Creating a Bedroom Sanctuary... Part Two

In this day and age a bedroom is a welcoming cocoon, a retreat from our busy fast paced life. As we retire there at the end of each day we look forward to a simple, warm and comfy oasis. I've created a style guide and a check list of everything I believe you need to create a natural welcoming Bedroom Sanctuary inspired by Scandinavian trends.

I had a client asking about sheets, whats best.. fiber counts, origin, thread count, Linen vs cotton, sateen vs percale, fitted or flat and so..on.. I decided there needs to be a course, or a PHD in understanding sheets - its a complex topic and one i'd like to understand more.

Pure linen is a fabric which is both easy to live with and very easy care. its especially pleasant in summer, thanks to its fresh and crisp texture. It breathes so you never feel sticky and sweaty on those hot nights.

And in winter its even better, because it insulates so well. It’s just perfect, By layering a pure wool blanket on your bed you basically trap in the heat.

Tips & Tricks when buying Sheets

Here in New Zealand when you purchase a Sheet set, you will normally get a fitted bottom Sheet, a flat top sheet and a pair of standard pillowcases.

In France - where our Linen originates from, when you purchased a sheet set you would get 2x flat sheets and a pair of pillowcases. This is because if one sheet ( our Fitted sheet ) is consistently used on the bottom of the bed it will wear out long before the top sheet. So by mastering the art of hospital corners you can alternate your 2x flat sheets giving them a much longer life.

The Humble Flat Sheet    

Flat sheets are there for lovers of blankets. heavy good old fashioned pure woolen blankets, another thing about the French... sometimes they don't use the flat sheet. You just sleep under a duvet cover. Which is fine but it means washing your duvet every weeks... and if your anything like me, I do all i can to reduce my washing load and keep my Duvet cover looking like new.

The Fitted Sheet

Always get the correct size for you mattress - to tight and you will put extra strain on the fabric and the elastic - and eventually your sheet will rip. And if you go to big it will be sloppy and uncomfortable.

The Linen Fabric - find out how the fabric is finished, if it has been Stonewashed your linen starts off softer with a vintage look - Most love this but the stone-washing process can weaken the fibers. The Fabric is basically put into a large tumble dryer with pumice stones and this softens the fabric.

Another way is enzyme washing - this is not a process I would ever recommend supporting, The Linen is coated with artificial chemical to soften the fabric. You are taking a beautiful natural fiber and ruining it with nasty chemicals. I don't know about you but I go to bed to relax, sleep and wake up refreshed - not to be enveloped by nasty chemicals and toxins.

 

 The current range of The  Foxes Den Linen has only been pre-washed...and pre-washed and pre-washed some more. Its a lengthy process and takes alot more time and money. All they do is wash the Linen Fabric in warm water 3-5 times depending on the crop & colour. This slightly softens the fabric. It still have that smooth texture unlike the fluffy stonewashed look. But its chemical free and your linen will last longer than the stonewashed. Its its still to firm for your liking i would suggest soaking your linen in the bath for 24 - 48 hours before using them.   

The Fabric

Another thing about Linen is the weight of the fabric, linen is woven so it doesn't have a thread count, In sheets the fabric needs to be around 170 gr/m²

Care

Maintenance and Linen care is the most important thing about owning linen Sheets.

Washing in a machine is best, with a  temperature about 60 degrees

Line dry - Linen can be put in the dryer but its not recommended as over time it can damage the fibers. Its not the heat as Linen can withstand high temps - Ironing is fine.. so it boiling if your that way inclined. Its the dryer motion, the consistent rubbing together of fibers - its weaken them over time.

The Chemicals you put on the fabric can help the longevity of your sheets also. Always use a natural, plant based laundry liquid. Linen is a natural fibe, care for it, love it and as a result you will have a blissful night sleep filled with sweet dreams

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Until next time...