With its natural woven quality, linen sheets have a relaxed feel and look gorgeous when mixed and matched in coordinating colours.
Quilt covers and sheet sets on the market often boast thread count, softness and 'luxury', but it turns out these aren't the things you need to look for.
"There are two types of people, those who know and understand linen and those who don't. However I can assure you once they do, there is no going back," says Georgie Cavanagh, one half of Carlotta + Gee, a Sydney-based boutique bedding company creating affordable and luxurious linen sheets.
"People understand how important sleep is with us spending a 1/3 of our time in bed, so they are wanting to invest in themselves and their health - this includes where they sleep."
The first thing to look for is natural, 100 percent linen. Linen, being a natural material, lets your skin breathe, which helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. It's also highly absorbent, lint-free and non allergenic.
"Linen bedding is the most natural plant you can sleep in. Being ethical and sustainable is extremely important to us. So, after researching the benefits of the flax plant which is grown in France, we knew this was the one. There isn't one part of the plant which is wasted - the plant is grown for the bedding; the seeds are eaten and the oil off the plant is used to vanish furniture," says Carlotta, the other half of Carlotta + Gee.
"Linen also becomes softer with age as it is stone-washed, which means it will last a long time. Other advantages include health benefits with the material stimulating the blood flow. And of course, the aesthetic of a room complete with linen bedding is amazing," she adds.
Consumers tend to look at thread count as the biggest indicator of quality, but this is not always the case. In fact, the thickness of linen fibres means that linen sheets are often 80 - 150 thread count, which would be seen as low for a cotton sheet.
Synthetic materials such as rayon or polyester can often feel softer at first touch - and the manufacturers will use that as a selling point - but over time the quality will decrease, whereas a good flax linen will improve with age; it will soften and simultaneously become stronger the more it is washed.
Good-quality linen is an investment so it's going to have a higher price mark. But there are varying levels of linen.
There's no shortage of boutique linen bedding companies in Australia now, all offering varying price points on sheets. Expect to pay anywhere between $150-$400 for a flat linen sheet.
If you do your homework and keep a look out for special deals, then you can pick up a high-quality bargain.
"We started Carlotta + Gee to create an affordable yet premium product to ensure 'linen bedding' didn't need to remain on people's bucket list - it could become a reality," says Georgie.
Carlotta + Gee currently has 13 colourways available in doona covers, flat and fitted sheets, European and standard pillowcases, with prices ranging from $75 to $240.
It's generally acknowledged that Belgian linen is of the finest quality, as is Italian linen and Belgian or French flax linen.
Flax is grown in France or Belgium, which means the linen can then be sold as Belgian flax linen, no matter where it gets woven and finished.
"French Linen is the best linen you can buy, says Carlotta. This is because of the temperature in the air which allows the flax plant to grow at its peak. It is also grown in India however due to the heat, often the flax snaps and doesn't get to grow as long which means it isn't as strong. Look out for the GSM which is how linen is measured."
Linen made in China might not be the best choice, as China is not necessarily known for its high quality linen weaving and finishing.
European-produced linen is often a safe bet, with some insisting the best weaving mills are found in Italy.
With so many colourways available, it can be hard to choose just one. Mixing and matching different linens is a great way to create a unique look for your space.
"There are always your traditional colours such as: optic white, natural and stone. We are finding the natural stripes, marine stripes or olive stripes are popular to add something fresh to peoples bedrooms. We have found, especially with Carlotta + Gee, that the olive or tobacco have been favourites. They add such a buzz to your room. You can't go wrong with light pink mixing with a dark grey - even the fellas like this!"
Milano standard pillowcases by Morgan & Finch White Label, $39.95/pair, Bed, Bath N' Table
If colour scares you, these duty pink rose pillowcases are a gentle hue that you can match and layer with white and neutral tones. Their soft border edge will also bring a feminine luxury to your sleep routine.
100% flax linen valance in sage, $140-$200, Bedthreads
The oft forgotten finisher of beds, a valance is the linen accessory that will take your bed from a three-star homemade hero to a five-star luxury hotel experience. Even better, Bedthreads' valances come in all shades of the rainbow.
100% flax linen bedding set in ruby, $230-$340, Bedthreads
This regal-toned bedding set is sure to make a statement in your room. Opt for a full bed in this colour, or use Bedthreads' 'build your own bundle' feature to mix and match colours from their 24-colour range.
Abbotson linen flat sheet in maple, $299.99-$329.99, Sheridan
Warm neutrals are one of the most comforting colours to introduce to your bedroom and we think they have year-round appeal. If this deep orange hue isn't your favourite, it's also available in nine others including cumin, olive, ink and granita.
Linen sheet set by Aere Home in blush, $280-$310, The Iconic
Known as an affordable fashion label exclusive to The Iconic, Aere have recently released a home collection, including this linen sheet set. Consisting of a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two standard pillowcases, it's available in five classic colours, and comes in a matching drawstring bag.
Vintage washed linen sheet separates by Home Republic in moss, from $69.99, Adairs
Not a fan of the flat sheet? Sheet sets can be convenient, but you'll only pay for what you need when you buy your pieces as separates. It also gives you the flexibility to mix and match different colours together, like with this vintage washed linen from Adairs that is available in 23 different styles.
100% flax linen bedding set in pinstripe, $230-$340, Bedthreads
Stripes are far from boring when it comes to Bedthreads' pinstripe linen. Available across their bedding and apparel collections, we especially love this bedding set. Still classic, but a step up from white linen, it will bring some texture to your space.
Nimes linen sheet set by Linen House in magnet, $399.95-$439.95, Myer
If you're someone who enjoys breakfast in bed from time to time, this linen sheet set has you covered. Literally. Hide any slips or spills in the dark magnet hue, and instantly add a touch of sophistication to your space while you're at it.
Sogno linen cotton sheet set in denim indigo, $119.99, Canningvale
If you love the look of linen but prefer a cotton feel there are plenty of beautiful blend options out there. This set by Canningvale is the best of both worlds and comes in three different colour options. We love the moody darkness of this denim ink set in particular.
100% linen duvet cover in natural stripes, $285-$295, Carlotta + Gee
Carlotta + Gee's natural stripes duvet cover is the ideal set for the minimalists amongst us. Paired and layered with other neutral toned bedding it will turn your bedroom into a calm, design-led space.