Room Service x
How so very very. Sigh. The fundamental beauty of vintage linen will always have a special place in my heart (particularly anything with a monogram)..skill, design, crisp cotton and stunning needlework all wrapped up in the bliss of sleep…
But some modern bedlinen also has a touch of magic –
and because of it’s expense, it’s something I try and buy in the sales.
One of my favourite shops is Cologne and Cotton, where all these delights came from, they produce the type of quality that make them the heritage items of the future.
(They also managed to persuade me that white is not the only colour)
However, I do have a gripe about bedlinen in general…
Why is it so user unfriendly?
Wouldn’t life be so much simpler if there was a perfect run of say, beige stitches, that marked the top of an eiderdown, duvet cover or fitted sheet? Even a style of stitches..or a ribbon?
So easy then to line up eiderdown and duvet, particularly on doubles..and imagine never having to re-do a fitted sheet again because you put it on wrong the first time?…
So simple, so never done…time for a revolution?!
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
Beautiful x
Sigh. Good linen is a treat that lasts a lifetime! xxx
Beautiful linens also hold a special place in my heart…as long as someone else does the ironing. Great idea about the stitches as markers. I’ve often thought the same thing about tights: how frustrating to get them on only to discover the heel marks on the ankle!
YES! Although these new steam irons do make a huge difference. User friendly – it’s all we need! xxx
I adore the pink sheets, to me they scream “La Vie en Rose” ! I don’t know why but I don’t like sleeping in white sheets (they make me think of hospital beds …), but I must recognize that these embroideries are soooo delicate … Sweet Dreams xxxx
Aren’t they gorgeous? I’ve learnt the beauty of mixing and matching..just like with clothes! a gingham with a stripe with a vintage paisley comforter..so much nicer than a bought ‘set’..but like the best things in life, getting a good collection of linen takes time and dedication! xxx
Beautiful, feminine, delicate. I’m quite partial to blue but the classic monogrammed white is exquisite!!! Xx
When you think about how long we spend in our beds, we SHOULD dress them as much as we do ourselves! xxx
This is very true and there is something magical about crisp, fresh linens…you just sleep that little bit better. Xx
Sumptuous! I still love a full clean white set of linens, but I do have to admit that color lurks in the linen closet. Usage depends upon the Season. We are in the color-mode right now to counterbalance the white stuff on the ground. My Grandmother did embroidery and quilting, so I have some lovely pieces from her. “Good Morning, Sleepyhead!” XO
I too have some bedlinen from my Grandmother – an eiderdown and two sets I used as a child, nothing handmade unfortunately, but still very special. There is something very cosy about having the right colour xxx
The right treat !
It is a treat – but good linen just seems to get better and better with age and use..it’s worth investing in xxx
I so admired granny who, like dievca’s did embroidery and crocheting and I still have some timeless ”museum” pieces that I never use for fear of wearing them out! I also admired her patience in caring for them and ironing them carefully so they didn’t turn yellow! Time just ran slower back then… I could never see myself caring for linen in that leisurely way unfortunately. But would go for such a room service anytime! xxx
You are very lucky!! I am green with envy! I am a little bit lucky in that I have a proper laundry room with shelves and cupboards so everything can be stored properly which does help..I just couldn’t resist the temptation of seeing them out and used though..I am impressed! xxx
Gorgeous! I have one set of beautiful sheets from PiP, which I only have because they were a wedding present. I’d love to collect more though.
Funny enough, if there is no wedding list – and even sometimes when there is – I always buy beautiful linen for a wedding present..it is an unsung hero and we rarely treat ourselves to it…Ebay is a good source of good value linens, but check all the measurements as things were def smaller then! xxx
My family always mock me as I have a liking for White Egyptian cotton. Nothing else will do for me, layered up with handmade quilts. I love making quilts from vintage fabrics. X
Sigh, You have the skill to make? Sigh. You must post pics! If you think about it, you only need two sets for each bed..so why not have the best?! xxx
Yes–vintage linens! Yes–monograms! Who cares if it isn’t your initial?! As long as it’s beautiful . . .
I knew you were a girl after my own heart! xxx
They are beautiful but I’d feel so pressurized to scrub off all make-up, put no creams, definitely no fake tan, leave no toast crumbs, no pets in bed… I guess sleep is a messy business in my house! Wish I was more of a Sleepy Beauty!
Every thursday..fresh bedding! Such a joy to climb into..and over the Christmas hold..a fire in the bedroom too! Now that’s true luxury..and watching re-runs of the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth…bliss! xxx
I love my linens, but I do so hate the ironing. 🙂
I have a loathing of ironing that runs deep..as deep as my love of neatly stacked, freshly laundered sheets runs high!! xxx
All white, that I love!
I do love coloured sets – but they have to have a very vintage feel – or French feel, then I LOVE them! White will always be classic though.. xxx
I LOVE vintage linens! And vintage napkins…(are those considered linens??) Anywho.
Yet another great idea you need to invent/market!
And tablecloths! Don’t forget tablecloths! xxx
I LOVE Cologne and Cotton! You’ve inspired me, I can feel a trip to their Wimbledon store coming up! xxx
I didn’t know they had one in Wimbledon..I always head to Baker Street and the double temptation of Marylebone High Street…which is never good!! xxx
Yes in Wimbledon village. I haven’t been for ages but assume its still there. I love Marylebone high street.. My bank balance not so much! Xxx
love love love this. I’m a sucker for a nice antique bed linen. It’s such a luxury. Great pictures and I’m going to check out the site you mentioned. Any other sites you know of?
XoXo
Ana
Cath Kidson isn’t known for her linens, but the beauty of them is their vintage style..I think you’d love her coverlets in paisley… xxx
Such a good idea! I’m also a devotee of fine linen (although I wouldn’t in a million years iron a sheet. They stretch out enough that the wrinkles are non existant to my undiscerning eyes) I am a collector of vintage chenille, as well as linen, which I’m enjoying right at this moment. So pretty. I have to admit that I am using flannel sheets right now-it’s a luxery I adore in the winter.
Flannel sheets have a special place in my heart..remind me of my Grandmother. She had a thatched cottage that got pretty cold in winter so we all had flannel sheets to snuggle into! I think my love of linen comes from those memories! xxx
I’m also a massive fan of delicate embroidery. I collect vintage tea cups (only have 3!!) but they are of the same elegance. Detail, precision, and altogether stunning.
The absolute joy is finding vintage delights that are both beautiful and practical..just ticks every box! xxx
I need to win the lottery to pay for someone to change my bed daily, Fresh white clean Linen and a good book in bed, Sighhhh!!
Great post and pics 🙂