As the warmth of summer lingers, we find ourselves drawn to fabrics that make a room feel lighter, fresher and a little more relaxed. Linen has always been a favourite for exactly this reason. It has a wonderful natural quality that allows a space to breathe, while bringing texture, softness and character.
There is something beautifully effortless about linen. It doesn’t need to be perfectly pressed or overly pristine. Its natural creases and texture immediately take away a sense of formality, making a room feel more comfortable and lived in.
At the windows, linen is particularly lovely. A lightweight linen curtain gently filters the sunlight rather than blocking it completely, creating a soft glow within the room. During the warmer months, we love the feeling of curtains moving gently with an open window, allowing a breeze to pass through and bringing a sense of movement into the space. Linen blinds can work in much the same way, offering privacy and protection from strong sunlight without making a room feel heavy or enclosed.
Covering walls in linen introduces a subtle layer of texture that paint simply cannot achieve. It softens a room, absorbs sound and creates a wonderful backdrop for artwork, furniture and pattern. A plain or lightly textured linen can create a calm foundation, while a more playful printed linen can bring character and energy. We especially love using our Kit’s Linen collection with GP & J Baker, a collection full of colour and personality.
Around the table, linen has an equally transformative effect. We love a generous linen tablecloth, particularly in summer when dining feels more relaxed. It could be crisp white, a soft natural shade or something striped and colourful. Add mismatched plates, glasses, flowers from the garden and a few candles, and suddenly even the simplest supper feels special. The beauty is that it needn’t look too perfect.
Linen is also wonderful for cushions, loose covers, headboards and upholstery. Its natural texture works particularly well when layered with bolder patterns, embroidery or contrasting trims. When upholstering a chair, it is worth considering the weight of the linen. A lighter linen can give a softer, more relaxed feel, while a heavier-weight linen tends to be more hard-wearing and holds its shape beautifully, making it particularly well suited to upholstery.
A simple linen armchair can become far more interesting with patterned cushions, while a linen lampshade can soften the light and introduce another tactile detail to a room.
When choosing linen for a chair, make sure to choose a heavier-weight linen that is suitable for upholstery. The right weight will help the fabric withstand everyday use and prevent it from wearing too quickly.
What we enjoy most about linen is its versatility. It can feel smart or relaxed, traditional or contemporary, depending on how it is used. It sits just as happily alongside an antique piece of furniture as it does something modern and colourful.
A room should always feel comfortable and inviting, and linen brings an effortless lightness to any space. From windows and walls to tables and upholstery, it keeps interiors feeling cool, breezy and relaxed as we enjoy the warmth of summer.