1. Measure up your mattress

When shopping for fitted sheets, arm yourself with a few key measurements. You will need the width, length and depth of your mattress. Now add 10cm onto the depth measurement and you have the size you will be looking for. While standard sizing might not be your exact measurements, the variation should not be more than 5cm in any direction.

2. Choose fully elasticised sheets

Look for fitted sheets that have a fully elasticised skirt. Elasticised corners only are a manufacturing short cut and should be avoided!

Did you know that Falucca Fine Linen manufactures custom-made fitted sheets to fit all local and international mattress sizes? Contact us at info@faluccalinen.co.za or call 082 548 4703 to find out how we can help you.

Shop luxurious bed decor online at shop.faluccalinen.co.za

Common mistakes to avoid

Is your new fitted sheet suddenly not fitting? Here are some common problems to consider:

Tumble dry blues

If your fitted sheet fitted perfectly a fortnight ago but now getting it over the mattress is a 15-minute training exercise, the culprit will most likely be improper laundering. It’ll be either an extremely hot wash or (and this is far more likely) over drying on a hot cycle in the tumble dryer. Most natural fibres shrink when exposed to extreme heat, but it’s true that quality and shrinkage often go hand in hand as higher quality fabric tends to shrink less.

Most shrinkage can be prevented by laundering on a warm cotton wash and a low heat tumble dry. Better yet, dry it on the washing line and you’ll get the best possible results; your sheets won’t shrink, they’ll feel better and you’ll save some money on your energy bill too.

Mattress evolution

Mattresses have also changed over the years. They have got deeper and many linen brands have not kept up with this trend, with the result being fitted sheets that don’t cover the mattress.

The solution? Get your fitted sheets custom made for you in 800 thread count Egyptian Cotton fabric from our Signature Collection. Contact us at info@faluccalinen.co.za for more information.

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Here’s a clear definition of what thread count refers to: 

In countries using the metric system, thread count is the amount of both vertical and horizontal threads in 10 square centimetres (3.16cm x 3.16cm), while in countries using the imperial system it is the amount of threads in 1 square inch (2.54cm x 2.54cm). So, depending on the country of origin the thread count of the same fabric can be different.

Be careful though, as a higher thread count fabric is by no means a better quality fabric. Thread count can give you some indication of the finesse of the weave and density of a fabric. The higher the thread count, the more threads have been woven into a specific area. If these threads are not soft and fine, the result will be a fabric that is hard and unpliable.

Why is ‘thread count’ used so much?

Thread count has become a simple metric used by marketing departments to capture interest and impress with high numbers.  But beware! To keep prices reasonable companies often sacrifice important elements of quality such as the most fundamental quality indicator: the thread itself. 

Focus on thread quality

The initial quality of the raw cotton is always the most important factor for you to consider. No matter how many threads you squeeze into a square inch, bad quality cotton will always remain bad quality.

So, assess all the quality indicators when you’re in the market for new natural bedding. Factors such as the origin and quality, yarn size, weave, finishing and construction are all essential to creating a beautiful finished product. 

Here are 5 boxes to tick when you’re next in the market for new quality bedding: 

1. Go natural: The product should be 100% natural cotton, Egyptian cotton or long staple cotton is a good option as these are known to be superior.
2. No blends: If you are purchasing Egyptian cotton bedding make sure it is 100% Egyptian cotton and not blended with short staple cotton or poly cottons.
3. Look at the weave: It should be even without any knots and inconsistencies. Feel the fabric, is should be smooth to the touch but not feel synthetic.
4. The final product: Check the manufacturing quality and how the product has been packed. Quality products are manufactured and packed with care.
5. Read the washing instructions: Cotton bedding that does not allow for tumble drying is often manufactured from a lower grade cotton.

We wrote an info series on quality bedding. Read them all here.

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Oysters have always denoted luxury and charm. Not only are they a delicacy to enjoy at the table, the oyster is known to turn a grain of sand into a beautiful pearl. It’s this organic pearlescence that’s offered in our new colour palette; a touch of silvery white in the cool morning light turns into a warm glow in the afternoon sun.

Nothing comes close to the feeling of waking up in your own bed (the bed you chose because it has just the right combination of firm to soft), and feeling your equally familiar bedding snuggled around you. Imagine if you could take this feeling with you wherever you travel? With our beautiful, high quality bed linen, we believe you can enjoy this amazing feeling no matter where you rest your head.

“A touch of silvery white in the cool morning light turns into a warm glow in the afternoon sun.”

The Falucca Fine Linen Signature Collection is made using high quality Egyptian Cotton fabric in our Cape Town studio. We check and double check every detail to ensure the final product is not only perfect but long-lasting too, so that you can enjoy your Falucca for years to come.

Here are just a few ways the Oyster palette will elevate your sleep experience and bedroom decor:

African plains

Escape the frenetic energy of the city, and feel as if you’ve been swept off to the wide, open space of the African plains the minute you slip into your bed – beautifully made up in the Falucca Linen Oyster with a single satin stitch detail in Shadow.

The natural tones of the Oyster makes it perfectly suited to being incorporated into an earthy decor look.

Boudoir in Paris

Spend a languid and sensual morning in bed catching up on rest and indulging in the finer things in life. Luxuriate in the satin-like texture of your high quality Egyptian Cotton Oyster bed linen from Falucca Linen and feel truly 20th Century Parisian!

For this look, we chose a double Oxford border in Oyster. It’s an understated yet luxurious detail that offers unfussy elegance. For something a little different, we used Shadow as the first border.

Casual coastal

Let the sound of laughter and waves lapping the beach be the inspiration for your Oyster palette decor direction. Imagine the simple pleasure of cool, natural bedding enveloping sun-kissed skin after a wonderful day spent outdoors. The fresh ocean air and the high quality Egyptian Cotton fabric combine to give you the most outstanding sleep experience.

Love these looks or have a specific style idea for your bed?

Got a few questions? Email Falucca Fine Linen at info@faluccalinen.co.za or call Cherie on 082 548 4703.

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Still sleeping in the ever-popular white? Studies have shown that darker colours promote better sleep, and natural greys are high up on the list.

“All the beauty of life is made up of light and shadows.” ~ Leo Tolstoy

At once calming and unassuming, with a warm undertone, Shadow is easy to work with to create breathtaking bedroom decor suitable to a vast range of styles.

Experience truly sensual sleep when you slip into your Falucca Fine Linen bedding. The natural fibres of the Egyptian Cotton offer ideal breathability, working to regulate your body temperature.

The Scandi touch

Traditionally styled with touches of flax linen and wool to create texture, we’ve given the Scandinavian style an update by incorporating natural tones that still adhere to the style’s principles of harmony and simplicity. A simple Oxford border offers a neat, classic detail that frames a beautifully styled bed.

Understated luxury

By adding a single satin stitch detail in Oyster to the Shadow, we bring a modern interpretation of a classic detail. We think this detail deserves formal styling to accentuate the clean, crisp line of the satin stitch.

All our Egyptian Cotton fabric is woven using a sateen weave, which achieves a satin-like feeling against your skin. It also gives the fabric a beautiful sheen when ironed, adding an opulent lustre showcased particularly well in the colour Shadow.

Ultra monochrome

The deep, warming Charcoal and soothing Shadow are merged in a reversible duvet cover in this look to create effortless style.

We add the finishing touch with bold border pillowcases that use Charcoal in the oxford border. It’s a “no frills, no fuss” look that’s easy to put together.

Love these looks or have a specific style idea for your bed?

Got a few questions? Email Falucca Fine Linen at info@faluccalinen.co.za or call Cherie on 082 548 4703.

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“Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber.” ~ William Shakespeare

The result is truly wonderful, highlighting how important your bed is in the overall styling of your bedroom. Stick to these styling principles to achieve this look time and again:

Start with colour scheme

Your colour scheme is the foundation of your overall look. For our French classic, we chose two colour schemes using muted tones, and a white base for our bed linen. Warm pink and beige hues offered a romantic, whimsical accent, while soft blues and greys created a dreamy, masculine feel.

Choose good furniture

Pieces such as your headboard, bedside tables and bedend should contribute to the overall look, but be versatile enough to work with different bed linen styles. That way, by simply changing your throw, scatters and one pair of pillowcases, you will be able to transform the overall look.

Keep detailing minimal

Less is more when it comes to your bedding detail. It means that it can be used in a variety of style settings. A simple oxford border on the bedding works to soften lines and is also a nod to timeless style.

Muted colours play a big part in achieving the French classic look, echoed through the soft Oyster tone of our Signature Collection. The bedding in this collection is made from 800 thread count Egyptian cotton fabric, woven using a sateen method which gives this high quality cotton a luxurious satin feel.

———  SHOP SIGNATURE COLLECTION  ———

Play with pillow composition

A beautiful classic bed requires a generous number of pillows, including the pillows you’ll be sleeping on, your king pillows and your scatter cushions. Lay these out in various combinations to create different looks. Sit your pillows up against the headboard, or lay your pillows down to create a linear, more masculine look.

Instead of adding your scatter cushions in the front, place three scatter cushions against the headboard with your sleeping pillows in the foreground. Three scatter cushions composed this way makes your bed feel like one unit instead of two sides.

If you choose good basics, you can put your personality into the mix of things. Don’t be afraid to give your bed the styling focus it deserves and remember: there are no rules to styling. It’s perfect when you love it!

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Just as the birds spend time meticulously lining their nests with soft down feathers and other insulating bits and pieces, so we should ensure our beds offer us maximum warmth and comfort.

Down and feather inners

Down is the very light, soft fluff found closest to a bird’s skin which helps to moderate its body temperature, insulating it from the cold air. On the other hand, feathers are heavier, and do not have the same insulating properties as down. Moreover, feather quills tend to push through fabric casing. This is why those in the know opt for inners with a high percentage of down in their inners.

A pure down duvet inner is one of the best investments you can make to improve your sleep experience.

The higher the down content is in a duvet inner, the lighter, more insulating and longer lasting it will be. A pure down duvet inner is one of the best investments you can make to improve your sleeping experience. On the other hand, the higher feather content the lower your insulation and the heavier your duvet will be. 

At Falucca Linen, we have decided to only manufacture pure down duvet inners to ensure you experience the highest quality sleep.

Spot duvet inner quality

Make sure you read the label. It might refer to an inner as a “down” inner when the percentage of down is actually very low in comparison to the feather fill. Look for inners with a down percentage of at least 70% if you truly want to enjoy the benefits of down.

High quality down inners are made using 100% cotton, down-proof fabric and all the seams will have double-edged stitching. Box-stitched inners have become very popular and ensure that the filling remains evenly distributed across the duvet.

What is tog?

Tog is how we measure the “thermal resistance” of a material and is widely used as an indicator of the warmth of down duvet inners. A summer inner should have a tog of between 3 and 4.5, an autumn inner should be around 10, and winter inners can have a tog as high as 20, but these are not appropriate for our Southern Africa climate.

During winter in South Africa, a summer and autumn down inner clipped together is a perfect weight and the two duvet weights on their own give you all the choices you need for a comfortable night’s sleep the year round.

Find the right pillow

Just like Goldilocks was searching for the bed that was neither too hard nor to soft, so you should be basing your search of the perfect pillow on a similar maxim.

Chamber pillows are a great option as they are layered pillows with three different compartments. The outer compartments are filled with pure down and the centre compartment with feathers. The outer layers of down give a luxurious feel and the inner spine of feather offers support when you are sleeping on it. The amount of fill in the centre compartment creates the different pillow densities.

Get a decent pillow protector

A pillow protectors is a small but essential detail that prevents your pillow from yellowing and offers good overall hygiene, ultimately prolonging the life of your pillow. Make sure it’s also made from natural fibre and not polyester, as you would lose the benefits of your natural pillow by placing it inside a synthetic protector. We recommend going for quilted 100% cotton outer and fill pillow protectors.

Falucca Fine Linen offers a collection of pure down inners in goose and duck down with chamber pillow options in soft, medium and firm.

All down is ethically sourced from Europe. It is a byproduct of the meat industry and is not plucked from live birds. High quality down inners are also a sustainable option as they are long-lasting and not likely to end up in a landfill. According to the  International Down and Feather Laboratory and Institute, down and feather fill has the lowest carbon footprint of any fill material, both synthetic and natural.

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This season, we’ve turned our attention to soft and fresh tones, with the introduction of the Mist colour palette. This colour palette references this  life-giving natural phenomenon, with all its delicate shades of green, white and blue, against the natural landscape.

Available in our Signature Collection fabric, a silky soft, 800 thread count Egyptian cotton fabric, the palette is a classic one that we recommend pairing with floral details in your scatter cushions and throws.

The season’s warm days and blue skies are plenty of inspiration to refresh your bed’s look and feel. There’s really nothing quite as delicious as collapsing onto a beautifully made bed after spending a day soaking up the sun’s rays.

Your Falucca Linen bedding offers far more than just good looks, but also helps to keep your skin breathing and comfortable all through the night.

Natural fibres such as Egyptian cotton and Flax linen offer gentle textural experiences and also help to regulate your body’s temperature, making them ideal materials to sleep in all through the year. Read: How great quality bedding improves sleep.

View the collection over at our online store or get in touch with us at sales@faluccalinen.co.za

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Here are four things you can physically check when you happen to have a product right in front of you:

#1 Firmness of the fabric

The weave of the fabric should be firm, which can be tested by scratching the surface of the cloth. If the threads shift easily, the product may be inclined to develop holes at the seamed edges.

#2 Uniform weave

The weave of the fabric should be uniform. Hold a sheet to the light and look for any unusually thick or thin areas. Bedding in which the weave is not uniform will wear unevenly and definitely doesn’t indicate high fabric quality.

#3 Even colour

The colour should be even and look fresh. If there is a fold or crease in the product, check whether the colour has rubbed off. This could be an indication of poor dye quality.

#4 Dusty fabric

No powdery dust should appear on the surface of the fabric. If so, this is an indication of too much sizing and may conceal poor fabric quality.

Got any questions about your bedding choices? Email us at info@faluccalinen.co.za.

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We take a look at a smart clues that will give you the edge when you go shopping to make sure you get what you pay for.

Do a little bedding research

Get to know your choices. With the internet at your fingertips, doing a little research will save you money and time. Find out what options are available to you locally and make sure you understand the key terms such as thread count and weave, as well as the variations in fibres, from totally natural fibres to fibre blends. Also do some reading around what it takes to produce these kinds of fibres. It will all give you the knowledge you need to make good bedding choices.

Local bedding specialists

Look for smaller companies. More often than not, smaller company specialising in bedding will give you better value for your spend as you are not paying for the large overheads associated with big retailers. In fact, high rentals in shopping malls, advertising budgets and even the CEO’s bonus are all worked into the price of the product.

The question you need to ask yourself is: how much of what I am spending is actually on the actual product?

More passion = solid product knowledge

Additionally, smaller speciality suppliers are more often than not far more passionate about their products and therefore more knowledgeable. They will be able to give you better advice and should be able to answer all the questions you might have.

Read Part 1 of What to look for in quality bedding and look out for Part 3 in this series.

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#1 Read the packaging

Make sure you read all the information on the packaging, not just the parts the marketers put in bold. Look out for information about the following things:

Fibre

Cotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, durable, and relatively inexpensive. They are, however, not the best option for comfort. If you’re looking for that cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100 percent cotton. You’ll hardly ever wake up clammy on cotton sheets since the fibre wicks moisture away from your skin. And perhaps lesser known is the fact that cotton sheets are less likely to stain than polyester blends. As a water-loving fibre, cotton releases dirt easily when wet.

All types of cotton share these wonderful traits, but long-staple cotton (like Egyptian Cotton), makes for a noticeably softer sheet, and the surface won’t pill and lint like one woven from shorter fibres. It’s also worth noting that Egyptian Cotton is the most readily available long fibre cotton in South Africa.

Weave

The weave affects the way a sheet feels, the way it looks, its longevity and its price. Basic plain weaves, which are woven from an equal number of vertical and horizontal yarns, are least expensive and may not rate a mention on the label. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher and is known for its longevity and crisp feel. Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns. The higher proportion of vertical threads results in an extremely soft fabric which is why luxury sheets are often woven using a sateen weave.

Thread count

It’s not just about thread count. High thread counts can certainly make for better sheets, but it’s the thread (or fibre) itself that matters most. In fact, a sheet of a better quality fibre with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a sheet of a lower-quality fibre with a higher thread count.

Dye

Patterns and colours are usually applied to sheets after they’re woven, which means the sheets may feel stiff until you’ve washed them a few times. The softest (and most expensive) are made of yarn-dyed fabrics, woven from already coloured yarns. When the colour is applied makes very little difference to the quality of the product and after a few washes, the only difference will be the cost.

Read on to find out a few practical ways to ensure you buy great quality cotton bedding.

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