Linen is considered a luxury fabric, conjuring up images of flowing summer dresses and crisp white shirts. It is one of the most preferred materials due to its beneficial properties, making it a versatile and sustainable fabric choice for your home.

Homeowners are opting for materials that are comfortable, beautiful, timeless, and sustainable. According to a survey by The Economist, “An Eco-wakening, Measuring Global Awareness, Engagement and Action for Nature”, consumers are searching for sustainable options more than ever before.

Enter Linen! Linen is regarded as one of the most sustainable textiles available. An ancient fabric, linen textiles are some of the oldest in the world, dating back thousands of years. This luxurious fabric is known globally due to the fabric’s beneficial properties.

The Amazing Flax Plant

It all begins with the lovely, yet hardy and sustainable, flax plant. Linen is made from fibers sourced from the stems of flax plants. Fabrics produced in Europe are regarded as the highest quality and remain an important part of the cultures of many European countries. According to The European Confederation of Flax and Hemp, flax is considered a carbon well, one hectare of flax retains 3.7 tons of CO2 and is considered a plant that respects the environment and preserves the land. Protecting soil and water resources, flax requires only rainwater to grow, the growing process typically requires little to no pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.

Many producers follow strict standards, however, consumers can look for labels such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), The European Flax®  and OEKO-TEX® labels to ensure no harmful chemicals are used and farming practices protect people and the environment.

Absorbent, Quick Drying and Lint Free

Flax fibers are known for their ability to absorb water. They can retain water up to 20%* of their weight without feeling damp to the touch, making linen the perfect choice for bathroom and kitchen towels. Linen dries more quickly than cotton and is lint free. Say goodbye to damp, smelly towels and lint covered glasses!

Hypoallergenic and Anti-Bacterial

Linen fabric offers many health benefits: The hypoallergenic property of flax makes linen a great fabric choice for anyone who suffers from allergies or sensitive skin. Soft and supple with anti-bacterial properties, linen is a wonderful fabric option for towels, bedding, pillows, curtains, and upholstery.

Heat-Regulating and Breathable

A breathable fabric, the pectins that hold flax fibres together give linen a heat-regulating quality, making it the perfect choice for bedding that keeps you cool in summer and warm on cool nights.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Linen fabric is a durable textile reported to be three times stronger than cotton. Known for its strength and durability, linen is a wonderful choice for home design, ensuring a timeless look that will last for years. Linen fabric in its natural colours or produced with natural dye is biodegradable at the end of its life cycle. Say goodbye to the land fill!

Easy Care!

Luxurious, durable, and sustainable – so many benefits, and easy to care for! Linen fabric can be dry-cleaned or handwashed. However, you can toss it in the washing machine at 40°C on a gentle cycle and into the dryer. Avoid hot water and high temperatures, as this will cause shrinking and weakens the linen fibre. Avoid bleach, scrubbing or twisting the fabric.

You can iron linen, but it won’t retain that crisp look for long, returning to those supple wrinkles. So, embrace your wrinkles. Just like us, linen softens and improves with age!

With so many benefits, linen is truly a wonder. Versatile, luxurious, and sustainable, linen is a fabric choice that will make a beautiful statement in your home for years to come.

Christine is the founder of Bobbie Broon Home and an accredited member of the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada. Read more at Bobbie Broon Home.