All the ways to incorporate linen into your home (and why you should)

Linen homeware is like a favourite condiment – we want to put it on eeeeeverything. And we should – forget the traditional rule that it “creases easily” and so doesn’t work. It does crease, and boy does it look good doing it. Giving it a few scrunches for a relaxed feel that sunshine will dance through, or iron it for a crisp, cool finish.

Linen is durable yet lightweight, and it’s made from flax plant fibres so it’s environmentally friendly as long as it’s dyed with natural dyes. It also gets softer and more loveable with use, so drape it as a curtain or upholster a sofa in it, it’s going to look good.

1 Linen is highly absorbent, sustainable and natural that dries faster than cotton, which makes it perfect for everyday uses such as this basic kitchen essential.  These Irish linen tea towels have been woven and sewn in Ireland and hand-dyed using natural Indigo dye. 

Irish Linen Tea Towel in Slate Blue, €24, Kathryn Davey

2 We spend a third of our lives in bed (or more, for some)—so our beds should be cosy and comfortable. Linen is lightweight and breathable for summer and warm enough for crisper evenings. H&M have a range of washed linen duvet cover sets and a very reasonable price in a beautiful and delicious array of colours. You can almost taste summer with this raspberry sorbet duvet cover.

Washed linen duvet cover set, €99.99, H&M Home. 

3 The West tablecloth set the scene for a casual laid-back gathering with friends. Keep the tablecloth un-ironed for natural shape and texture retention.

West tablecloth in dusty pink, €189, Linum

4 The bag of your dreams. The bucket shape is spacious enough to haul an entire farmer’s market’s worth of bounty and perfect for an entire day’s essentials for daytrip to the beach.

Washed linen Big Shopper Bag by Monk & Anna, €47.99, Trouva

5 Bring a casual elegance to any meal by adding linen napkins to the occasion. Timeless and durability, they’ll adorn your table for years to come.

Irish Linen Napkin, €88, for a set of 6, 31 Chapel Lane

6 How dreamy is this sofa with a 100% linen slipcover from Australian company Globe West. If the thought of shipping a sofa all the way from Australia is too much, consider getting a slipcover made for your tired sofa. Easy to wash, quick to dry and with natural creases to add character. 

Vittoria Slip Cover linen sofa by Globe West, from around €2,500, Nathan + Jac 

7 The mid-weight linen twill in a textured weave is washed for a slightly crumpled look. The ochre throw will add a splash of colour to the end of a bed.

Elina linen throw, €189, Toast

8 The apron will make everyday chores a pleasure. The 100% washed linen apron will only become more beautiful as time goes by. Also available in kids sizes so no excuse to cry off dinner prep.

Japanese Cross back Washed Linen Apron, €60, Lamb Design

9 Let the light in through a sheer linen curtain panel, with a unique soft glow when the light shines in.

Intermezzo curtain in light stone grey, €139. Linum

Featured image: Food52