Playing with vases, fluffing cushions and vases of flowers, unpacking a beautiful bevy of homewares day in, day out as if it was Christmas every week of the year… stylists may look like they are just playing house but it’s seriously hard work!
The results are inspirational, often breathtaking interior settings we all pore over pages of and would die to live within.
With their eyes open for and their hands on the latest, best quality, most inspiring designer homewares, interiors stylists know and understand which are easiest bedlinens to work with, style beautifully and use together with a host of other products in a room setting.
We asked for a little advice on the best of bedlinens… with interesting feedback. Read on to get the lowdown on the who, what, where and how.
Shannon Fricke, interior designer and stylist has been so inspired by quality bedlinen over her many years in the game that she started her own product range, Shannon Fricke Heart & Home.
Does “you get what you pay for” ring true when buying bedlinen?
“It absolutely does. Not only in terms of the quality of the cotton or linen you are wrapped in but the design and added details which do so much to create warmth and ambience in your space.”
How can I upstyle my older bedlinen with newer buys?
“I’m a big one for mixing and matching your bedding. The old with the new and a mix of colour and pattern keeps the bed looking fresh and completely unique. I’m a big one for double layering quilt covers to add warmth and a sense of majesty to the bed
"Buy single pillowcases in alternate styles to create a new look"
Shannon Fricke
Your must-have item when styling your bed?
“You can never have enough pillowcases and enough pillows. Mix and match different colours and styles and ensure your pillow inserts range in weights from firm to super soft and cosy.”
HB Senior Stylist Rachel Peters has seen her share of bedlinen in her role creating inspirational interiors for your favourite magazine, styling homeowners’ rooms from families to celebrities and everything in between.
“You can definitely feel the difference in quality when it comes to linen,” Rachel says. “The manufacturing process of linen will determine how refined it is and this has an impact on the final product.”
“Linen can be expensive, particularly good linen. I suggest you always purchase a neutral colour and upstyle with seasonal colours in cushions and throws. Get the base layers right and they'll last you many years.”
Where to buy?
Luxe buy - Societe linen range, Ondene
Mid-range - 100% linen sheets, In the Sac
Budget buy - Vintage washed linen, Adairs
"Easily transferrable depending on your current likes, cushions are the perfect accessory for keeping your style current"
Rachel Peters
“Stores such as I Love linen do beautiful linen in seasonal trending colours that aren’t going to bust the budget.” Says HB junior stylist Tilly Roberts.
“Consider different combinations - add a bright fitted and flat sheet to create more interest with a neutral duvet cover. “Layer with throws and cushions to add a bit of interest.”
Tilly’s tip for the ideally made bed? “It must have the right fit!”
"Always go one size bigger than the bed for a beautiful draping effect to add a bit of luxury!"
Tilly Roberts
How to look after your linen
- Use a liquid detergent on a gentle cycle. While you can tumble-dry the fabric, line drying in the shade is best as it is less heat-intensive to the fibres.
- As much as your new linen sheets become your favourite set, take care to rotate them in your linen cupboard and opt for gentle washing methods on your fitted sheets.
- Linen doesn’t need to be ironed. It looks beautiful with a rumpled effect, creating a unique look that other fabrics can’t achieve.
