In a hectic and busy world, we all want to make a home that feels peaceful, relaxed and inviting. The cool touch of fine silk pillowcases. The cozy warmth of a thick wool rug. The soft, crisp look and feel of linen napkins. Home textiles play an important role in creating such a place; a respite and sanctuary to enjoy and share with others. Our team at Rooms With Style is excited to share some of our favorite home textiles (including tips for selecting high quality items) to elevate the experience of home.
Cotton
Cotton is an accessible textile that adds comfort to any room. We love to use plush, oversized cotton towels in a bathroom and beautifully woven Turkish towels in the kitchen. Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton sheets are a wonderful choice for bedding such as sheet sets or duvets.
Remember that textile weight, grams per square meter (gsm), refers only to the weight of the fabric, and isn’t an indicator of quality. The same can be said about thread count (usually to describe bed linens). A high thread count doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting better quality pieces. Manufacturers use creative counting methods to inflate thread counts (like using thinner threads), or they use a lower quality fiber for their textiles. We recommend direct to consumer companies that are transparent with their sourcing and manufacturing methods.
Linen
Linen is a classically beautiful textile that can be just as universally utilized as cotton in your home. It brings texture and soft coolness to pillows, kitchen towels, curtains, bedding, tablecloths, napkins and more. To identify high quality linen, pay attention to some important elements of the fabric before purchasing, including the weight, wrinkles, slub, and country of origin.
Quality linen can have varying weights but it’s more important to look for fabrics that say “100% linen.” Heavy weight linen should be between 200 and 300 gsm (great for throw pillows), and lightweight linen should be between 90 and 130 gsm (great for bedding). The fabric should wrinkle, or crease easily. 100% linen will also have small knots called slubs woven into the fabric which is a natural tendency of these woven fibers. Last look for country of origin. European linen, specifically Lithuanian linen is valued for its high quality.
Silk
Silk is called the “Queen of Fabrics” due to its softness, durability and beautiful sheen. We love silk sheeting, which is soft and temperature regulating. Try swapping just your pillowcases for silk versions. In the morning, your hair and skin will thank you (goodbye bed head and wrinkles)! Silk throw pillows or even light and breezy silk curtains can add sophistication to your space as well.
When selecting silk, look for Mulberry silk, which is a fabric made with single long threads of silk. Mulberry silk naturally repels dust mites and is hypoallergenic. Blended silk like silk cashmere is thicker and great for winter weight fabrics. Beware of “silky satin” which is usually made from polyester and isn’t “true” silk.
Velvet
Velvet has been a staple fabric in the world of design. Soft and silky with a smooth nap and shiny appearance, it has a high-end look that is ideal in luxury home design. Velvet is a tightly woven fabric and it inherently durable, and that makes it a great choice for upholstery. We love how a velvet couch in a beautiful deep blue or green brings a glamorous touch to a living space. Adding a velvet accent chair to an office space or even to a children’s bedroom can really elevate the room.
Add warmth to your home with luxe velvet bedding or throw pillows. Look for cashmere velvet, velvet mohair, or cotton velvet for a truly elegant and luxe home experience. For upholstery, we recommend performance velvet which has a blend of fibers (usually cotton and polyester) for durability.
Wool
Wool is a sustainable, renewable natural fiber that creates beautiful, durable and insulating textiles. Around the home, we love to use knit wool blankets, woven wool rugs, and even sheepskin rugs. We also can’t resist the Scandinavian vibes created by decorating with felted wool decor such as coasters, storage baskets and trivets. Wool is an awesome choice for upholstery because it resists pilling and has a beautiful texture. While you may associate wool with the cooler months, wool is a classic choice year-round and will create a timeless, cozy home.
Look for wool that follows the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) guideline, which means the animals are treated humanely and the land they live on is managed in a responsible manner. Merino wool, from Merino sheep has the softest and finest fibers.
Textiles have a significant influence on our experience of home. They add style and functionality, as well as add comfort to our lives. Finer, natural fabrics will not only elevate your home, but will also be the most sustainable and durable choice. We hope we have inspired you to set your next table with soft linen napkins or rest your head on a smooth silk pillowcase. You deserve it!
Author: Marla Carlson, Rooms With Style Guest Blogger
