creasing.
Follow the fabric manufacturer′s recommendations in relation to temperature, wash method, drying and ironing procedures. These are all indicated by the Care Symbols, a key to which can be found below.
Never use bleaches when washing soft furnishings. Remember also that almost all washing powders contain bleach or optical brightening agents for that ‘whiter than white’ look. Unfortunately they do also have the disadvantage of dulling colours, or causing apparent fading, so use mild liquid detergents for items that will be washed regularly. Nowadays there are specialised detergents or washing powders specifically designed for colours or dark items.
Do not soak fabrics for prolonged periods of time, or leave in a washing machine while still damp, as migration of colour can occur.
Where dry cleaning is advised make sure the cleaner is made aware of the appropriate process. Many types of fabric require careful treatment with reduced agitation, and specific solvents. This is indicated by the Care Symbols.
Remember also that there are good and bad dry cleaners – The Association of British Launderers and Cleaners can provide a list of approved establishments.
It is generally inadvisable to use proprietary spot-cleaners or dry-cleaning aerosol sprays, except when specifically approved for certain fabric types: it is better to use professional on′site cleaning contractors.
All woven fabrics, particularly those made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen will shrink to some extent. It is quite normal for furnishing fabrics to shrink in washing, sometimes by as much as 6 – 8%.
Dry–cleaning (which, of course, is not a ‘dry’ process at all) can also cause shrinkage, although generally to a lesser extent.
It is generally accepted that wash temperature is an important factor but equally significant are the effects of mechanical agitation and drying temperature and method. Again be careful to follow the instructions given by the Care Symbols.
Take care not to dry washed items too quickly. Tumble-drying should be avoided whenever possible, as it can cause creasing and shrinkage.
Curtains should always be made with an adequate hem, loosely tacked until after the first washing or cleaning. An allowance of at least 5% should be added to the length required.
Side seams or attached linings should be hand-slipped to allow for differential movement between face fabric and lining. Always use a thread of the same fibre as the fabric you are sewing.
Curtains may shrink or extend in use owing to fluctuations in atmospheric temperature and/or humidity. This is particularly so with fabrics contain a high proportion of viscose.
Make sure that curtains do not hang too close to windows or radiators where either excessive moisture from condensation or excessive heat and dryness can have dramatic effects, in terms of dimensional stability and soiling.
Movement of curtains in situ cannot be accepted as a fault in the fabric and claims will not be accepted.
Printed or dyed furnishing fabrics nowadays have good inherent resistance to fading in light, but all fabrics do fade eventually.
Curtains and blinds should always be lined and, if possible, drawn right back from the windows during daylight hours. Do not assume that because you live in a northern climate your curtains will not be affected: the damaging UV rays in sunlight, which cause fading, do penetrate cloudy skies!
Shutters or sun awnings will give added protection in sunny areas.
Sheer curtains and voiles are particularly vulnerable to fading. Whenever possible hang lining curtains to protect them.
Silk, in general, has low light fastness characteristics and no claims will be accepted for fading. Lightproof linings and interlinings must be used when making silk curtains and blinds.
Fabrics often appear to be bowed or skewed but this is usually a temporary condition caused by uneven rolling. If fabrics are slightly out of true they can usually be corrected by gently easing the fabric prior to cutting.
Printed fabrics should always be cut at right angles to the selvedge, rather than on the grain of the cloth.
Wide width fabrics are very useful as they can be ‘railroaded’, i.e. made up horizontally to avoid the need for seaming widths of fabric together. Note that many wide width fabrics can be made up with the pattern either vertical or horizontal. This will always be indicated in the pattern book.
It is well known that silk fabrics can be more fragile than other types and a certain amount of care should be exercised in their make up and maintenance. Silk curtains should always be lined to protect them from sunlight, and should not be used for Roman blinds where any degree of fading will be more apparent. Silk should always be dry cleaned by professional cleaners with experience of furnishing fabrics, and be cleaned using the careful cycle as indicated in the Care Symbols.
The Matara range of artificial leathers are easy to clean - for regular maintenance, wipe the surface with a soft, dry (preferably white) cloth - a microfibre cloth is ideal. Spots or light stains can be cleaned using a lightly damp cloth with a mild detergent solution. For more stubborn stains you can use leather cleaners which are commercially available - only apply to the stained area and be sure to read the instructions fully before use - we would recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaning solution does not damage the surface. Do not use harsh detergents, bleach or polish.
Please note that we cannot be held responsible for surface damage caused by cleaning.
Please be aware that fabrics that are not colourfast such as denim may cause staining on faux leather.
Marking and pile distortion are normal characteristics of chenille fabrics and are not an indication of poor wear. Any markings and pile distortion can also appear as subtle changes in colour shade depending on how the light falls on the fabric. Over time, these changes will give the fabric an often characterful vintage look. To minimize any undesired markings, the use of a soft brush and light steaming may be effective.
Linen fabrics, whether 100% linen or mixed with other yarns such as cotton or viscose, are more prone to shrinkage than other fibre types, especially in washing. For this reason we generally recommend that all linen fabrics should be dry cleaned. Where linen fabrics are recommended as being suitable for washing, it is usual that they will have been given a pre-shrunk finish in order to minimise shrinkage. This may result in curtains extending once hung and a loosely stitched hem is advisable so that curtains may be adjusted once they have "settled in".
Viscose fabrics are sensitive to water and liquids. Exposure to these as well as any kind of moisture, skin lotions, perspiration, spillages or damp clothing may cause marking and staining that can be extremely difficult to remove. Many fabrics with a high viscose content are consequently classified as dry clean only.
Always store rolls of velvet in a horizontal position or in the original box within its suspension. Never stand rolls of velvet on end as this will inevitably cause permanent creasing. When re-rolling velvet, always roll with the pile on the inside.
For curtains, velvet should be made up with the pile facing upwards for cotton velvets and polyester/Trevira velvets; pile should face down for viscose and other lustrous velvets, as well as for patterned velvets. An upward facing pile provides a deeper and richer appearance, whereas downward facing pile enhances the lustre on viscose velvets.
It is also strongly recommended to line velvet curtains, this prevents pile-loss, and fading from the effects of sunlight. Lining also gives a more luxurious drape, especially if curtains are also interlined.
Marking and/or pile distortion are normal characteristics of velvets and are not an indication of poor wear. Movement or displacement of the pile is quite normal and should be expected, especially in areas of high use such as arms, seat fronts and back cushions.
During use shading and pressure marks should diminish or disappear altogether. Regular turning of seat and back cushions should prolong the appearance, together with regular vacuum cleaning using an appropriate attachment.
Take care not to spill liquids onto velvet, especially those with a viscose pile. It will cause staining or watermarks which are extremely difficult to remove.
Cotton velvet is a natural product and when made up for curtains or on a sofa, it will acquire its unique appearance after some time due to usage and the natural humidity of the surroundings. Pressure marks, rolling stripes and smaller irregularities, which are inherent for the product, will disappear in a ventilated and relatively humid environment.
As an aid to restoring the pile and removing pressure marks the use of a soft brush and light steaming may be effective.
Care should also be taken with velvet upholstery and cushions by positioning these items away from direct sunlight to reduce the likelihood of fading which can happen with all textiles with prolonged exposure.
Make sure that the velvet you choose is suitable for upholstery and be sure to apply the right technique. This means seaming the cut edges and folding the edge twice before nailing or stapling the velvet to prevent the fabric from unnecessary rupture and tearing.
Do not cover velvet directly onto foam fillings but use an interlining even if the velvet has been backcoated. The fabric will last longer and pile-loss will be limited.
Outdoor fabrics are designed to be suitable for use in most outdoor environments but please check the individual product information for each fabric. Fabrics that are stated as water, stain and mould resistant will be able to withstand these elements to a certain degree but should still be allowed to fully dry after exposure to damp and any stains should be removed as soon as possible. Colour fastness to light is generally high for outdoor fabrics but some level of fading can be expected if a fabric is exposed to continuous sunshine over a long period of time.
Mezzola TM is the registered trade mark of a superior microfibre textile product developed by Designers Guild. It is luxurious and comfortable, soft to the touch yet hardwearing and durable. Mezzola TM combines the best of both worlds – not only beautiful to look at but also easy to care for and soil/stain resistant.
As with all furnishings, regular and careful maintenance will preserve the beauty and prolong the life of your Mezzola TM product. Whilst regular cleaning is desirable it is important not to use excessively vigorous methods and always take great care when dealing with localised stains.
It is recommended to vacuum–clean or brush with a soft brush two or three times a week.
Every two or three weeks run a damp, white cloth over your furniture to remove dust. Do not use coloured cloths or paper towels.
We have worked with Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd for many years and highly recommend them for the cleaning and maintenance of Designers Guild rugs, upholstery and curtains. Please visit their website for more details. Please note Designers Guild is not responsible for any work done by Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd.
Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd
London: 020 7820 0108
Kent: 019 5954 1325
Surrey & Essex: 018 8334 1653
Email: info@acecarpetcleaners.co.uk
Full hanging instructions are printed on the reverse of the labels which are enclosed with every roll. Please read and follow these instructions carefully. Some papers need to be reverse-hung; consecutive drops should be hung in opposite directions. This will be indicated on the label. When buying wallpaper be sure to order enough to complete a particular job, because there can be differences in shade from batch to batch. Always state the batch number if it is necessary to order extra paper.
Wallpapers are made from natural materials and may contain small blemishes. This is normally not a problem as isolated marks can be cut round without undue wastage. Be sure to use the correct adhesive and use according to the manufacturers instructions. We always recommend the use of a pre-mixed tub adhesive. Always wipe paste off the surface before it dries. Do not oversoak the paper but be sure to allow sufficient time for it to become pliable.
Do not handle the paper more than is necessary or rub it with a cloth or rag. Although wallpaper has a protective finish, it is vulnerable when still wet and can be damaged by excessive rubbing. It is important to avoid brushing out the paper too vigorously when hanging as this can cause overstretching, which may result in unsightly gaps between lengths when the paper dries out.
When papers have dark backgrounds it may be desirable to disguise the joins with a suitably coloured crayon or chalk. Certain types of wallpapers, such as non-wovens, require a paste the wall technique. This will be indicated in the hanging instructions on the wallpaper label. Grasscloth wallpapers need special care in hanging and should only be hung by an expert paperhanger. It is especially important to avoid getting paste on the surface as it is extremely difficult to wipe off satisfactorily. It is also important to understand that grasscloth is a handmade, natural product with irregularities in colour and texture, so joins are inevitably more noticeable than with machine made wallpapers.
Please check that batch numbers are the same and there are no visible defects. Check design direction prior to hanging. Stop hanging wallpaper if after three lengths you see faults; supplier’s responsibility is limited to cost of replacement wallpaper. Prepare walls so they are dry, clean, and free of old wallpaper and paint. Absorbent surfaces must be sized with a primer/sealer. Line walls with good quality lining paper. Use a good quality pre-mixed adhesive for both lining paper and wallpaper. Paste the reverse of the paper generously, loosely fold adhesive side in and allow to soak for 4–5 minutes until pliable. Hang the wallpaper taking care to match the pattern. Smooth the paper using a brush or plastic spatula. Trim top and bottom with a sharp knife or scissors. Immediately remove any paste from the surface with a damp, clean cloth to prevent discolouration.
Please check that batch numbers are the same on all rolls and there are no visible defects. Check design direction prior to hanging. Stop hanging paper if after three lengths you see faults; the supplier’s responsibility is limited to cost of replacement paper. Prepare walls so they are clean, dry and free of old paper or paint. Absorbent surfaces must be sized with a primer/sealer. Cross line walls horizontally with good quality lining paper. Use a good quality pre-mixed adhesive containing fungicide for both the lining paper and the wallcovering. Paste the wall with a generous coat of adhesive. Hang the wallpaper carefully with butt joins, taking care to match the pattern. Smooth out the paper using a brush or plastic spatula. Trim top and bottom with a sharp pair of scissors. Remove any surplus paste from the surface immediately with a damp cloth to prevent later discolouration.
This wallpaper is produced by craftsmen and demands the maximum amount of care and attention by a skilled paperhanger. Walls MUST be prepared correctly and lined with good quality heavyweight lining paper. This product uses a non-woven base paper and the decorator should paste the wall not the back of the paper. A pre-mixed tub paste must be used. Powder pastes are not suitable for hanging this product and can cause staining or adhesion problems. PVC or PVA adhesives must not be used. Deep coloured wallpapers may need their edges coloured with a slightly lighter tone of chalk or pastel to prevent white edges showing. Paste the wall with a generous coat of adhesive. Apply the cut lengths of paper taking care to match the pattern. Use a soft roller, not a brush, for smoothing the paper, taking care not to squeeze out paste between the joins and ensure paste does not get onto the smoothing roller. Trim tops and bottoms of the lengths with paperhanger scissors or a sharp knife. No paste must come into contact with the face of the wallpaper. Keep hands clean and dry whilst working. Always check which way up the design is before hanging. Stop hanging wallpaper if after three lengths you see faults; supplier’s responsibility is limited to cost of replacement wallpaper.
This wallpaper is not spongeable and can be damaged by paste or water on the surface.
Grasscloth wallcoverings are completely natural; the materials used are specially dyed and handcrafted, so irregularities and colour variations will occur owing to natural variations in the fibres. These variations should not be considered a defect; they provide a unique appearance that cannot be duplicated by conventional machine-made wallcoverings. Before hanging, please inspect each roll carefully and check that it is what you ordered, and that the shading is acceptable. No claims will be considered for variations in colour or shading once rolls have been cut. Handle the wallcovering carefully to avoid pressure marking which may be evident on the wall. Stop hanging wallcovering if after three lengths you see faults; supplier’s responsibility is limited to cost of replacement wallcovering.
Prepare walls so they are dry, clean, and free of old wallpaper and paint. Absorbent surfaces must be sized with a primer/sealer. Line walls with good quality lining paper. Before hanging please sort the rolls by colour intensity from dark to light. Then match the lengths side by side by colour intensity and hang in the sequence the sorting has created.
Use a pre-mixed adhesive for both lining paper and wallcovering. Paste the reverse of the wallcovering generously, loosely fold adhesive side in and allow to soak for 2 – 3 minutes until pliable. Hang the wallcovering, taking care to match the pattern. Smooth the wallcovering carefully using a brush or plastic spatula. Trim top and bottom with a sharp knife or scissors. Immediately remove any paste from the surface with a damp, clean cloth to prevent discolouration.
Natural wallcoverings should be cleaned regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a clean soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt. Do not use wet cleaning as this may result in discolouration.
This wallcovering is peelable from the wall when redecorating is required.
Please check that batch numbers are the same on all rolls and there are no visible defects. Check design direction prior to hanging. Stop hanging paper if after one panel you see print faults; the supplier’s responsibility is limited to cost of replacement paper, providing hanging instructions are carefully followed as panels designs are hung in a clearly noted numerical order. Prepare walls so they are clean, dry and free of old paper or paint. Absorbent surfaces must be sized with a primer/sealer. Cross line walls horizontally with good quality lining paper. Use a good quality pre-mixed adhesive containing fungicide for both the lining paper and the wallcovering. Paste the wall with a generous coat of adhesive. Hang the wallpaper carefully with butt joins, taking care to match the pattern. Smooth out the paper using a brush or plastic spatula. Trim top and bottom with a sharp pair of scissors. Remove any surplus paste from the surface immediately with a damp cloth to prevent later discolouration.
Each design is sold as a single roll, see individual item for full details. Can be used independently, as a single panel, or enjoyed in multiple scenes on all four walls. Clear cut lines are printed between each length and each roll comes with a detailed explanation on how to use. Our panels are designed in 3m drops, these can be trimmed to fit your desired wall height.
When hanging panels we recommend that you determine where you wish to the position the design on your wall and then trim your panel to size either at the top/bottom or both. Please take care to trim multiple panels at the same position to ensure an accurate side to side match of the design.
When furniture has loose seat and back cushions, plump them up daily. Turn them and rotate the position of cushions every month. This will prevent uneven or excessive wear. Tight upholstery should be cleaned on site by a professional cleaning specialist. Spot cleaning with proprietary products should not be carried out other than professionally.
Where seat or back cushions have removable covers do not be tempted to wash or clean them separately as colour changes will eventually become evident. Although most furnishing fabrics have good resistance to fading, we do advise that furniture should be protected from exposure to strong sunlight. Be sure to use curtains, shades or screens to reduce light damage. Avoid leaving your upholstery too close to fires, radiators and vents. Velvet upholstery generally can be prone to marking caused by pressure in transit or in use. Most pressure marks can be removed by gently steaming and brushing the velvet with a soft brush. Avoid putting pressure on unsupported panels of upholstery (e.g. outside arms and backs) and don't sit on the arms.
With loose covers shrinkage can be a major factor. Whilst loose covers which are too loose are unsightly, it is a mistake to make them too snug; even with dry-cleaning they will be impossible to refit satisfactorily. The best method is to launder the fabric prior to making up in order to remove as much of the residual shrinkage as possible. Where this is not feasible, try re-fitting the covers while still slightly damp and allow to dry on the chair or sofa. Trim loose threads, don't pull them.
Do not allow animals onto your furniture; they can cause more damage in a short time than years of normal use. Also children shoes and buckles or studs on jeans can easily pluck threads from the surface of fabrics. Be cautious of wearing dark dyed clothing on light upholstery as colour transfer can occur.
Measuring & Fitting Instructions
Assembly Instructions For Beds
We have worked with Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd for many years and highly recommend them for the cleaning and maintainence of Designers Guild rugs, upholstery and curtains. Please visit their website for more detailes. Please note Designers Guild is not responsible for any work done by Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd.
Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd
London: 020 7820 0108
Kent: 019 5954 1325
Surrey & Essex: 018 8334 1653
Email: info@acecarpetcleaners.co.uk
It is advisable to wash new sheets before putting them on the bed for the first time. Always wash dark colours separately. For most 100% cotton bed linen we recommend to wash at 40ºC do not leave in washing machine overnight as fading may appear along crease lines. Always follow the washing instructions on the label. Commercial soap powders and detergents may be safely used but avoid detergents containing bleach or optical brighteners as they break down fabric fibres and cause colours to fade. Tumble dry but avoid overdrying as it causes wrinkles to set.
Always follow the washing instructions on the label. Limit use of fabric conditioners on towels. Whilst they give a soft feel, overuse of conditioners leaves a coating which reduces absorbency Avoid contact with facial cleansers and skin treatments as some contain Benzoyl Peroxide which has a bleaching effect. Pulled threads can simply be cut off as the towels are woven so that threads will not run.
A rug is often a focal point in a room, and proper care and maintenance will increase its longevity. To best care for your rug, we recommend that you lightly vacuum it on a regular basis using the nozzle attachment. Please take care to avoid using brush attachments since these can harm the rug fibres. Remember to always vacuum in the direction of the pile.
We always recommend treating your rug with our bespoke extra rug protection and cleaning by a specialist rug cleaner. However, if a spillage occurs, blot immediately with a clean dry white cloth, making sure not to rub the spillage into the pile. Do not use harsh detergent. It is important not to walk or place items on the rug until it is completely dry to prevent lasting damage.
To prevent rugs from slipping we recommend that you use a rug hold underlay.
Please note that over time rug colours may fade, particularly under the influence of exposure to a strong natural light source/UV radiation. Rug fading is dependent on the amount of light exposure and the usage of the carpet.
Due to the nature of our handmade rugs, you may experience loose fibres which can be easily removed by gentle vacuuming with the nozzle attachment.
Some continued shedding is a normal characteristic that diminishes after initial use. Loose threads should not be pulled but cut with sharp scissors at pile height.
Please note that pile shedding does not affect the life of a rug.
You may experience an initial odour from your rug. This is normal for new product and once aired it will reduce significantly over time.
We recommend that you turn your rug regularly to ensure even wear. Any movement in the pile or pressure marking is normal and should be expected, especially in high traffic areas.
Furniture feet will create indentations on any rug pile. To help reduce marking, regularly rotate furniture and any other heavy objects when possible. To help recover the pile, lift the pile using a fine comb. We recommend using furniture pads to help reduce pressure marks.
The process by which a rug is cleaned is entirely dependent on the composition of the rug, so it is important that the cleaning guidelines are followed.
In all instances we recommend that you use a professional rug cleaner, however should a spillage or stain occur, the below information will reduce the chance of a lasting stain.
Due to the nature of viscose and rayon yarns, you may notice lasting distortion of the pile after liquid spillages. These fibres are plant based, and despite achieving an incredible shine, are very delicate.
Tencel ® Lyocell and Polyester rugs are known for superior quality and greater resistance to water marking, however there are still times when a quick response is needed to save your rug from a spillage and you need to clean the carpet yourself.
Using a clean white cloth or paper towel absorb the spill, gently blotting the area starting from the edge of the spot and working your way to the centre. Be careful not to rub. Once the liquid has been blotted, use a clean cloth lightly dampened by water to dab the stain as much as possible. If possible, use a fine comb to raise the pile in direction with the remainder of the rug pile. Try to dry the pile with a low-heat hairdryer whilst continuing to comb as quickly as possible.
It is important not to walk or place items on the rug until it is completely dry as this can lead to permanent marking. Finally, gently vacuum using the nozzle attachment.
Wool fibres have their own natural thin, protective layer. This allows wool to repel dirt which gives you the opportunity to act if a spillage occurs on your rug.
Clean the spot lightly with a damp cloth or an absorbing paper towel. Be careful not to rub.
Diluted mild detergent may help in removing stubborn stains, however we always recommend using a professional rug cleaner.
Digital printing and screen printing is a process which achieves the highest quality print detail.
To deal with spillages, soak up as much of the liquid or substance as possible working from the edge to the centre of the spot. Clean the area lightly with a clean damp cloth or white absorbent paper dabbing only, without rubbing or scrubbing and leave to dry.
Please note that failure to act may result in colour fading.
Made from a specialist PET polyester yarn, these zero pile rugs are easy to clean, lightweight and reversible. Ideal for any floor that might be susceptible to high traffic or getting wet, as well as being great for outdoor use.
As with all our outdoor furnishings, please note that these rugs should not be left outside in the elements or in direct sunlight for long periods of time, and care should be taken to dry out the rug should it get soaking wet.
Please ensure that both the rug and the area where it will be placed are dry before placing the rug.
To ensure safety and to prevent slipping, we recommend the use of a rug hold regardless of the flooring on which the rug is placed.
Regular gentle vacuuming is recommended using the nozzle attachment, and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.
To remove dirt or spillages, spot clean by mixing a solution of water and mild soap. With a clean white cloth, gently blot from the outside of the spill to the interior to prevent spreading.
Alternatively, rinse with an outdoor hose, and hang until thoroughly dry. Do not machine wash or machine dry, and do not use bleach.
This specialist PET polyester yarn can be recycled where facilities allow.
We have worked with Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd for many years and highly recommend them for the cleaning and maintenance of Designers Guild rugs, upholstery and curtains. Please visit their website for more details. Please note Designers Guild is not responsible for any work done by Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd.
Ace Carpet Cleaning Ltd
London: 020 7820 0108
Kent: 019 5954 1325
Surrey & Essex: 018 8334 1653
Email: info@acecarpetcleaners.co.uk
For more information on caring for your rug, please contact Customer Services. Each of our rugs is unique, and as a result there can be slight variations in appearance, colour and dimensions. Please note that the rug design can differ between sizes and can appear slightly different from the image shown in the brochure.