Lightweight and Luxe: Why We Love Linen Furniture

Easy, breezy and oh-so-chic, linen furniture is a classic look that never goes out of style. On top of being absolutely gorgeous, linen sofas and linen armchairs feel great and are low maintenance — making them a great addition to any living room.

We’ll be the first to admit it: linen is one of our favourite materials at Lounge Lovers. From the plush 100% Italian linen of the Bronte sofa to the soft linen blend fabric found in the Hampton range, you’ll find this fabric in a variety of furniture pieces throughout our collection.

Versatile and durable, linen furniture will withstand all of the challenges life throws at it while providing you and your family with the utmost comfort. But what makes linen such a unique fabric? Read on to discover why we love linen furniture and learn how to care for your linen purchase below.

How is linen fabric made?

Image courtesy of @stay.casita

Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world. The material is made from fibres derived from the flax plant, which can be found anywhere from the shores of the Mediterranean to the scorching deserts of Egypt.

Despite all the evolutions in technology, linen is still fairly time-intensive to produce. Flax plants are harvested from the ground, the seeds are removed by winnowing, and the plant stock is retted to separate the stem from the fibres. The longest pieces of fibre are then collected and spun into yarn before eventually becoming — you guessed it — linen. This laborious process is part of the reason why linen is considered to be a more luxurious textile. 

Linen can be used on its own in furniture, as well as blended together with other materials, such as polyester or cotton.

What are the benefits of linen furniture?

Image courtesy of @stay.casita

Linen has been featured in furniture for thousands of years. From the wealthy homes of ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day coastal designs in Europe and Australia, this textile has withstood the test of time thanks to its laid back style, breathable texture, and exceptional quality.

If you’re considering bringing linen furniture into your home, here are 5 things you need to know.

It’s eco-friendly

Because linen is derived from flax, it doesn’t need to go through any chemical processes at a manufacturing plant during production. Flax is easy to grow and naturally resistant to disease and pests, so the entire process requires little to no use of heavy pesticides. 

Another fun fact: flax requires significantly less water than cotton and produces minimal waste. If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that is as kind to your style as it is to the planet, you can’t go past linen.

It’s perfect for people with allergies

Linen isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. Linen is constructed using natural fibres and it has a compact outer surface, which means that it’s tougher for pesky particles or allergens to become embedded in the furniture. 

If you have particularly sensitive skin or you’re prone to allergies, it’s worth investing in a linen chaise lounge and linen ottoman combination, rather than polyester or acrylic.

Image courtesy of @threebirdsrenovations

It’s incredibly comfortable

Linen might feel a bit crisp to the touch at first, but don’t be fooled. This feeling quickly fades and you’ll be left with a soft and supple material that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Over time, you’ll find yourself lounging on your linen sofa for hours on end, simply because it feels so inviting (and getting up is too much effort!).

It’s low maintenance

The fabric on linen furniture is tightly woven, which means it’s more resistant to dirt and dust than some other fabrics. With regular vacuuming, your linen lounge will look gorgeous for years to come.

What’s more, some pieces, like the Bronte range, even come with removable covers — making it much less daunting to own a white linen sofa! It is recommended to have the covers professionally cleaned but if this isn't suitable for you, simply throw the covers in the wash on a delicate cycle and line dry in the shade or take it to your dry cleaners. Soon enough, your sofa will be feeling like new again.

It looks great in a variety of spaces

Style is as important as durability when it comes to furniture. Thankfully, linen furniture looks as good as it feels. 

A linen lounge like the Bronte is available in multiple hues and configurations, ranging from a white linen arm chair to a Bronte Love Seat and the 4-seat white linen lounge. Linen’s versatile design means it looks equally at home in coastal spaces as it does in Mediterranean-inspired holiday homes.

Caring for your linen furniture

Although linen is relatively low maintenance, linen furniture still requires some TLC. Ideally keep your linen away from direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or discolouration by breaking down the chemical bonds in the fabric. Vacuuming your linen furniture on a regular basis will prevent surface dirt from settling in and minimise piling (where loose surface fibres twist into tiny balls).

Linen is also susceptible to shrinkage, particularly if it’s a 100% Italian linen blend like the Bronte. If needed, experts recommend professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months to keep it looking fresh. Don’t bleach your linen sofa either, as this harsh chemical may weaken linen’s fibres or cause it to change colour.

Loving the linen look? Shop our favourite linen furniture pieces below.