1. Fresh flowers from Grace & Thorn
Treat yourself to a jar full of beautiful seasonal flowers. No two bouquets from Grace & Thorn are the same!
2. Tencel & cotton bed linen in "Sky" from Undercover
Freshen up your bedroom with a bed set in light blue. Oeko-Tex certified.
3. Claude pink coupe glasses
We love these eye-catching coupe glasses. Made from Borosilicate.
4. Organic hand soap in "Tulip"
Made from pure vegetable oils and scented like a freshly cut bouquet of tulips. Spring in a soap.
5. Louis Poulsen PH5
This design classic now comes in a spring rainbow palette.
Seen at Nest
6. Bed linen set in "Sand"
Buttery soft bed sheets made from eco-friendly and durable Tencel & cotton. Made in Portugal.
]]>
Our customers routinely tell us that our Tencel bed linen feel unlike anything they’ve slept in before. What's our secret sauce?
]]>We spent months and months searching for the perfect formula for our Tencel bed sheets. We visited countless factories in Portugal, laundered and tested different fabrics.
Our ambition: bed sheets that are supremely soft against your skin, yet crisp and cool. Turns out it’s a tricky balance to get right. Many Sateen fabrics and 100% Tencel blends feel “slippery” against your skin and percale cotton on its own or linen can become scratchy over time. We blend 50% high quality Tencel yarns with 50% long-staple, extra-soft cotton. Tencel has numerous benefits, in terms of comfort, breathability and environmental credentials (see here for more) and the added cotton gives the sheets some structure that a 100% Tencel fabric would lack.
It’s a formula we’ve revisited several times over the years, questioning whether we should be changing the blend. In the end we always stuck with what we’ve got and our customers seem to agree. And by now the fabric has also stood the test of time (our first sheets launched five years ago)!
Search for bed linen and you’ll come across lots of jargon. But what exactly is a percale weave? And what are the benefits of Tencel? And which fabric works for summer vs. winter?
We’ve summarised some key terms in this blog post for you.
]]>Percale is a particularly dense weave in which horizonal and vertical threads are woven on top of one another in a regular and symmetrical way. The result is a particularly durable fabric that feels slightly cooling. This makes percale fabrics popular in summer although it works well throughout the year. Both our Tencel and Organic Cotton collections are percale fabrics.
In sateen bed linen vertical threads are woven over several horizontal threads, creating a slight shine and smooth surface. Sateen fabrics are slightly less durable than percale and are often popular in winter.
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is made from plant fibers and is considered particularly eco-friendly. Tencel feels soft and smooth and is even more breathable than cotton. Because the fabric is temperature regulating, Tencel works well throughout the year. At Undercover, we combine Tencel with the finest cotton to create a light and super soft fabric. Shop our Tencel bed sheets here.
Seersucker fabrics have a crinkly surface and are usually made from cotton. The fabric is popular in both fashion and home textiles and would be a good choice if you prefer slightly more textured fabrics.
Bamboo belongs to the family of viscose fabrics and is considered soft and breathable. This fabric feels similar to Tencel however it’s ecological credentials are more questionable than Tencel. For example, in Tencel over 99% of the solvents used are recycled and all raw materials are accredited. For more information about this, please see our blog post.
More and more brands are offering organic cotton bed linen. With organic cotton, make sure you check that the fabric comes with a reputable certification, such as GOTS. GOTS certified cotton is a guarantee of organic fibres. It also means a limited use of toxic bleaches, dyes and other chemical inputs during the entire production process. Organic cotton alone doesn’t guarantee good quality so make sure you pay attention to the fabric composition as well. Our 100% Organic Cotton collection is GOTS and OEKO-Tex certified and has a thread count of 300.
]]>We offer a number of sizes for our bed linen, including standard UK, some USA sizes and IKEA sizes in certain styles. Here are our top tips to make sure you order the correct size.
]]>We offer a number of sizes, including standard UK, some USA sizes and IKEA sizes in certain styles. Here are our top tips to make sure you order the correct size:
If you’re unsure, grab a tape measure and check your mattress, duvet and pillow sizes. Some of our customers own a mattress size (such as a double) paired with a different duvet size (such as a king).
Don’t lose sleep if your bedding measures a couple of centimeters off from a “standard” size: you won’t notice the difference once the bed linen are on the bed and the fabric can shrink 1-2cm after washing anyway. Just buy the size closest to what you measured.
On our shopping pages you’ll find a handy size filter. Once you know the size you need, just filter away and you’ll see what we’ve got in your size.
Find our size guide on each product page and also down below. If you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out to us any time. We’re happy to help!
Duvet covers |
CM |
INCHES |
|
UK Single |
135x200 |
53x80 |
|
UK Double |
200x200 |
80x80 |
|
UK King |
225x220 |
89x87 |
|
UK Super King |
260x220 |
102x87 |
|
USA Full |
230x235 |
90x92 |
|
USA Queen |
230x235 |
90x92 |
|
USA King |
240x270 |
94x106 |
|
Fitted sheets
|
CM |
INCHES |
|
UK Small Single |
90x200 |
35x80 |
|
UK Single |
100x200 |
40x80 |
|
UK Double |
140x190 |
54x75 |
|
UK King |
150x200 |
60x80 |
|
UK Super King |
180x200 |
71x80 |
|
USA Full |
140x190 |
54x75 |
|
USA Queen |
150x200 |
60x80 |
|
USA King |
200x200 |
80x80 |
|
Pillowcases |
CM |
INCHES |
|
UK Standard |
50x75 |
20x30 |
|
UK Super King |
50x90 |
20x36 |
|
USA Standard |
50x70 |
20x27 |
|
USA King |
50x90 |
20x36 |
Flat sheets |
CM |
INCHES |
|
UK Double |
230x260 |
90x102 |
|
USA Full / Queen |
244x267 |
96x105 |
]]>
Check out our latest Spotify playlist. Filled filled with beautiful relaxing vibes for your Sunday and beyond.
]]>Check out our latest Spotify playlist. Filled filled with beautiful relaxing vibes for your Sunday and beyond.
Looking for some design inspiration for your home? We’ve put together a list of interior designer studios we love.
]]>Looking for some design inspiration for your home? We’ve put together a list of interior designer studios we love.
Sarah’s studio is focused on the intersection of interiors, architecture, art, and product development. Sarah is now based in Michigan after living in LA. We love how her interiors have such a Californian feel: light, airy using natural colour palettes with a slight retro sensibility.
https://sarahshermansamuel.com/
Each project by Sydney-based design practice Arent&Pyke feels like a work of art. Their projects are characterised by rich colours, high-grade, worthy furniture and materials and a timeless aesthetic. As Arent&Pyke state, they’ve “fine tuned their philosophy around what it means to make a space sing”.
https://arentpyke.com/
Another Australian interior design studio, Simone Haag impresses us with its bold yet considered aesthetic. She’s not afraid to use big, impactful design pieces in strong colours without overwhelming a space. Very inspiring.
https://www.simonehaag.com.au/
Studio Joanna Laajisto is a Helsinki based design agency, founded in 2010. The agency’s work in predominantly commercial (retail, hospitality etc.) but if you’re looking for some pared-back, best-in-class nordic design, go check them out:
http://joannalaajisto.com/
If colourful retro vibes are more your thing, go check out London-based Emma Ainscough. We love her eclectic yet considered aesthetic.
https://www.emmaainscough.com/
Calling all lovers of all things pink. Madrid-based Patricia Bustos Studio’s work will transport you into the future. The designer creates retro-futuristic interiors for her clients and we are in awe of how she embraces this trend with a punch. She cut her teeth in the fashion industry working for Inditex. We’re mesmerized by her aesthetic.
Patricia Bustos Studio
Header image by Simone Haag
]]>Check out our latest Spotify playlist. Filled filled with beautiful relaxing vibes for your Sunday and beyond.
]]>]]>
When we started Undercover, we went out of our way to source our fabric. We searched far and wide, speaking to dozens of textile experts in Portugal and testing countless samples in the process.
]]>Choose to sleep in TENCEL™ and you’re opting for one of the world’s most sustainable materials. We blend the finest quality cotton with this revolutionary botanical yarn to create an exquisite lightweight textile that’s soft and crisp – guaranteed to give you a wonderful night’s sleep. Naturally soft to the touch with an exquisitely silky hand-feel and natural sheen, enhancing your quality of sleep and home life, ensuring natural comfort for sensitive skin.
Did you know that TENCEL™ has an even higher vapor uptake than cotton? This means it’s even more breathable than cotton! It’s also temperature regulating, making it the perfect bed linen fabric for both summer and winter.
The fibers originate from trees such as eucalyptus, and are then manufactured using an environmentally responsible production process. The fibers are certified as compostable and biodegradable, and thus can fully revert back to nature. For this reason, TENCEL™ won the European Award for the Environment for its closed loop production process which recycles water and reuses solvents at a recovery rate of more than 99%.
For more facts, statistics and info, head to the TENCEL™ website.
]]>Check out our homemade Spotify playlist filled with beautiful chilled vibes for your Sunday.
]]>Check out our homemade Spotify playlist filled with beautiful chilled vibes for your Sunday.
]]>Bamboo fabric is often advertised as being the eco-friendly fabric of choice. In our bed linen, we’re using a material that’s similar to bamboo called TENCEL™. But what is TENCEL™ and why is it different and better than bamboo?
]]>In this post, we’ve broken down the key differences for you and explain why you shouldn’t be “bamboozled” into thinking you’re making an eco-friendly choice with bamboo fabric.
Both bamboo and TENCEL™ are so called “viscose” fabrics. This means that they are generated from dissolved wood pulp. Bamboo is made from the “culms” (stems) of bamboo, TENCEL™ on the other hand is made from a number of different trees including eucalyptus, beech, spruce, birch and others. These are all sourced from sustainably managed forests.
As a fast growing plant, bamboo is naturally associated with sustainability. However the process of turning the plant into fabric is problematic. Most fabrics labelled as “bamboo” aren’t made from the virgin bamboo fibres. Instead, they’re turned into viscose “in a toxic soup of chemicals” (B The Change) including carbon disulfide, which is harmful to both the environment and labourers (see Fake Silk by Paul Blanc, 2016). The bottom line is that bamboo isn’t as sustainable as you might think. Fashion brands such as Patagonia and Eileen Fisher have stopped using bamboo fabrics altogether.
TENCEL™, on the other hand, uses a unique closed loop production process meaning water and solvents are reused at a rate of more than 99%. It won the European Award for the Environment for this innovative technology. The trees used for its production are from controlled forests that are certified according to FSC® and PEFC™ standards. Most of the wood used for this is in fact timber that would be unsuitable for high-grade products, such as furniture (see here).
Bamboo and TENCEL™ have rated very closely in tests in terms of comfort (see here). Both are super soft to the touch, breathable and temperature regulating, helping you feel cool and dry through the night.
One of the biggest advantages of TENCEL™ is the transparency offered through the use of the branded label. When producing our bed linen, we go through a certification process with Lenzing, the owner of the TENCEL™ trademark to verify that we’re using authentic TENCEL™ fibres. This guarantee means that a host of stringent guidelines were met throughout the supply chain. There’s no central body that provides this oversight for bamboo. In other words, you can’t be sure where the bamboo was sourced from and what the labour conditions were under which it’s been harvested and then processed. On top of that, you could be buying a product that’s been blended with polyester or other fibres and there would be no way to know.
For sustainability reports from Lenzing, the owner of TENCEL™ brand see here:
https://www.lenzing.com/investors/publication
https://www.popsci.com/environment/bamboo-clothing-sustainability-truth/
https://ecocult.com/bamboo-fabric-sustainable-eco-friendly-greenwashing/
]]>Beat the heat with our tips for keeping your cool at night, despite the changing of season. Our crisp, cool bed linens do wonders, of course, but that’s not all we’ve got for you! Discover five new ways to wind down and sleep better.
]]>If you’re looking for something breathable, non-absorbent and temperature-regulating, swerve the night sweats and look to wool, instead of down. Down feathers love nothing more than to absorb and store heat, moisture and naturally occurring oils – great for birds, not-so-great for us humans, as things can get heated quickly. Wool, on the other hand, is moisture-wicking, antibacterial, hypoallergenic and naturally odour-repelling – meaning you won’t need to replace or wash your duvet so soon. Thank you, sheep gods.
Did you know our bodies are biologically conditioned to experience a dip in temperature as the evening sets in? Trick your body by turning down your thermostat to somewhere between 15-19°C, or simply crack open a window.
Nothing beats TENCEL™ – except, of course, our very own TENCEL™ and premium cotton blend. It was a long time in the making, but we can finally rest easy. Not only is TENCEL™ breathable and moisture-wicking, but it’s also temperature-regulating and one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. Together, our selected cotton and TENCEL™ fabrics are the absolute perfect pairing. Soft, lightweight, crisp and cooling, an all-year-round all-rounder.
Polyester is renowned for trapping heat and increasing the skin’s oil production, which can cause skin irritations like dry, patchy skin and even acne. If you’re already on a mission to avoid poly at all costs, kudos, but be warned! It’s got a way of sneaking into bedding materials, like mattress protectors and toppers, so be sure to double-check your labels before purchase.
There are so many ways to unwind the mind at night, and that usually starts when you give it the space and time to quiet down slowly. If you suffer from insomnia, or you struggle to fall asleep quickly, the temperature of your room might not be the only culprit. Take the pressure off by easing into your evening with yoga, meditation and breathwork. Once in bed, try reading a book or listening to a sleepcast with your eyes ever-so-gently closed. You’ll be catching that zzz-train to snoozeville in no time, we promizzz.
Shop our TENCEL™ bed linen here.
]]>Days are finally getting longer now and who’s not excited for the change in seasons? To celebrate the beginning of spring, we’ve put together our edit of perfect spring pieces to spruce up your home.
]]>
We think these tiles are the ultimate eye catcher. The collection is the result of a collaboration between Concrete Collaborative and Alex Proba. Perfect for a bathroom accent or to make some steps beam with colour.
https://www.concrete-collaborative.com/
Nothing says spring more than fresh flowers! Floom makes ordering a beautiful bouquet super simple by curating the best independent florists and hand delivering to your door.
This organic cotton percale bedding in a muted light pink is made from super soft, crinkle textured fabric. GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified.
Use code SPRING22 at Checkout and get 20% off our Organic Cotton bed linen.
Crisp and irresistibly cool to the touch, Undercover Organic Cotton is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. The bendy white blobs on terracotta are a perfect complement to the Margot bed set and also look great paired with plain white bedding.
Invite spring into your home with small pops of colour such as this candle holder by Motel a Miio in collaboration with Ju Schnee.
The perfect neutral companion to brighten up any living space. Hand woven by master craftsmen in India from 100% wool giving its well-known luxurious feel.
Coloured drinking glasses in a subtle pink/red hue. Will make drinking water much more fun.
This ceramic basket makes for the perfect fruit bowl. Sculpted by hand and artfully uneven, no two pieces are exactly the same.
]]>
Meet Undercover's founder Miriam. A short interview.
]]>
For quite a long period of time, I struggled to buy bed linen. The options on offer were either low quality or uninspiring. More generally I started to feel uneasy supporting companies with an opaque supply chain.
We spend a third of our lives in bed so I wanted to create a brand with a story that spoke to me. Products that are ethically made, using high quality, sustainable materials and a contemporary look and feel, at a fair price.
Its versatility. One day I might be working on a moodboard for a new range, the next day I might be calculating a budget or planning an event. I’m very much a left brain, right brain person and get bored if I have to do any one task for too long.
I worked in branding and marketing. Initially as a strategist at a few agencies in London, working on large corporate brands in consumer goods, finance and hospitality. I then set up my own studio running branding projects for clients. I always had an itch to start a brand of my own and implement what I’d learnt advising clients.
I love the Linus print: it’s interesting yet somewhat timeless.
Finding good quality suppliers was difficult. Any business you start, you’re going to face lots of challenges, and persevering can be tough but persistence pays off eventually.
I like being active, going for runs, snowboarding and doing yoga. I’m also quite into sourdough bread baking (and eating...)
Bit of everything actually!
For many people, there’s nothing better than sleeping in natural cotton when it comes to bed linen. The fabric is loved all over the world for its beautiful look and feel. Sadly, cotton farming takes a serious toll on the environment. A sustainable alternative GOTS certified Organic Cotton.
]]>Sadly, cotton farming takes a serious toll on the environment. Due to high demand, cotton farmers often use excessive amounts of pesticides to make cotton grow faster. Not only do these damage the environment but they can also have harmful consequences for the communities farming the crop.
A sustainable alternative GOTS certified Organic Cotton.
As described on the GOTS website: “The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.” The products which carry this certification have a guarantee of organic fibers, non toxic, whose entire production process protects both the environment and the workers in the supply chain.
For GOTS to certify a product, the entire textile process is monitored closely and strictly. Here are some rules:
First of all, the cotton fibres have to grow without GMO seeds (genetically modified seeds), and without the use of pesticides.
Farmers must be certified according to international organic farming standards.
During the production of fabrics, the use of water and energy is monitored.
GOTS also has social criteria that farmers and producers must meet to be certified such as no child labour, safe working conditions, no excessive working hours or inhuman treatment.
When an organic cotton product is GOTS certified, it means that it has been ethically sourced and monitored closely during the production process.
Once the whole process from farm to final product is monitored and meets GOTS criteria, manufacturers are then allowed to be issued with a GOTS certification and can use the GOTS label in the final product.
Sleep better knowing where your sheets come from and how they are made.
]]>Frosty morning and darker evenings mean it's that time again to cosy up at home. We’ve rounded up some easy tips to embrace the change of seasons in your bedroom.
]]>
Bring the outside in
Why not pick up some autumnal foliage from outside and use it as a decorative element? This can be twigs, leaves, anything you bring home from a walk in nature. We love keeping it simple: stick to one type of foliage and pair it with a hand-made ceramic vase for a homely, organic look.
Pictured: Linus bed linen set
Photo: Coco Lapine Design
Bring in an autumnal palette
Swap decorative pieces such as scatter cushions and throws for autumnal shades - brown, terracotta, and ochre create a warm and cosy vibe. We love pairing autumnal colours with simple white or light pink bedding. Don't be afraid to play with different textures and layer them up together.
Image: Lisa Ramirez Design
Swap window coverings
Curtains can make such a difference to the ambiance of a bedroom. We love the idea of a light colour, semi-sheer fabric, which will let some precious autumn light flicker through.
Image: Real Homes Magazine
Create a dark and moody cocoon
Create the ultimate cocoon bedroom through a dark colour scheme. If repainting the walls or getting new wallpaper feels a bit too much, why not swap out your bedding, throws or pillows for some darker hues? You could pick a core colour (such as blue in the example below), and then add other decorative elements such as pop pillows and throws in different shades of the same colour.
Image: Eve Wilson Photography
]]>
Danish brand TAKT want to bring high-quality furniture to “more people in revolutionary, sustainable and transparent ways”. We love the tactile character of their designs and the multi-sensory appeal this brings. There’s a timeless feel to their aesthetic making it inherently sustainable. All products are certified with the EU Ecolabel.
Stitched
Buying curtains can be frustrating and confusing. Stitched make this process super easy through their online tool. They offer made-to-measure curtains and blinds using sustainable fabrics, all crafted in the UK. They call their zero-impact fabrics “feel good fabrics” so you can feel good about them in your home.
Armadillo
Armadillo use natural materials and sustainable processes for their rugs to stand the test of time. Subtle, natural colours and textures add an understated look to any interior space. As Armadillo say, their rugs “lie lightly on this earth” - sums up their beautiful ethos.
COAT
Paint brand COAT prides itself in using eco formulations and recycled packaging and using sustainable logistics. They’re even carbon offset! We love their curated approach to colour. No more picking from hundreds of shades - they’ve preselected the nicest shades so you don’t have to.
Homethings
Conventional cleaning products contain large amounts of water so instead of shipping all this water around, Homethings sends you non-toxic cleaning tabs to drop in a bottle with water from your tap. The startup has saved 70000 plastic bottles to date. The packaging is pretty slick too - might this make cleaning a little bit more exciting?
]]>The hunt to source material of this high standard can be challenging as it’s rarer and more expensive to grow compared to “regular” cotton. Because global demand is low, many farmers can’t justify making such a costly investment if there’s no guarantee they’ll sell it all, especially as it takes time for this natural product to grow!
For businesses like ours that strive to make a difference, having these high standards is tough but worth it. We recently learned that restocking our new 100% Organic Cotton collection won’t be so easy… but not impossible.
What is it that makes Organic Cotton so damn good?
Research shows that Organic Cotton is significantly better for the environment as it reduces water consumption by a whopping 91% compared to regular cotton. Yet, it makes up a fraction of global production.
The Organic Cotton we use is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. This means the entire supply chain from the farm to the product must be accredited to meet strict standards, including environmental and social criteria.
So, what’s the holdup?
India produces 51% of all organic cotton globally, but last year, GOTS detected evidence of systematic organic cotton fraud in India, resulting in many suppliers being banned and major shortages of raw materials going forward.
The good news is that our existing Organic Cotton stock is still fully and correctly certified. That being said, it does mean we have to wait for the next cotton harvest before we can create new stock as existing verified Organic Cotton supplies are now very low.
This all goes to show how complex these supply chains are and why doing things in the best way by working with cotton that is truly organic AND high-quality is not simple.
Before our 100% Organic Cotton collection goes into hibernation, you can still buy our relaxed and crinkly Margot, Bill and Linus.
Image by Trisha Downing
]]>As part of our new blog series, we'll be introducing you to a new brand with each post with 7 short questions. First up, we've got sleepwear brand Dagsmejan.
]]>1. What do you do at Dagsmejan and what is it about?
I’m Catarina Dahlin, one of the co-founders at Dagsmejan. Our mission is to help people to sleep better with the help of what is closest to our skin for a third of our lives, our sleepwear. Using the finest natural fibres and the latest textile technologies you can keep the best temperature for sleep and enjoy a higher sleep quality.
2. What is your sleep routine?
I try to unwind well before going to bed, sometimes by doing some simple yoga and stretching exercise. Before going to sleep me and my partner end the day by listing 3 things we are grateful for that day. It’s a great way to end the day on a positive note and ease your mind.
3. What is your advice for a good night's sleep?
It’s important to understand what works for you, some people can drink an espresso just before going to bed whilst others might not be able to have a sip of coffee after lunch without it keeping them up at night. I recommend going through the areas that impact our sleep such as our bedroom, habits & lifestyle, stress levels, exercise, food etc and see what really impacts you the most.
4. Late night or lie-in?
I’m definitely not a late nighter and love to be in bed by 10 to be honest!
5. What does quality feel like?
Quality is form and function merging and for us that means actually sleeping better. You feel the differences from putting on our sleepwear, the softness of the garment, to the feeling of waking up more refreshed.
6. How does your brand make a difference to the world?
Sleeping better is the easiest way to feel better in every way. For us at Dagsmejan we are not only passionate about sleeping better but also doing it in a totally natural and sustainable way. Our garments are using sustainable, natural fibres and are ethically produced in Europe.
7. Fluffy or firm pillows?
Always fluffy, the softer the better 😊
Many people suffer with hayfever during the warmer months and with a stuffy nose or itchy eyes, it’s literally something you can lose sleep over! We’ve rounded up our top tips to help you ease those irritating symptoms.
]]>Cleanse away the day
Pollen can stick to your hair, clothes and skin and can be there for hours after you’ve been outside. A hot shower will ensure it gets completely washed away whilst the steam helps your breathing and opens up your sinuses. Why not help it along with a eucalyptus shower or oil?
Wash your linens
We all like to throw open the windows when it’s warm, but this also means pollen and dust is flying in and out of your room possibly getting stuck to your sheets. Washing your sheets at least once a week will help keep the culprit at bay whilst minimising any symptoms you might experience.
Dry off indoors
Talking of washing, where you dry it all off is important too! Hanging your laundry outside especially on a day of high pollen might be a silly mistake to make. Dry as much of it inside and whilst it may take a bit longer, it should lessen the amount of pollen on your sheets.
Skip that extra drink
Whilst some may believe a nightcap helps you get to sleep, but not so much for those with Hayfever unfortunately. Alcohol is rich in histamine which exacerbates symptoms but you’ll also be more dehydrated, adding to the misery of it all!
Wipe it over
Ok, no one likes household chores but this is a must if it’ll help you sleep right? The simple act of keeping surfaces clean and floors vacuumed can do wonders as there will be no real build up for pollen to settle. Keep the culprit moving!
Staying hydrated has to be the best thing you can do to keep your sinuses at ease. A close second is inhalation of eucalyptus or menthol. In hot water, sitting with your head over the steam is a great way to open up your airways and release the congestion. Do it as regularly as you need to before bed to get the most out of it.
]]>What’s so special about TENCEL™? Read on and all will be revealed…
]]>
1. Closed loop production aka the circular economy
Wood pulp is transformed into TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers with super efficiency yet low environmental impact. Its production recycles water and reuses the solvent at a recovery rate of more than 99%. This means little waste, little impact with no compromise on quality. It’s this very process that received the European Award for the Environment from the European Commission.
2. Sustainably sourced raw materials
The EU has strong forest management policies, but Lenzing provide a further layer by only sourcing from natural forests and sustainably managed plantations. Ensuring they are all FSC® or PEFC™ certified, only adds to the integrity of TENCEL™. More than half of the wood pulp is produced from Lenzing’s own plants where the yearly volume of wood regrowth, is by 10 million cubic meters higher than the wood quantities harvested per year! Also, did you know, sustainably managed forests absorb more carbon, thus acting as a net sink?
From nature it comes and back it will go. TENCEL™ is certified as biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions, thus can fully revert back to nature. It is a truly circular fibre and process, making TENCEL™ such an obvious solution for so many parts of the textile industry.
For more facts, statistics and info, head to the TENCEL™ website.
]]>How do you go about creating a bedroom that's both cosy and stylish? We spoke to Interior Designer and Stylist, Sungeun from Lifestyle Si for her key insights!
]]>How do you go about creating a bedroom that's both cosy and stylish? We spoke to Interior Designer and Stylist, Sungeun from lifestyle-si.com for her five top tips!
1. Create your colour scheme and layer up textures and patterns
Choose a color scheme that fits your personality. I would recommend choosing a core or base colour for 60% of the colour scheme, 30% for secondary colours, and 10% of one or two pops of colours as accent colours. Alternatively, if you prefer a more neutral, monochrome scheme, I would advise picking different tones of the same colour group for a layered but cohesive look.
Within your color scheme, you can layer pillows, cushions, and throws, as well as window treatment to add beautiful textures. When you add patterns, make sure you go for a good quality fabric. Rugs are a great way to ground a room and add an even cosier touch.
For an upscale look, you can try your hand at painting the walls. Make sure to repeat your wall colours with a decor piece, throw or cushions for a cohesive look and feel. Limewash paints are a great option if you’re after a more soft and natural atmosphere. Testing colour samples in your room is an absolute must.
2. Choose the right type of bed and invest in high-quality bed linens
Test different types of mattresses and pick the right design and height of your bed. You can also just get a bed base and purchase a headboard separately, or you can design your own headboard to achieve a more customised look.
Invest in some basic yet high-quality bed linens. The bedroom should be your space to relax and unwind, and remember - you spend ⅓ of your day in bed! So, opt for natural, breathable materials. It doesn’t all need to be neutral though: see your bedroom as an opportunity to express your personality with bold colours and patterns. Double-sided bed linens are a great choice (e.g. the Lido set by Undercover, which is blue on one side and peach on the other). You can flip them to suit your mood.
3. Think of form and function when it comes to furniture
Consider what furniture would best support your personal lifestyle needs. For example, do you love to read in bed and need reading lamps? Do you tend to keep lots of items around your bed? If so, will you need side tables with drawers? How about a comfy chair or side bench?
4. Infuse your personal touch
Why not get creative when it comes to choosing furniture and lighting? Not everything needs to match perfectly - in fact, asymmetry is often what makes a room more interesting and pleasing to the eye. For example, two different bedside tables, or a pendant light hanging above one side of the bed and a wall lamp on the other side. Imperfections give your bedroom a unique yet cosy atmosphere.
Infuse your personality into the room with finishing touches. Hang photos or artwork on the wall, put your favourite books on the side table, and create well-balanced compositions with different heights and material objects.
Always keep your color scheme in mind. Matching the colours of your artwork with other elements in your bedroom will allow those colours to pop but tie together with the rest of the room.
5. Take your sleep to the next level
Get cables under control and clear the clutter. Leave only things that spark joy! Bedrooms, in particular, should always feel calm and tidy.
Plants not only look great but also purify the air and can help release stress. Find well-designed planters that cover ugly plastic pots and display them where they can be seen: on top of shelves, hanging from the ceiling or within a standing planter.
Also, a small bouquet of fresh flowers or greenery adds a lovely fancy touch to any bedroom!
Last but not least, touch your senses. Pillow sprays, scented candles, or aroma diffusers will give your bedroom that extra special atmosphere and voilà: you’re ready for a nice deep sleep.
Image sources:
https://www.estliving.com/spaces/bedroom-the-vipp-chimney-house-studio-david-thulstrup/
http://www.designstudio210.com/interior-spaces/therese-sennerholts-apartment/
https://casaclaudia.abril.com.br/moveis-acessorios/8-pecas-que-levam-a-nostalgia-ao-decor/
https://www.domino.com/content/garance-dore-home-tour/
https://www.huntingforgeorge.com/
https://www.ligne-roset.com/ae/modele/bedroom/beds/desdemone/2343
]]>How do you keep your Undercover linen looking and feeling like the first time you slept in them? Check out our top tips!
]]>Keep it on the down low
Wash and tumble dry on a low/medium cycle otherwise it’s likely you’ll strain the fibres. A low temperature together with a gentle detergent is actually surprisingly effective for a good clean.
Colour by numbers
Wash with similar colours to avoid transfer. Our double sided designs (Lido, Ponto and Jane) won’t bleed in colour as long as they’re washed at low/medium temperature.
No need to be harsh
Our fabric is naturally delicate so doesn’t enjoy being attacked by harsh chemicals or bleach. Let’s not upset the balance.
Baby soft
This is a tricky one. Conventional softeners aren’t so good for the environment. Our sheets are naturally super soft already (thanks TENCEL™) so you probably don’t even need it. If you would like to use a softener however, we have eco friendly ones from our friends at Tangent GC here.
Breathing space
If you tumble dry, be sure to do it on a lower temperature with plenty of space for the fabric to get some added ‘fluff’ time. Or better still, air dry if you can!
Things can get steamy
A little steam with your iron is all it takes to get creases out. Our fabric doesn’t contain any polyester or harsh chemical treatments to be wrinkle-free. We’re happy to go ‘au naturel’ with our linens and have creases showing.
Over time, we’ve been led to believe that thread count is related to quality so the higher the number the better the quality right? Well, not necessarily. The quality of threads used is just as important. We use high quality, long staple cotton, which is particularly soft and resistant to pilling.
]]>There’s only so many threads that can actually fit into a square inch, so some manufacturers have gotten creative by twisting multiple strands like a braid and pushing those through the loom when weaving. This takes the count up, giving the impression of a better quality fabric. One thing to note though, twisting the threads isn’t the problem, it’s the quality of the threads being twisted. If you have a 1000tc sheet thinking it’ll be great quality, but it starts to feel scratchy after a few washes, it might mean the yarns were of a low quality. Still with us?
So looking for the type of fibre and how it was made is another thing to consider. We use a very high quality, long staple cotton. This means the fibres are longer and therefore more durable and resistant to pilling. We then combine this with TENCEL™ to create a 300tc fabric which is beautifully soft and durable. TENCEL™ is particularly long lasting whilst being made from completely natural sources. You could easily have a far more luxurious product from a 300tc than a 600tc depending on the production of the yarn. So you see, thread count is only one indicator of quality amongst many when it comes to choosing the perfect sheets.