Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Cotton Percale

This is the most common type of fabric used for bed sheets and bed linen. Although the name implies that it's made from 100% cotton in many cases it's a blend of cotton and polyester or other materials. To be called a percale the thread count of the fabric has to be at least 200, producing a tighter weave than used in many types of bedding.

The great advantage of cotton percale is the durability it provides. It is a medium weight which is substantial enough to withstand the rigours and usage of bed linen – it washes well and can be either plain colours or patterned. The smooth finish of cotton percale makes a fabulous surface on which to sleep.

Nowadays very few of us buy fabric and make our own bed linen as it's more cost effective to buy ready made bed sheets and duvet covers. However, if you're looking for a touch of luxury Egyptian cotton percale is the ideal choice as it's cool in the summer and yet warm in the winter.

Image: via Flickr

Smart and Sophisticated Small Bedroom Interior Design

This bedroom is chic and elegant, it may not be a large room but it's packed with smart sophistication. The bottle green rests so comfortably next to white, while the highly polished and reflective surfaces help to move light around the room.

It may be a little unusual to see a bed placed in front of the window, but if you're pushed for space it's a great idea. Use full length curtains across the width the room to make it appear large and it wil also become an integral headboard.

Image: coco+kelley

Sleep Tight and Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite

The old saying 'sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite' is having more relevance today than in the past few decades. Sounds creepy doesn't it? But with the increase in bedbugs and their bites being seen at a global level scientists are trying desperately to find a solution to the problem by mimicking nature with new synthetic bedding materials that trap the bedbugs to help reduce their movements.

The new synthetic material has tiny hooks which trap the bedbugs however, as bedbugs live in the smallest nooks and crannies in a bedroom it appears that it would be an impossible task to trap them all and prevent them from breeding, but it could be used to track the bedroom where the bedbugs are and enable de-infestation via the use of chemicals and pesticides.

There is no definite reasons why bedbugs have increased; it's thought that they may have become immune to chemicals; they are being transported into homes due to increased global travelling and the rise in the number of people buying second-hand furniture.

Image: louento.pix

Oh, So White and Beautiful

I love white; I find it soothing yet refreshing; I love the crisp cleanliness of white especially in bedrooms as it reminds of clean sheets, gorgeous aromas of fabric conditioner, after shave and perfume....heavenly!

I also love the fact that white can be used in any style of bedroom from Shabby Chic to contemporary, Victorian to French Provençal all have their own special twists which defines them. Making them unique in their own right.

Many say that white is a non-colour, yet we find it being used time and time again as a base colour as well as an accent. Not surprisingly white comes in a wide range of shades, tones and hues as it absorbs other colours within the room or has been manufactured with the merest tints of creams, ivories to make yet another individual colour.

Image: The Little Greene Paint Company

Tastefully Tropical Bedroom Design

If you love bight colour and floral patterns you'll love this gorgeous Asian inspired bedroom. The rich jewelled tones keep this bedroom bang up-to-date, while the flower blooms add depth and character to the room.

There's plenty of textures to keep this tastefully tropical bedroom visually exciting as well as being fabulous to touch. The soft sheen cushions with simple stitched detailing gives this room a mature elegance.

Image: EcholslandLife

Soft Furnishing Fabric – Polyester

Love it or loathe polyester is seeing a revival on the cat walks which means it will also be given the 'all-clear' to use it to make soft furnishings as trends from the cat-walk don't take long to filter into the world of interior design. It may be against trends to use fabrics which aren't natural but when you look at it logically most of us are unaware that polyester has become part and parcel of our everyday lives. We may not realise that many soft furnishings, curtains, curtain lining, bedding, cushions etc. are made from cotton and polyester blends. It's the blends of cotton and polyester which make washing and drying fabric far easier than it is when only a natural material, such as cotton, wool etc. is used.

Most of us know that polyester is a man-made fibre and the vast majority of us don't want to know what it's made of and how it's made. For those who are interested polyester in basically made from from PET – polyethylene terephthalate, in other words a chemical compound.

Image: dizzyjadey

A Little Rest & Relaxation

We all need a little R & R and what better way to spend a lazy Sunday or any afternoon then laying down for a siesta. Of course this could also be your 'proper' bed that you retire to each evening. Sleigh styled beds are bang on-trend, either the originals or latest styles and fit into many different interior design styles, from country to contemporary there's a sleigh bed to suit.

I also love the throw on this bed, the mellow colours are so gentle on the eye and bring pattern into an otherwise plain room.

Image: ...love Maegan

Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Egyptian Cotton

Renowned for its use to make the highest quality bedding Egyptian cotton provides durability, versatility and longevity. It's used to make many soft furnishings as well as bedding. Tea towels, bath towels as it has a higher absorbency than other less superior cottons.

Unlike other cottons Egyptian cotton becomes softer after each wash which is why it's used to make luxury bed linens. The thread count is what gives Egyptian cotton its longevity and durability, Typically the thread count of bedding is 200 – 600, the latter being the softest and higher quality.

Although it is deemed the best quality Egyptian cotton doesn't have to be overly expensive – especially when you factor in the durability and its longevity.

Image: amerune

Image: amerune

Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Flannel

Flannel is usually a blended fabrics made up from wool, cotton and/or synthetic polyester. It's renowned for its warming properties that's why is made into night clothes as well as blankets, bed sheets and pillow slips.

You can get brushed or un-brushed flannel, the former giving a soft touch. Flannel also comes as single or double napped, double nap flannel being brushed on both sides. Due to its warmth flannel was commonly used for bedsheets, I remember my grandmother having flannel sheets on the beds and I have to admit it was snugly warm once under the covers – the was no central heating in those days, so it was a matter of just leaving the top of your exposed during the really cold months!

You can still get flannel or flannelette sheets and bedding – not only is it warming it's also very durable and hard wearing.

Image: Melaine O

Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Faux Fur

Fur faux, as the name suggests, is imitation fur fabric made from polyester. Renowned for it's ability to look similar to genuine furs it's the ideal fabric to make luxury throws and soft furnishings without having the death of an animal on your conscious.

Luxury Faux Fur Throws

Animal prints are very trendy, being used for home décor and clothing. Faux fur is available in a wide range of colours and prints, including animal prints. Its soft touch makes it ideal for bedding and is also perfect for using as a throw for your favourite sofa or chair.

For those who love sewing it's easy to make cushion covers and decorate soft furnishings with this animal-friendly fabric.

Image: Wickerfurniture

Dreamy White Bedroom

Oh, where is the warm weather? This dreamy white bedroom is so reminiscent of Mediterranean holidays and warm Summer sunshine. All white from ceiling to floor highlights the pretty blue patterned bedspread and the chair.

This is style of interior design looks so effortless to achieve I wonder why we don't follow in its footsteps...I suppose it's because everyday living needs more storage space or at the very least a place to keep everything well hidden – anything left on show would simply burst the dreamy bubble.

Image: coco+kelley

Living with Nature

The trend for using recycled or up-cycled materials has never been so prevalent. This gorgeous bed room, with its statement headboard framed by reclaimed wood is the epitome of chic style and shows us just how wonderful a home can look with a little ingenuity and interior design flair.

The neutral colours of the bedding compliment the wood beautifully, resulting into a serene bedroom which is easy on the eye. What a lovely place to sleep.

Image: lorigami

Recycling – Making Patchwork Pet Beds

As it's National Pet Month there's some easy recycling ideas to give your pet a fresh new home. Patchwork has to be top of the list – it's a great way to use fabric remnants and you don't have to make any fancy designs. Squares sew together to make a small blanket for cats or dogs to lie on is also a fun way to keep pet hairs off your furniture. You can even choose colours to match your décor so that your pet bed becomes at integral part of your soft furnishings.

Image: Perrfectplay

 

If you don't fancy making a patchwork blanket old, or new, bedding will provide a warm and comfy place to sleep!

Image: Foxtounge

Pet Love

Do you love your pet enough to provide them with their own bespoke bed? If the answer is 'yes' then the latest design of small dog and cat beds is amazing. With innovative curves and fabulous patterned materials it's easy to have your pet bed blend in with your décor and interior design style.

Image: Like Kittysville

Image: Like Kittysville

Image: Like Kittysville

Or maybe you're quite happy to let your pet sleep on your bed? My guess is...if you love your pet then the probability is that they'll sleep on your bed. However, if you don't have a pet then the chances are that you'll find the whole idea awful....and then of course there's working dogs, the owners love their pets but, they are after all working animals and should therefore have their own bed.

Let me know what you think....

Friday Fabrics – Versatile Cottons

Cotton and cotton blinds have become part and parcel of our lives. From the clothes we wear to our soft furnishings, we all use cotton everyday whether we realise it or not. This versatile fabric is ideal for many aspect of interior design, more especially soft furnishings and bedding.

Cotton blends, typically polyester and cotton, have also made life easier in terms of maintenance. Most can be machine washed and tumble dried without any undue affects on the fabric. However we should also note that cotton comes in many different qualities with 100% Egyptian cotton being considered the best. The thread count of the fabric should also be taken into consideration, because the higher the thread count the higher the quality of the cotton. A 200 thread count provides longevity and is a sign of luxury.

If you've ever slept in a bed with low quality cotton sheets you may have noticed the bobbling, not to mention areas becoming thread bare within a short space of time. This type of bedding is ideal if you're prepared to replace it regularly, while quality cotton may have to be ironed to keep it silky smooth against you skin it's ideal for keeping you warm in the winter (apart from the initial coldness when you first get into bed!) and it will also help to keep you cool in the summer.

Bedding isn't the only area in our homes where cotton is used. Curtains and blinds are often made of cotton or cotton blends, once again due to the fabrics durability and versatility. With thousands of plain and patterned cotton fabrics readily available you'll have little trouble finding great quality at affordable prices if you shop around online.

Image: Clearly Ambiguous

Fabrics on Fridays - Cotton Percale

This is the most common type of fabric used for bed sheets and bed linen. Although the name implies that it's made from 100% cotton in many cases it's a blend of cotton and polyester or other materials. To be called a percale the thread count of the fabric has to be at least 200, producing a tighter weave than used in many types of bedding.

The great advantage of cotton percale is the durability it provides. It is a medium weight which is substantial enough to withstand the rigours and usage of bed linen – it washes well and can be either plain colours or patterned. The smooth finish of cotton percale makes a fabulous surface on which to sleep.

Nowadays very few of us buy fabric and make our own bed linen as it's more cost effective to buy ready made bed sheets and duvet covers. However, if you're looking for a touch of luxury Egyptian cotton percale is the ideal choice as it's cool in the summer and yet warm in the winter.

Trendy Nautical Bedroom Themes

Decorating a child's bedroom can be very hard and equally frustrating! One day they are in love with Bob The Builder, the next thing you know they have out grown Bob and are into other hobbies and heroes!

I love these nautical bunk beds! They make such an effective use of limited space and yet have a charm about them which is instantly likable. Children right up to, and including young teens, may actually be happy with a bedroom such as this.

Plain bedding and chequered duvet covers are ideal, they're inexpensive and look crisp and clean when teamed with white linen. Opt for plain pillow slips and you can monogram or sew your own words, such as 'crew', seems appealingly apt!

Image: via Flickr