March 2009 Archives

It seems so rare these days, but sleeping on 100% linen sheets is a real treat.  I slept on linen at the Ritz in Paris a few years ago... (you have to request it, normally they make the beds with cotton sheets)

Linen sheets are very expensive which is probably one reason why they aren't very popular. Also, I think many people just don't think of it.  Too bad for them!  Washed linen is so soft and wonderful to sleep on - it's very breathable and is lint free.  Linen is a very strong fiber too, your sheets will last a long time.

A queen set at Cuddledown will run you $426.00. Expensive, but it's made in Italy so you know you're getting very high quality. Monogramming is extra.

At Williams Sonoma Home, a queen set is $325.  They also offer monogramming for $6. I have a pair of Euro shams from this line. They are super soft and I love to use them on an all white bed in the summer.  White linen is so Hamptons, I think.  These are cheaper in price, but are not made in Italy, they're made in China. 

Another good option is the Eileen Fisher line available at Garnet Hill.  A queen set is $365. I really like the raw edge detailing on the flat sheet and pillowcases.  That's a nice touch... sort of shabby chic. I'm not sure where they're made, it just says "imported", so they're probably made in China or India.

Did you know that there could be carcinogenic dyes and finishes in your bedding?  To be assured of eco-friendly and non-harmful products, look out for "Oeko-tex" certification. Oeko-tex is an extensive certification that tests finished products for chemicals like pesticides, formaldehyde, arsenic, and others that have no business being in your bedding; it even tests the pH so you know the fabric won't irritate your skin. Certified eco-friendly means you can rest easy knowing that you won't be exposed to chemicals while you sleep.

Cuddledown has a good selection of certified products. Also, high-end Swiss label, Schlossberg of Switzerland's entire line is Oeko-tex certified!  They make beautiful things, among them 100% micro modal Millennium towels and Urban Collection Sheets.

Dwell bedding has been around for several years. This year they're upgrading their signature collection to European production.  The entire adult bedding line is now being made in Portugal. Be careful though, if you want the European-made goods - - some of their old inventory is still in the market.  Certain styles will not release until later this year in the new stock.

The new fabric feels amazing! It has an extremely soft and silky hand.  The new stock is available now in Linen Edge, Sketch, Thicket, Hedgerow and new style Collage. The only bad news is that the price points have gone up.  They used to be $242 for a full/queen set and $275 for a king set and now they're $308 and $352. It's expensive, but it's well made and high quality.

Shown Here: Collage Duvet Cover with new Marguerite throw pillow in saffron

This is probably pretty silly, but I've just discovered Downy.  My mom always used dryer sheets growing up, so I never knew what "Downy soft" was.  Well, now I do.  I can't even believe it.... it works much better than dryer sheets.  Sheets and towels come out so much softer, it is quite amazing. I prefer the non-smelly type of Downy that has no dyes or fragrances.

And it's okay if you have an older washing machine because you can put the Downy in this ball thing that dispenses it at the right time.  The ball cost all of $1.42 at Target! 

I washed my favorite 600 Stripe Egyptian Cotton sheets with Downy... they were already great and some of my favorite, but they came out better than ever!