French Bedding
Ooh la la, French bedding. If it's glamour you are after in the bedroom, consider using the classic white or cream colors to change the look of what might be a simple room into an elegant and peaceful space.
When you think of French bedding, do you conjur up visions of whites, creams and luscious pale shades that could melt in your mouth? That's certainly accurate. Just take a look at these beautiful French linens below.
Or, perhaps you envision linens made from the decidedly French fabric known as Toile de Jouy.
‘Toile’ (meaning ‘cloth’ in French) was first produced in the French town of Jouy-en-Josas in the 1700's. This is the reason for its original name of Toile de Jouy.
The background colors for the cloth were usually cream or white and the pictures printed on the cloth told a story – perhaps about sailing trip, a pastoral scene of a shepherd and his flock or a story about the life of a rural French farmer.
The majority of toile fabrics produced today are based on pastoral or French countryside themes, although floral prints are available as well. These elegant fabrics feature drawings that closely resemble pen and ink drawings.
Toile is a perfect complement to a child's nursery. Whether for a boy or girl, you are sure to find a print that suits the space. You can select from soothing colors such as pale yellows, creams, cornflower blue or more vivid reds or greens.
For a truly French bedroom motif, adding texture and layers is a given. This can be done through the use of layered window coverings, throw pillows and fabric used on chairs.
Mixing toile-print sheets with solids or complementary prints or plaids creates a particularly inviting ambience.
Shown below is a vintage style cushion wrapped in a combination of solid-color linen and Toile de Jouy.
Below you can find Memory lin by Blanc des Vosges.
This is a bi-coloured design in linen and off white, with the solid fitted sheet in the color
'linen.'
This set is 100% cotton and machine washable.
The image directly below shows Ebene metis by Bochard.
It features a traditional linen/cotton mix in the color ecru and is also machine washable.
You'll want to be sure to take a look at the spring-inspired bedding collections by French designer, Yves Delorme, whose Cyclamen Collection pairs a flower native to the
Mediterranean with subtle white-on-white swirls on sateen.
Or, the manufacturer's Moustier Collection, made of 100% Egyptian cotton, which brings back memories of vines clinging to the walls of France's monasteries.
To select Yves Delorme linens, view the page on this website designed to help you in your search.
Note that with the proper care, fine linens can last for years.
For information and photos for over 20 brands of French and European linens, VISIT