Linen FAQ

What is linen?

Linen is considered by many to be the ultimate material for sheeting because it’s a very durable, strong fabric and one of the few ones that are stronger wet than dry. It does not stretch and is resistant to damage from abrasion. It is woven from flax and extremely durable. Flax is a vegetable fiber.Linen breathes, just like skin, it can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture, while still feeling dry to the touch. The perfect pampering product, linen is truly healthy. Linen cannot provoke allergies, it is anti-static and can even help soften and preserve the skin due to its natural pH balance

Linen bed sheets are prized above all others for their amazing comfort, durability and beauty. They are the epitome of coolness and there is nothing to match the way they feel, thanks to linen’s temperature-regulating properties. In hot weather, linen absorbs moisture and excess heat, whilst in cool weather it retains body heat. Over time linen becomes softer and even more comfortable. What is thread count?
Whenever you hear people talking about fine linens, the subject of thread count is bound to come up. Technically, it is a measure of how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric. It may seem like a small detail, but in fine linens details make a big difference. The higher the thread count, the softer and more comfortable the sheet. Good quality sheets start at 180 thread count, 200 and higher is considered premium. All linen linens and bedding sold at madaspen|home are at 200 thread count or above.

Isn’t all down the same?

Goose down is a much better down than duck down. The larger clusters fluff up to better produce down’s unique insulating quality, which makes you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

What is fill power?

Fill power is a measure of the volume filled by an ounce of down. The greater the fill power, the more the down will loft, or expand and trap air. Pillow inserts of the same weight may have different fill powers. The average fill power is 500. Fill power of 550-650 is considered high. Our pillow inserts from Down etc are top quality. We do recommend using Le Blanc Down Wash for laundering down-filled products like Down Coforters, Down Pillows,…

What is the difference between a pillow case and a pillow sham?
Pillow cases are open at one end. Pillow shams are fashioned with a European or envelope closure. In a sham, the pillow slips between a tailored flap of overlapping fabric in back, so that the pillow edge is not visible from the side. Both styles work well on all types of beds, and you can even mix and match.

Is there anything I’m missing?

Duvet covers are envelopes of fabric that button, snap, zip or fold closed over the duvet or comforter. They are not only decorative, but protect your comforter from soil, moisture, and body oils.Bed skirts are used to cover the boxspring, bed frame and underbed space as well as decoratively to complete the bed.

Quilts or Throwsmade of quilted cotton matelasse and pique serve a different function than bedspreads. Coverlets are sized to drop over the sides and end of the mattress only slightly more than the mattress depth. Extremely versatile, they can serve as a lightweight blanket or as a surface to introduce additional patterns and colors. Because of size and construction, they may be made reversible with contrasting patterns, and may be used with or without a duvet.

How do I care for fine linens?

With some care, linen will last quite a while and here’s an added bonus: linen actually feels better as it gets broken in! So don’t be afraid to wash yours. With a minimum amount of proper care, the natural beauty of linen is easily maintained. Linen is the strongest natural fibre known to man, and of all textile fibres is the one which washes best. Linens should be separated into light or dark colors.All of our products can be washed in cool or warm water / gentle cycle / low heat tumble dry. We do not recommend dry cleaning for any of our products except the curtains and bedskirts.

We do recommend using Le Blanc Linen Wash.

Avoid overloading the machine to prevent breaking long fibers. If presoaking is necessary it should be in cold water.

Avoid using bleach, any natural fibres worst enemy, as a cleansing agent as misuse can significantly degrade and weaken the fibres. Be careful in choosing your laundry, as poor laundries may cut corners by using bleach in too high a concentration to help whiten the laundry.

Allow your washing machine to fill up and begin agitating before you add detergent.

Remove washed bedding promptly from the machine; this helps reduce wrinkling. Shaking damp linens out before drying (at low heat) will also help reduce wrinkles.