Linen, one of the oldest and most cherished textiles, has been a staple of interior design for many years. According to Louise Jackson, Head of Design at Jackson Interiors in the Cotswolds, linen is constantly in demand since it serves as the foundation for so many schemes, including one of her favourites, English Country House style. ‘It’s extremely versatile,’ she says, ‘velvet and weaves complement its understated elegance so beautifully.’
Linwood’s major launch for autumn is Small Prints III, a collection of printed linens that were carefully crafted with curtains in mind but also work seamlessly on upholstery.
Linwood’s Head of Design, Ella Richards, says: ‘Linen is the ideal base material for our latest collection because it brings the prints to life. I really enjoy the feel; its irregularity is far more interesting than cotton.’
Designed in our Hampshire studio, the four designs: Ruffled, Ruched, Scrunched, and Smocked are full of personality and joy. ‘We believe the palette, which includes a variety of inky tones as well as on-trend browns and oranges, will go well with any interior, whether modern or classic,’ Ella says.
Louise Jackson agrees: ‘The colours of the new collection are so approachable; everyone will find something they enjoy, whether used for sparks of colour in cushions or as a linen upholstery fabric.’
Before we delve deeper into this collection, let us remind ourselves of the advantages of linen, which ensure its place in any decorator’s toolkit.
Durability and longevity Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres, which translates to excellent durability in upholstery and curtains. Linwood’s high-quality linen can withstand years of use, maintaining its integrity even in high-traffic areas.
Breathability Linen’s capacity to control temperature is particularly useful in upholstery, where it provides cool comfort in the summer and warmth in the winter.
Sustainability In an age that is increasingly concerned with sustainability, linen stands out as an environmentally friendly fabric. Flax, the source of linen, takes fewer chemicals and water to grow than other crops such as cotton. The entire flax plant can be used, resulting in minimal waste.
Hypoallergenic Linen is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for people who suffer from allergies or sensitivities. Its natural fibres resist dust and bacteria.
How to style linen like a professional
Let’s take a closer look at Small Prints III and see how it may be used successfully in different home design schemes.
Casual, cozy Interiors
Linen upholstery is ideal for creating a friendly and relaxed environment. Loose-covered sofas, armchairs, and ottomans provide instant comfort to family rooms or sunrooms (if you select linen fabrics for washable loose covers, keep in mind the possibility of 3% shrinkage when measuring or briefing an upholsterer). Linen’s soft, slightly rumpled appearance gives these spaces a welcoming, lived-in feeling. Linwood’s stylist, Holly Bruce, explains, ‘We used a range of cushions – all made from Smocked, which is inspired by a Japanese print – in different colours and shapes with eye-catching trims from Samuel and Sons to create this pleasant little hideaway. My favourite feature is the beautiful, gathered skirt of the seat cushion; the Smocked fabric, Riviera, with its fascinating tonal movement looks great either smooth or pleated.’
Rustic and country styles
Linen complements country-style interiors beautifully. In these designs, the emphasis is on natural materials, handcrafted items, and earthy colours. Linen’s organic texture aligns perfectly with wood, stone, and other raw materials. Upholstering chairs or sofas in muted, earthy tones of linen – Ruffled, Hvar, shown above – can enhance the rustic charm. To complete the style, pair it with distressed wood finishes – the mirror is from William Yeoward – or vintage accessories.
Modern and minimalist spaces
Despite its association with traditional and rustic interiors, linen is equally at home in modern and minimalist spaces. In these settings, the focus is on clean lines, simplicity, and understated elegance. Linen upholstery in crisp whites, greys, or deep browns such as Ruched, Soot’s unusual stripe can add a layer of texture to minimalist interiors without overwhelming the space. It provides visual interest, offering a counterpoint to sleek surfaces like glass, metal, or polished concrete.
Luxurious, high-end interiors
While linen is often associated with casual elegance, it can also be used in more formal and luxurious interiors. High-quality printed linen such as the animal-style pattern of Scrunched convey sophistication and opulence, particularly when paired with metallic accents or rich wood finishes. In such settings, deeper tones like navy, emerald, or purple work particularly well, adding depth and richness to the space.
Light and airy ambience
Linen curtains can be adapted to different styles, from casual, unlined panels to more structured, pleated designs. For a relaxed, beachy vibe, unlined linen curtains that puddle slightly on the floor are ideal. This style works well in coastal-inspired interiors or contemporary spaces, where the emphasis is on comfort and ease. Conversely, lined linen curtains with more tailored pleats can bring a sense of refinement and structure to formal master bedrooms or sitting rooms as shown so beautifully with the mirrored ribbon pattern of Ruffled. ‘People love to see the detail of the weave when they are closing their curtains,’ adds Louise Jackson. ‘It reinforces the natural beauty of the fabric.’
Maintenance and care of linen fabrics
Caring for linen upholstery and curtains is simple, but a soft touch is recommended. Regular vacuuming can help remove dust and dirt from linen upholstery furniture; for stains that won't come out with simple blotting, bring in the experts to avoid further problems. Linen curtains can be cleaned with care, but many people prefer to dry clean them to preserve their crispness and shape, particularly for lined or heavily pleated drapes.
Linen is a timeless choice, widely recognised for its distinctive blend of beauty, practicality, and sustainability. With the growing popularity of natural, eco-friendly materials in the world of interior design, we at Linwood believe that more and more people will fall for linen’s unmistakable appeal.