Journal

The Color Of Plenty

A Design Blog By Alyse Eisenberg

NATURAL BEDDING OF OUR DREAMS

WHAT WE SLEEP IN MAKES A DIFFERENCE

All textiles fall into the category of three different fibers: Natural, Synthetic, and Hybrids. Natural fibers are derived from the earth in forms of plants, grass, seeds, minerals, and animal hides. Synthetic and hybrids are made from chemicals and a mix of inorganic materials. They are often more durable, but less breathable and comfortable than natural fibers. We suggest natural fibers throughout the spaces we design, but especially in bedrooms.

When looking for bedding we look for the following attributes: flexibility, lightness, stain-resistance, abrasion-resistance, and drapability. Natural Fibers check all of our boxes.

WHY NATURAL:

SUSTAINABILITY | Many natural fibers are locally-sourced, and renewable. Natural fibers are easily broken down in nature, making them better on the environment long-term.

WELLNESS | Natural fibers should not contain chemicals or inorganic materials, making them safe bedding options.

BREATHABILITY | Natural fibers breathe better than synthetic or hybrid fibers.

AESTHETICS | When we are designing for a client, we look for materials and textures that bring the earth inside. Natural textures are calming and familiar.

LONGEVITY | Many natural fibers are stain-resistant and abrasion-resistant, and just as strong as synthetic and hybrid materials.


FIVE NATURAL FIBERS TO DREAM ABOUT

Coyuchi Organic Linen Bedding Bundle

Coyuchi Organic Linen Bedding Bundle

LINEN

ORIGIN | Flax Plant

BREAKDOWN | Linen is a strong fiber with a lovely texture. It’s known for a crisp hand and nubby texture. Linen is anti-bacterial and has moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for bedding. It does wrinkle, and can shrink if you don’t follow washing instructions. When specifying linen bedding for clients, we look for options that are machine washable. We want both luxury and livability.

WHY WE SWOON | Linen is oh so sophisticated, it’s the perfect Summer bedding choice because of its lightness and breathability.


Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bedding Bundle

Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bedding Bundle

ORGANIC COTTON

ORIGIN | Cotton Plant

BREAKDOWN | Cotton has a little more flexibility and give than linen, with less of a cost. It has a smooth hand and is also breathable. It will wear quicker than linen, but is easy to clean. It’s known for its ease and versatility in the color dyeing process.

WHY WE SWOON | I grew up with cotton sheets and love how soft they can be after a few washes. They’re easier to maintain than linen if you’re worried about wrinkles.


Buffy Eucalyptus Sheet in Blush

Buffy Eucalyptus Sheet in Blush

EUCALYPTUS

ORIGIN | Eucalyptus Plant

BREAKDOWN | New to the mix, this fabric is 100% made from Eucalyptus. It claims to be more breathable than cotton and softer than linen. It’s durable, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and naturally dyed. These fibers will also get softer with every wash making them an easy pick!

WHY WE SWOON | We love how sustainably these sheets are made. The process of manufacturing Eucalyptus is chemical-free, and typically requires less energy, and less water.


The Citizenry Wool Throw in Ivory

The Citizenry Wool Throw in Ivory

WOOL

ORIGIN | Animal Wool

BREAKDOWN | Wool is one of the strongest and most durable fibers available. Wool is flame-retardant, resistant to wrinkling and abrasion, and bursting with texture. All-natural and organic wool is chemical-free, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic. Wool is unique in that is is temperature regulating while also wicking away moisture. You’ll find our favorite throw blanket at the foot of our bed all year round. Because it’s dry-clean only, wool requires a little more care than the fibers listed above.

WHY WE SWOON | Aside from their advantageous properties, wool blankets are beautiful and textured. They epitomize coziness. You can find me curled up in one reading a book and relaxing!


The Ethical Silk Company Pillow

The Ethical Silk Company Pillow

SILK

ORIGIN | Silkworm

BREAKDOWN | We saved the most luxurious and expensive fiber for last. Silk is extremely strong, naturally hypoallergenic, cool to the touch, and drapes beautifully. Silk requires the most care of the bedding on our list, so it wouldn’t be ideal for a busy family with pets. We look for “Peace Silk” pillowcases, meaning they were made ethically and are considered cruelty-free. In this process, cocoons are harvested after the silkworms have hatched as moths.

WHY WE SWOON | Silk is luxurious, soft, and elegant, what’s not to love?


SHOP OUR FAVORITES


Happy Friday! Stay safe and healthy!

xx

-A