NOTE: EDITED July 2020, to note that after the fitted sheet wore through into huge holes after only two years of normal wear, cold-water washing, regular drying, I wrote to the company and received this unsatisfactory reply:
“sadly, we have a very strict FAQ policy which we must respect as a company!
We have a 30 night sleep trial, we do make exceptions at times after a few months but 2 years won’t be possible!
We have very rare cases like this one, but it usually does come from washing..!
We would however, love to offer you an additional 10% off your next purchase and pay for shipping
We thank you for your understanding!”
Needless to say, I can no longer recommend this company’s linen, although I love the colour combinations, the packaging, the comfort levels, etc. In these Slow Fashion days where environmental concerns mean that Durability Matters, I can’t endorse a product with such a short shelf life.
A-ha! That title got your attention, did it?
Not sure what you thought it might signal in a post; hope you enjoy (instead) these photos of the delicious new linens I just ordered from a new Canadian company, Maison Tess, that I read about on Garance Doré’s Atelier Doré.
I’ve been wanting new bedding since we moved into this condo, September 2016, but other rooms took priority, never mind all the travel. I did try shopping for linens back in January, but gave up in frustration at department store offerings–too many choices, none that really grabbed me.
In the comments on that post though, a reader, Mundi, mentioned a small American company Rough Linen, and I was smitten at first click on that website.
I’d mentally committed to an order, in fact, and had resolved to put that together once we got back from this latest trip. Still, I kept calculating the distance between the Canadian dollar and the American dollar — pretty significant! And the additional cost of the international shipping. And the potential extra charges at the border, the possibility of customs duty complicating delivery . . . .
I’d looked on line a few times, wishing we had a Canadian company with a similar aesthetic and ethics. . . .
I’d never managed to find anything, but just as I’d rationalized the full cost of ordering the Rough Linen package, shipping, border hassles and all — after all, they’re beautiful linens and we’d be enjoying them for the decades we have left — just as I was almost ready to pay for that “shopping cart,” that Atelier Doré post introduced me to Maison Tess.
I’ll admit to feeling some loss letting go of the vision that included Rough Linen’s sweet, sweet Aqua duvet cover — I love that colour! But Maison Tess has a range of subtly rich neutrals that mix effectively. . . (there’s also a cool mix of olive and dusty rose in their “Gender Neutral” collection)
I love the way they make the room, and the bed, so calming, so inviting. Just what we need in our very urban location, the city bustling just beyond those (Ikea, linen) sheers . . .
Here’s what I wrote for the requested review, currently posted on Maison Tess’s website (and you should know, I have not received a penny, nor any discount, nor any free product, in compensation — this is simply my enthusiasm for a good product and good service bubbling over):
Sumptuous bedding
I’m so pleased with these delicious linens, perfect in this summer heat, such a comforting texture, weight, and drape. Love that this is a Canadian company (no hassle with customs charges) and the service was brilliant! Canada Post delivery—great tracking, here within a week of ordering, and I love the fabric drawstring bags the bedding was tucked into, plus the sweet little hand-written note. Highly recommend this very well-priced product!
Almost 44 years ago, Pater and I amused (or horrified?) family as we began our marriage sharing the twin bed I’d bought when I first moved into my own place — we were 21 and 23, and happy enough with the proximity. We hadn’t even known each other a year, and there had been limited opportunities to spend whole nights together — it seemed a luxury, to be honest, that closeness.
But consultations apparently took place, and we soon inherited “Great-Aunt Winnie’s double bed.” I scarcely remember Great-Aunt Winnie, who must have died in the ensuing decade, but we surely didn’t replace her bed until she was long gone — we were directing funds, instead, to beds for one, two, three, and then four children. . . .
You’ll be relieved to know that we eventually did replace that bed, even “upgrading” to a queen-sized bed . . .
Even better now, on linen. . .
Not the wrinkles you were expecting, from the title, perhaps, but I hope you enjoyed the post anyway. Any bedroom stories you’d care to share? (Oh, I hope that doesn’t bring the spam!) Anyone else converted to linen bedding? Or always slept in it? Share a tale of the worst bed you ever slept in? (We had to request a repair, once, in a rented Paris apartment, and the fellow who came to repair the bed’s broken slats was appalled, called the company for us and insisted a new bed be delivered immediately). Anyone considering a shift to separate beds? or separate bedrooms? (my mother went that route the last several years of their marriage; the caregiving Dad required because of cancer left her craving rest and solitude by days’ end) — we really liked the twin-beds-pushed-together-but-made-up-separately approach we see in many European hotels (much less transfer of shifting movement and the separate bedding means no one gets uncovered when she wants to stay covered or vice versa).
The mic’s yours. . . let’s chat. . .
Congratulations on finding the sheets of your dreams. 😉
I offer no bedtime stories, only a question: Having never before slept on linen sheets, I am trying to imagine that they don't feel scratchy or rough, given the loose weave of large threads that appear in the above photos. Obviously, they DON'T feel scratchy or you wouldn't be so excited about them. But if you can put it into words, which might be difficult, how does the feel of your new linen sheets vary from that of high thread count cotton sheets?
Ann in Missouri
Ann, I worried a bit about this as well, but the linen is pre-washed such that those large threads perhaps "bloom" (to use the word we knitters use for what happens to knit garments after their first soaking and blocking out). They're lustrous, almost velvety — think heavy raw silk, maybe — to sleep on. Whereas I want a high-thread-count cotton percale sheet to fit the bed very crisply, I don't mind the give in the linen sheets because there's a comforting sense of depth to them. And right now, we're using the duvet cover without any duvet inside, and I'm loving that weight and drape (although the last few nights of higher temps, I've kicked everything off until about 3 or 4 a.m.!!) Apparently, they retain moisture differently than cotton and tend to adapt to body temperature such that they are comfortable summer and winter — I can't comment on that yet.
So. . . texture, drape, and weight are what I'm loving, to sum up that long bit of thinking-out. Good question!
Thank you for that very satisfying answer! Your "blooming" description helps me imagine it better, although I now want my own linen sheets to appreciate it fully.
I have quite fancied linen bedding myself, especially a coverlet. Hangover from the late 70s when these were all the rage, I suspect. I spend a lof of time sleeping upside down – head at the bottom of the bed, feet on my pillows – to keep cool. Will confess to yearning for a bedroom that was merely big enough for a goodly sized bed, reading lamps and a window. Peace, stillness and simplicity. I actually prefer sleeping on the floor. Few believe me.
Our bedroom's not much bigger than that — you'd be content 😉
Now: do you mean directly on the floor or would you like a mattress, futon, or yoga mat, at least? If the former, can you move at all the next day?
Yoga mat would be the best. But quite happy with sheet on the rug and a pillow. Which is odd because I find pillows on a bed very annoying and am always throwing them off. After the first creak as I stand, always feel excellent. As you can see, I am quite low maintenance. I used to sleep on the floor when I suffered with a lot of low back pain and it helped a great deal.
I am a long-time fan of linen bedding and was glad to see (and save) this well-priced Canadian source. (Ann in Missouri and NHNG: they are soft, more so after each washing, and cool if you're hot, warmer if you're cool).
Have you layered the sheets with an empty duvet cover? That's what I do when it's hot (also linen). Or is the blue piece a second sheet or coverlet?
I have those same Ikea drapes in my living room and also in a stroke of luck found a pink pair in the 'as is' bin…which I grabbed for the fabric and fold at the foot of the bed for kitty. A linen paradise.
Worst bed? The ground. Wet sleeping bag.
You must have been commenting just as I was responding to Ann, and she'll see you confirming my impressions from your greater experience.
Yes, that's exactly what I've done with the empty duvet cover. Rough Linen (the American company) has a Summer Cover which they say is "between a sheet and a coverlet" and I minded not being able to find something similar at Maison Tess — until I reckoned I could simply use an empty duvet cover, and so far, so good. . .
Ugh! Wet sleeping bags are horrid.
Georgia, thank you, too. And I agree — wet sleeping bags are baaaad. Although I don't mind the ground so much, since it covers all the beautiful mountains I love. 😉
Ann in Missouri
Yes I was curious about the linen thing. Now clear from comments thanks. I like the two pictures above your bed. Mary
Thanks Mary. We like them as well and also treasure the memory of buying them form the artist my GF introduced us to during the painting workshop she gave in Espédaillac, France, several years ago.
My Mother in law has the best sheets that are heavy, crisp, and cool. They are the old 100% cotton kind and she always line dries. I've been trying to find some that come close but to no avail. The search continues….
Heather in California
Oh, I know just what you mean — I hope you find them — perhaps one of the readers here can help?
I looked at the website and I really liked the olive and rose bedding: my favourite colour combination for this season. We sleep in a double bed that I got long ago. It's a newer mattress. It's really hard to get double/full bedding.Those paintings are great!
Isn't that a great combination?
We only moved to the queen-size about 8 or 10 years ago, and I'll admit I've got used to that extra space–a double would really be better for the smaller bedroom we now have in the condo. I guess it is getting tougher to get the double/full bedding.
Thanks re the paintings — they really need to be hung further apart. . .
I married quite young (19). Upon hearing our announcement, my husband's 80 year old Grandfather asked what furniture we owned. When we replied "none" he announced "Well take one of the extra beds upstairs. It's all you'll really need the first year anyways!!" He was quite the character!
Last year I took the plunge and invested in the Rough Linen sheets. A month after I ordered the first set, I ordered another and donated all my other lightweight "summer sheet" sets to Goodwill. I followed those purchases up with the Summer Cover. (The American Express bills were frightful that summer) I love how cool the sheets feel in the warm weather. I use them from May through early November. I live near Buffalo, and it gets cold in November. I switch to flannel sheets and a down comforter for the winter.
Ha! See? Your grandfather got it! We needed an advocate like him in our family — but if we'd had one, we might still be stuck in that twin bed 😉
I'm glad to hear that you love your Rough Linen bedding — I'd happily have tried those, except for the $$exchange. The Summer Cover looks perfect.
I'm thinking I'll eventually order another fitted sheet for laundry days and pass our cotton back-up along. . .
I think we'll use the linen right through the year, but I can see how you'd want flannel in the winter. Sadly, it never gets really cold in the condo, even when the temps dip outside. . .
In regards to twin beds…there is somethings called a "coupler" that fits nicely between two twin beds and provides a smooth surface across the area where the two twin beds meet. Thus, a kingsize bed is created! I tried it at my sister's and it was comfortable. When I purchase my next kingsize mattress, I am seriously considering purchasing two twins (cheaper!!!), using a coupler, and let my hubs and myself have the firmness we each prefer!
Charlene H
That's good to know, Charlene — thanks! So you still use king-size linens for that? The European versions I've seen have each bed made up separately, which, of course, does require some shifting. . .
Yes, my sister placed regular king-size linens on. We would have never known if she had not told us. Since I commented, I've done more research and found a "cinchbelt" that also fits around the twin beds and holds all together.
Interesting—more options than we realized
I HAVE A SET OF LINEN SHEETS AND OUR DUVET COVER IS LINEN…I PURCHASED THEM A FEW YEARS AGO FROM LANDS' END…
OOPS! I didn't realize my computer keyboard was locked on capital letters.
Your new bedding will get softer with each washing and they are so sumptuous to sleep on…I am off to check out the website.
I remember when you got that new bedding — I'm so looking forward to wearing ours in, although they're already very soft.
We have linen sheets and duvet covers. It’s a king size bed with two duvets…just like the European beds. Our duvets are wool and not heavy or hot like down. A woman here on SaltSpring made them for us a few years ago. I love the look and feel.
Ali
My grandma used to make comforters with a wool batting. You're lucky to have someone local — and of course, it's SaltSpring 😉 — make those.
I love the gender-neutral colours. Too much frill or stereotyped feminine colours in a bedroom make me nauseous. Usually in Scotland we don't have any need for cooling down at night, but this hot summer has been an exception and on especially warm nights (i.e. around 22 C! )I have been sleeping with just a duvet cover for most of the night, pulling over a woollen throw when it cools down dramatically towards dawn. (Husband and I are in separate houses during the week because of our protracted location move. He is a heat-radiator at night – great in the winter, but in summer when we're in the same house we often sleep separately so that I can actually sleep).
It looks as if your linen is priced similarly to European linens we can buy here. Volga Linen is a great site volgalinen.co.uk and The Independent newspaper has list of good UK suppliers independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/bedroom/best-bed-linen-bedding-sets-sheets-duvet-cover-pillowcase-a8292556.html
On bed sizes, there is a 'Scottish double' which is an extremely small double bed – very traditional older size and a very tight squeeze indeed for two!
We did that separate-houses-during-the-week for many years, and I don't mind admitting that I often liked having the bed to myself!
You're lucky to have numerous suppliers of good quality linen bedding — it's not as easy to find here, and it's imported which necessarily impacts the price.
I remember that smaller bed size — seems to me we might have called it a 3/4 size. . .Cosy! 😉
We have a bunch of linen sheets as well as cotton ones. They are antiques, bought at vide-greniers from people who prefer polyester blend. Most are elaborately embroidered. They feel so nice! The ones that have holes or stains get cut up, with the good parts made into pillowcases.
I sleep all over, depending on the decibels and the temperature. In our bedroom, in the guest room, on the sofa….sometimes all three in one night.
I drool over those antique linens when I see them at vide-greniers and flea markets in France, but travelling carry-on-only means I've never brought any home. Imagine giving those up in preference to poly!!
I've been known to move around at night as well, insomnia generally being the cause. . .
Why not take some home? They don't break. They don't weigh a ton. They don't break any security or customs rules….
The best source is Le Bon Coin….next time you're in France, let me know….
What a nice offer, thank you. Making a note…
Oh, goodness, this was a big one for me. I have one antique linen sheet from my French stepfather’s sister. My now ex and I finally got beautiful (and wildly expensive) linen bedlinen a few years ago – white, taupe and dusty pink – which all felt delicious and worked perfectly in whichever combination we made up the bed. When we split up, he wouldn’t leave the family home, so I left everything behind, including those sheets. He then got rid of them – never could bring myself to ask whether he sent them to charity or binned them. And I am reduced to the cheapest non-poly sheets I can buy. But … I will have linen again, one day, perhaps.
Oooh, that's really tough, Tiffany, part of an atrocious price you paid to move on. I suspect there will be linen in your life again if you still want it, and meanwhile, those more reasonably priced cotton ones testify to your courage and perseverance. xo
I have always slept on cotton sheets (love Boll and Branch) but your description (and the look) of linen sheets definitely make me want to try them! Thanks for another great, interesting post.
I looked at the Boll and Branch website — they look delicious! I'd always slept on cotton but wanted to try linen and glad I did. Pleased that you enjoyed the post — thanks for letting me know.
Beautiful!
Colours are so lovely,and the bedroom,too
I now need linen sheets and duvet 🙂 at once
I have one of my grand mother's raw cotton sheet-it is not soft at all but I like it very much and it is perfect to sleep on it
I had "european twin beds"and double everything (with the woolen "connector" between them-don't know the right word,but it was excellent)
I have now cotton with satin finish for duvet and silk pillow and pillow cases
Here I can't get pure silk pillow cases anymore,so please,if somebody of the readers from EU knows where to get them-do tell
When was very hot during the nights,I used to sleep on the floor,but as you all from the north have stolen the weather :-),the last two nights I had the (pure wool) duvet on
Dottoressa
So special to have a sheet that your grandmother slept on. . .
Can't help you with the pure silk pilllow cases — anyone out there know?
And you in the European North — give Dottoressa her sunshine back! 😉
Looking out on heavy rain and mist here in the north of Scotland, so the sun should be on its way, Dottoressa!
On silk pillowcases, the excellent British department store John Lewis does mail order to Europe and has a range of silk cases: johnlewis.com/john-lewis-silk-standard-pillowcase/p1537491
If all else fails, Amazon has silk cases. I try to avoid ordering from them, but it could be an option for you.
Thank you very much Linda (for the sun,too-luckily weather is perfect on the coast,we suffer in Zagreb :-)),I love John Lewis department store and will check
D.
Those are lovely linens. Bedding is my passion. I like to order from Zara Home (they have wonderful variety – check the website in early September when their fall line comes out), Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma. It's good to know about a Canadian source; I will have to look.
I had a queen sized bed in my Icelandic hotel. It had individual duvets for each person, something I have seen on some Scandi-noir shows and very sensible. Brenda
I must look at Zara Home — I've heard that before, perhaps from you?
We had individual covers on our Croatian beds — but since it was so hot, they were generally a heavy cotton or light linen flat sheet — just enough to keep off the slight chill that might arrive about 3 or 4 in the morning. I do think it's a very sensible idea.
I have the Rough Linen duvet cover and pillow cases. We had to get a regular cotton sheet (from Frette) because with a foam mattress, rough linen sheets can feel scratchy. Your bed looks gorgeous, and I appreciate your nod nod wink wink;).
😉
Your linen sheets look beautiful and I love the muted colours. Most od my bedding is in bad shape because these last years I just did not take the time to mend or replace anything, so after reading your post I was badly tempted to look for linen sheets right away. But then I remebered that there is quite a stack of bedding in the cottage here, handed down from my aunt. Mostly cotton, I suspect, and from the 70s and 80s, so the design will be a bit outdated. But there may be treasures in that stash, perhaps even a linen piece…
I've been very impressed at how long good cotton will last — my grandkids are wearing a few special garments I made for their parents over 30 years ago. Linen is even hardier — I hope you do find a few treasures, much better than having to buy new.
I've admired the Rough Linen bedding for a few years now, and like you, the exchange rate has prevented me from clicking the button. I'll be investigating this Canadian site. I was glad that you mentioned that the sheets are soft and not scratchy, as that was something I wondered about, too.
Your new bedding looks comfy and quite European, to me.
We have ascended to separate beds and separate bedrooms for over a year now. I am amazed that it had never occurred to us in our 43 years married. It is divine and luxurious. Having not detracted from intimacy, rather, it has bestowed the bliss of ultimate personal sovereignty…… before sleep descends.
-Giulia
I know a few people who have done this and speak as you do — and I know my daughters would love to have the space for their own room. I'm not sure I would, and we definitely haven't the space — I do love those times when I have my home to myself, and I was quite content during the years we were apart during the week.
When George was ill for a few years we had separate beds and bedrooms, mine moving further and further away to avoid night-time rampages. But I was lucky to be able to have nighttime sitters for him as well, so that I could actually sleep.
I have had linen sheets and duvet cover for five years now. I will never go back to cotton. The linen is cool in the summer, even with Tennessee humidity, and warm in the winter. Cotton now seems either hot or cold.