BED LINEN

Soft, smooth and sensuous, beautiful bed linen is a tactile treat and an everyday luxury

Bed linen adds colour to your bedroom, but it’s the way it feels next to your skin that is most important. Choose from a variety of fibres – polycotton is durable and practical, dries quickly and is easy to iron. Cotton comes in various weaves and qualities; Egyptian cotton is considered to be one of the finest. If you want a crisp matt finish, opt for cotton percale, or for a smoother, silkier feel, go for sateen. If it’s a warm, cosy feel you’re after, choose brushed cotton. Silk sheets are a luxury buy – they feel wonderful to the touch, keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.

LEFT A painterly oral design like this ‘Hartford’ king size duvet set, £110 from Christy, adds colour to a romantic scheme BELOW A leaf design is a chic alternative to plain bed linen. ‘Emily’ double duvet, £120; pillowcases, £ 40 a pair, both Christy