Two natural fibres, two very different beds
Cotton and linen are both natural, breathable and long-lasting, which is why the choice between them trips so many people up. They are not interchangeable, though. Each one changes how your bed feels, how it looks and how you look after it. Here is how Beddie's two fabrics compare, so you can pick the one that suits your bedroom (or use both).
How they feel
Cotton sateen: smooth and cool
Our cotton is long-staple cotton woven in a 4:1 sateen weave: four threads over, one under. That gives the surface a smooth, slightly luminous finish without being shiny. It feels cool and silky against the skin, drapes well, and gets softer with every wash. If you like a polished, tailored bed, this is your fabric.
French flax linen: textured and relaxed
Our Ivy range is made from 100% French flax linen, 170gsm and pre-washed so it is soft from the first night. Linen has a natural, relaxed crinkle and a textured feel. Each wash breaks down the natural pectin in the flax, so it keeps softening over time. The texture catches the light differently across the bed, which gives it real depth.
How they look
Cotton sateen looks smooth and tidy, and it is the best canvas for prints and stripes. Our floral sheets, retro colours and patterned designs are all cotton sateen.
Linen looks lived-in on purpose. The crinkle is part of the charm, so there is no need to chase a perfectly pressed bed. Ivy comes in five colourways: Raspberry, Navy, Oatmeal, Apple and Natural Gingham. See them all in the French linen collection.
How they care
- Cotton: machine wash cold or warm (max 40°C) on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on low and remove promptly. Ironing is optional because sateen softens naturally.
- Linen: machine wash cold or warm (max 40°C) on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and skip fabric softener. Tumble dry on low or no heat, or line dry. Linen can bleed slightly on its first wash, so wash it with similar colours. It is pre-washed, so minimal shrinkage is expected.
Full instructions for both are on our care page.
Cotton or linen quilt cover?
If you are weighing up a cotton or linen quilt cover, think about the look you want from across the room. A cotton sateen quilt cover gives a smooth, defined surface with a concealed YKK zip and internal corner ties to hold your insert in place. A linen quilt cover gives a softer, more rumpled look that suits a relaxed bedroom.
Which should you choose?
- Choose cotton sateen if you like a smooth, cool, silky feel, want bold prints or stripes, or prefer a crisp-looking bed.
- Choose French linen if you like texture, a relaxed look and a fabric that softens as it ages.
- Not sure? You do not have to commit to one. A linen pillowcase pair on cotton sheets, or a plain linen quilt cover over a printed cotton fitted sheet, is an easy way to try both. Use the bundle builder to put a combination together.
For the longer version of what each fabric is made from, see our materials guide.