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Rustically stylish and better unironed — what more could we want?
When it comes to bedding, style is as important as substance. Comfort is essential, but you also want your bedroom to be a place you enjoy being in — we spend so much time there, after all.
Your bed should be inviting and opulent; a place to unwind, styled exactly as you like it. The right bedding can easily elevate a room — and one surefire way to do that is with linen.
Linen adds rustic charm; its gently crumpled look gives a room a 'thrown together' air of quiet luxury and does most of the hard work for you — simply pair with your favourite throw and it'll look put-together.
Linen is naturally temperature regulating, which makes it an ideal fabric for bedding. Its moisture-wicking properties help to give you a cool night's sleep in warmer months while keeping you cosy when it's colder, maintaining air flow thanks to its looser weave.
It's also a great pick for those with allergies or sensitive skin because the soft material creates less friction — but it also has antimicrobial properties which can help to keep things fresh.
Sure, there are lots of benefits of linen bedding — but it's got the price tags to show for it. When compared to cotton or polyester alternatives, it's certainly on the pricier side, but it's all in the process.
Linen bedding is ultimately more difficult to produce; it comes from the flax plant which is trickier to harvest. The result, though, is breathable, durable and long-lasting fabric with an ultra soft feel. So while comfort is clearly key when it comes to your bedding, a linen set should also last for years.
Have a look at the label on your specific set to be sure, but most linen bedding can be machine washed at 40°C. You'll want to leave it to air dry naturally to keep its softness (and yes, that includes your heated airer; we made that mistake so that you don't have to — air dry really is best).
Shop our favourite linen bedding sets below.
Crafted from 100 per cent linen made from European Flax, Cultiver's premium bedding is guaranteed to enhance your daily ritual of sleep. Plus, it has been pre-washed with enzymes that soften the fabric for a luxurious feel from day one. Dreamy.
There are plenty of linen bedding options on the high street, allowing us a bit of luxury at more affordable prices. This warm terracotta colourway is a bestselling shade across many bedding brands, and you can tap into the trend for a little less thanks to Dunelm.
For reliable neutrals, think H&M Home. Earthy tones take centre stage in this collection, which are ideal for leaning into the natural style of linen. This sage green is our top pick – pair with light wood and bolder olive greens for a cohesive, calming look.
Piglet in Bed's linen bedding is one of my favourites — it's the softest I've tried. It's available in a range of chic colours including some brights, which is generally unusual for linen bedding. If you like maximalist style or want to add some colour, this is a great option with lots of choice.
Presented in a beautiful storage bag, this pastel duvet cover is a luxurious pick. It's a pricey option but looks the part, and you can choose from Oxford or Housewife pillowcase styles to create your preferred look.
La Redoute's rich blue looks impressively opulent. While it is more expensive than a cotton counterpart, it's on the more affordable end for linen (but its deep colouring would have you thinking otherwise!). If dark blue isn't your bag, there are 24 other colours available, from eye-catching mustard yellow to natural greys and white.
This on-trend avocado colourway bridges the gap between bold shades and a natural palette, making it a good option whichever styling you prefer. Linen often sheds at first and you may see a little more of this with this set. But don't worry — it's actually making your bedding softer; it can help if you wash it before use.
This French linen set has over 800 five-star reviews for a reason — it's super soft, comfortable and available in a range of popular colours, from dusky pink to powder blue to deep slate grey. We'd recommend washing before use to unlock its softest feel (just remember to air dry).
For a crisp, white set, this Mango option is just the ticket. It's pleasingly affordable for 100 per cent linen and provides a fresh, breathable look to the whole room — not just your bed.
M&S is a reliable option for great bedding on the high street. This sage green set both looks and feels lightweight, ideal for a summer bedroom refresh.
For a more affordable option (or, equally, warmer sleepers), muslin is an interesting alternative to linen. It's considerably cheaper but not too dissimilar, but we wouldn't expect it to last as long as a linen option. It's a little lighter weight so ideal for summer, and still has lots of breathable benefits.
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