The right fabrics are essential in creating a specific mood or tone for your space, especially when it comes to interior design. However, nothing comes close to the unrivalled beauty of linen. This type of fabric has embellished homes for centuries and its appeal lies in both its aesthetic and practical value making it indispensable in design. Even in ancient civilisations and today, linen seamlessly blends with modern styles making it an evergreen selection for furniture, décor, and bedding.
Are you interested in learning about linen’s place in history, what makes it a favourite for designers, or how to incorporate it into your home? Here is everything you need to know about this exceptional textile and how it continues to adorn our living spaces.
Linen’s Rich History
The historical timeline of linen traces back to thousands of years ago. As early as Ancient Egypt, cultures revered this textile and utilised it for clothing and burial shrouds. Linen stood as a symbol of purity and wealth, making it reserved for royalty and nobility. Years later in the European Renaissance, linen became a defining feature of luxurious bedding and tablecloths, serving elegant living in homes of nobility.
However, linen was not only restricted to the upper class. Its strength and flexibility made linen an everyday fabric, while still remaining sophisticated. From heirloom monogrammed items in Victorian houses to mid-century furniture upholstered with it, linen has crossed many cultural and historical gaps.
Why It Endures
When it comes to fabrics, linen certainly stands apart and has its charm in smoothness among many others. The neutral colours, rough textures, simple yet beautiful patterns, combined with the remarkable strength of linen give it a broad appeal throughout history. Linen fabrics shine equally well in grandiose Parisian apartments just as much as in relaxing beach houses.
The Benefits of Linen You’ll Love
Linen is greatly loved by modern day clothing designers and it is not for one single purpose. Though fashion and home are two of the most effortlessly blended industries, the classic appeal of linen cannot be ignored. Below are some handy and important reasons that justify its extravagance.
1. Durability That Lasts Decades
Linen is the unsung hero of the fabric world. It certainly tops the list for the most durable materials available on the market today. Textiles that are made from thick fibres employing the flax plant boast durability. By nature, linen is stronger than cotton or synthetic fabrics, and with proper care, can withstand years of heavy use. After multiple years of use, instead of bulging and losing its shape, linen softens and becomes aged, making it an utterly perfect sustainable investment for your residence.
2. Ultimate Breathability
Why is linen a unanimously loved fabric to make into bedding? The unique feature of linen lies in its unparalleled softness and smoothness. Unlike other fabrics, linen is breathable, hence its ability to wick moisture. This makes it perfect for summers as well as keeping you warm in the winter.
Adaptable in every season, linen is suitable for any occasion, whether it be a hot August night or a cold December morning, as it adjusts to your body’s needs.
3. Hypoallergenic Properties
Resting becomes an entirely different activity when allergies come into play. Fortunately for you, linen not only helps with your allergies, but is also sensitive skin friendly as it is naturally hypoallergenic and resists bacterial growth.
Using linen is a great option while trying to achieve eco-conscious design choices, as it uses significantly less water and pesticides than cotton does, and the entire flax plant is usable, meaning there is very little waste produced.
How to Style Linen in Your Home
You don’t need to rely on a professional to be able to incorporate linen into your interior design. Whether your home falls under the modern, classic, or a mix of both, linen has a way of blending into any space.
1. Classic Elegance with Linen Curtains
Using neutral coloured soft flowing linen curtains, that are available in shades such as white, cream, and grey can help achieve the classic elegant charm. These colours also pair beautifully with both modern and traditional style furniture. Pro tip: To create the illusion of taller ceilings, hang your curtains higher than the window frame.
2. Layering with Linen Bedding
Make your bedroom chic and cosy by layering light toned linen sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases.
Achieve harmony with a chunky throw while accenting with balance using a faux fur pillow.
3. Modern Furniture and Linen
For sleek and modern furniture, linen upholstery is a perfect match. A beautiful contemporary styled room will shine with a warm beige linen sofa when paired with a more minimalist decor.
4. Linen Table Cloths for Seasonal Styling
Transform your dining area with linen tablecloths or placemats. Olive green and terracotta add earthy colours that are perfect for seasonal use while remaining stylish any time of the year.
Your Guide for Caring for Your Linen Tablecloths
With proper care, linen is sure to remain one of the go-to favourite fabrics for many years to come. Using these guidelines will help keep your fabric in good condition, luckily caring for linen is very simple and with proper maintenance, its durability will work wonders in your favour.
• Machine Washing: Linen loves to be washed, but be careful with rough detergents. Washing on gentle cycles with mild soap will do wonders.
• Avoid too much dryer heat: Letting linen tumble allows it to dry quickly which means it can lose warmth so skip the high tumble dryer setting. This would help keep it fresh.
• Let the wrinkles out: Linen is charming and part of it is its natural and slightly crumpled appearance. As said before, a quick steam press will easily remove any wrinkles while still maintaining the texture.
• Store Smartly: In order to keep their colour and integrity, fold your linen pieces and store them in a cool dry place without sunlight.
Why Linen Will Always Be in Style
Linen is not simply a trend; it is a design philosophy. It represents harmony as it unites practicality and beauty. The natural textures, neutral tones, and unpretentious sophistication render it a timeless feature of interior design. No matter if you are putting together an inviting corner for reading or a fancy dining area for hosting, linen will enhance the aesthetic and withstand the test of time.
Do you want to make linen the centre of your house? Start with small accessories like napkins and throw pillows or be bold with full sets of linen bedding. Whatever the case may be, this fabric will certainly give the space an essence of effortless luxury.
