For the Love of Linen

Textures. Patterns. Colors. Shapes. These are some of the essential components that go into creating an interesting living space. What brings all of those elements together? Fabric. One of the fabrics I love working with is linen. This natural fiber has great texture. Linen comes in a variety of weights and sheerness, allowing light to filter through. It holds color in a way that other fabrics do not. I love the way linen looks and feels – in drapery, bedding, and clothing.

Linen window treatment in a Wellfleet primary bath by DBID | Photo by Shelly Harrison

Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Although expensive to produce (because it is labor intensive to manufacture), the fiber is very strong, absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Garments made of linen are valued for their exceptional coolness and freshness in hot and humid weather.

Linen window coverings

The linen Roman Shade in the Wellfleet primary bath above was ordered from The Shade Store. In a Provincetown cottage, sheer linen panels are used in the office, and fold back to attach to a boat cleat. In the living room, the linen panels are doubled on the bottom for more privacy, and use grommets to attach to the top of the windows. The ottoman slipcover is made by Partners in Design and the slip cover and pillow fabric is linen from Robert Allen (to the trade).

New linen may feel stiff but will soften over time. If wrinkles bother you, then linen might not be the best fabric for your home furnishings or your clothing. I wear linen year-round, and think linen sheets and comforters are fabulous. Linen kitchen towels and bath towels are fantastic, too – absorbent and quick-drying.

We are partial to clothing from two companies on Etsy from Lithuania: KnockKnock Linen and LinenFox. We also like linen bedding from Linoto (produced in New York state) and Parachute.