The 15 Best Organic Bedding Sources

The 15 Best Organic Bedding Sources

by | Feb 24, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

If you’re striving to be more eco-friendly in your everyday life, a natural place to start is in the home. Aside from more obvious changes like using eco-friendly cleaning supplies and being more mindful of waste, another step is to buy organic bedding. Since we spend so much time in our beds, it makes sense to seek out products that are free of chemicals and potentially harmful substances — but it’s not enough to just buy sheets (or any fabric) simply labeled “organic.” While the FDA regulates organic labeling on food, there are currently only voluntary certifications when it comes to textiles. There is, however, a global certification you can look for. GOTS, or Global Organic Textile Standard, not only certifies manufacturers are using eco-friendly, sustainable techniques but also fair labor practices. Another is the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which grades textiles on their exposure to harmful chemicals. While this also means that organic bedding tends to be more expensive, we know you’ll find the trade-off is certainly worth it. Below, we rounded up 15 of the best bedding organic sources that feel just as good as their positive impact.

Do you have an organic bedding source you love that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

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Note: All prices listed are for Queen size.

This Northern California company focuses solely on organic cotton bedding. Coyuchi follows standards set by USDA Organic, GOTS, Textile Exchange, Fair Trade USA, and the International Labour Organization to ensure that every part of their process, including shipping and packaging, is sustainable. They also use low-impact dyes. Reliable favorites include their Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets and Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets.

Boll & Branch’s bedding is not only 100 percent certified organic, but their goods, made in India, are certified by Fair Trade to ensure the makers are paid and treated well. Additionally, a portion of every purchase is used to fight human trafficking. AT editors have used Boll & Branch products in the past, and can confirm they’re great quality and feel amazing. Interested in trying yourself? Top sellers include their Classic Hemmed Sheet Set and Flannel Sheet Set.

SOL, which stands for Sustained Organic Living, donates $7.50 to one of four charities with every bedsheet purchased. Their bedding is certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX, and they only work with Fair Trade partners. Not only are their sheets free from harmful chemicals and dyes, but even the cotton used to make their sheets is grown without using any pesticides or fertilizers. Even better? Their prices are lower than the average for organic bedding. Current offerings include Percale Organic Sheets and Classic Sateen Organic Sheets.

Originally launched because the founder couldn’t find soft, sustainable, and affordable bedding, Ettitude sells sheets and comforters made of CleanBamboo, a new kind of bedding fabric that uses resource-efficient bamboo to create breathable sheets. All of the bamboo is sourced from FSC-certified forests, and products are shipped in reusable packaging to help eliminate waste. Plus, for every purchase, Ettitude donates 1 percent of revenue to environmental organizations. Some of our favorite sheets include the classic Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set and the slightly heavier Bamboo Twill Sheet Set. 

Some, but not all, of West Elm’s cotton sheets, duvet covers, and blankets are organic, with most in that category labeled as GOTS-certified and Fair Trade Certified. Certain bedding items are also non-dyed or made with environmentally-safe dyes that contain no harmful metals. Some of our favorites from West Elm include their Organic Washed Cotton sheet set and Organic Sateen sheet set.

Buffy’s one goal is to make your life more comfortable without making the planet uncomfortable. They do that in all sorts of ways, like using eucalyptus instead of cotton, recycling plastic bottles into polyester sheets, or using only plant-based dyes on their materials. (Every product description tells you how many plastic bottles, geese, or gallons of water you’re saving.) Those different methods and materials don’t equal less comfort, though. Try out the hypoallergenic 100-percent eucalyptus sheets, but also give the Cloud Comforter — what Buffy’s best known for — a go. 

With a range of inexpensive bedding and bath textiles (plus rugs!), Under the Canopy is a great place to stock up on organic basics. Their products have a range of certifications — aside from GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade, they’re also cruelty-free and certified by the FSC and Weltrack. Bestsellers include the Organic Sateen Sheet Set and the Down Alternative Comforter.

Plover’s colorful textiles are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and dyeing methods that conform to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and the company is audited by the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). Plover is a small company committed to making limited-run and distinctively different products — right now our favorites include this Teal Zigzag Sheet Set and this Gray Lattice Quilt.

Anna Sova is dedicated to making “the finest organic linens in the world” for all parts of your home. All textiles are made of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton, silk, or linen, and the bedding is made in carefully selected Italian mills. Their bedding section is on the pricey end, but if you’re going to invest, might as well go for the oh-so-soft Organic Cotton Velvet Collection or the Luxury Champagne Collection. 

For a totally different type of organic bedding, check out Cariloha, whose specialty is bamboo. The company makes bamboo bedding, plus clothing and even mattresses. Breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally sustainable, bamboo sheets are one route to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Plus, their products are also available on Amazon: Check out their Classic Bamboo Sheet Set and enjoy that Prime shipping.

I Live Along the Beach, and This Is Softest, Most Absorbent Turkish Towel I’ve Ever Used

I Live Along the Beach, and This Is Softest, Most Absorbent Turkish Towel I’ve Ever Used

by | Jun 20, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

I’ll admit, it took me longer than it should have to jump onto the Turkish beach towel bandwagon — especially considering I live at the beach! I didn’t see the need to buy anything new when my trusty terrycloth towels worked just fine. Wow, was I wrong! When I finally adopted this new (to me) technology and realized how much lighter, slimmer, and chicer it was, I was a total convert. I have since opened myself to all sorts of towel possibilities, and my latest find is the hands-down frontrunner for my favorite. Every time (literally every time) I pull my FiveADRIFT Beach Towel out of my beach bag, I get tons of oohs and aahs from my friends, and we spend the next few minutes talking about how fabulous it is.

I fell in love with this beauty the moment I laid eyes on it online. With a sun-bleached, beach-inspired color palette, it exudes a laid-back vibe that immediately brings to mind surf spots like San Diego and Hawaii. I went with S. Pacific Ocean Boho Surf — a mix of stripes in rusty orange and aqua blue — but the other three styles are equally easy on the eyes. Ropy tassels on either end give it that extra dash of boho appeal, and it’s lightweight enough to throw in your beach bag or even your luggage without the bulk of a terrycloth towel. Yet even with such a slim profile, it’s spans a generous 65″ x 36″, so you can spread yourself out on the sand for a nap or wrap it around you when that welcome afternoon sunshower passes through.

And when you do get wet, whether after the rain or a dip in the ocean, you won’t stay that way for long. FiveADRIFT’s towel is made from HempCORE, a blend of hemp and cotton that absorbs three times as much water as the average towel. I’ve used towels that claim to get more absorbent with every wash, but this one actually does! Sure, the $49 price tag seemed high at first — especially given that my usual Turkish towels are six for $60 on Amazon — but I love the fact that, unlike most towels on the market, these contain zero microfibers or plastics that will seep into the water and harm the planet. I can also happily confirm that this FiveADRIFT gem is the softest towel I’ve ever used, and it just gets softer with every wash.

In the past, whether I’ve used terrycloth or Turkish towels, I’ve always ended up with a pile of sand at the bottom of the washing machine. It’s one of the hazards of spending time at the beach, right? Wrong! The geniuses at FiveADRIFT crafted HempCORE to be sand resistant, so you can leave the beach at the beach where it belongs instead of bringing it home with you. A towel that is kinder to my laundry appliances? Now that’s a benefit I didn’t expect. ($49 is looking a bit more reasonable, huh?)

I prefer to spend my money on brands that align with my values, which is why I was drawn to FiveADRIFT in the first place. The company donates 100 percent (!!) of its profits to ridding the sea of the 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic that litter it. In fact, each towel purchased equates to 75 plastic bottles being removed from our oceans. ($49? A bargain!)

So get ready for a stylish, sustainably minded summer! Whether you’re headed for the beach or the pool — or perhaps a little of both — I have a feeling that this FiveADRIFT Beach Towel is about to become your favorite, too.

This Soft (and Eco-Friendly!) Cooling Sheets Set Finally Convinced Me To Try Eucalyptus Bedding and I’m Never Going Back

This Soft (and Eco-Friendly!) Cooling Sheets Set Finally Convinced Me To Try Eucalyptus Bedding and I’m Never Going Back

by | Jun 1, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

When it comes to bedding, I tend to stick to what I know. I have exclusive loyalty to a few favorite sets of sheets that I tend to rotate through throughout the year regardless of season. Percale and linen are my go-to materials — it’s not that I’m opposed to trying something different out, but when you feel like you’ve found the right fit for you, why rock the boat?

Still, the nature of my job means I’m constantly being exposed to new brands, and with that comes the desire to see what else is out there. One of my favorite new-to-me brands? Sweave by The Linen Company.

The Linen Company x Sweave has a rich 30-year history in the textile industry, with the ethos that bedding is one of the most important products we will ever buy. Honestly, same! I’ve said it before, but bedding is a totally worthy splurge in my book, and something I’m willing to invest time (and money) in to get it “right.” But here’s the best part: The Linen Company and Sweave take their commitment to the environment just as seriously as they take their commitment to quality bedding. Not only do they produce their goods with eco-friendly processes and materials (more on that later), but they plant a tree for every bedding set sold. Translation: You can shop with a clear conscience, knowing you’re investing in a brand that cares just as much about your sleep experience as they do Mother Earth.

Sweave is best known for its eucalyptus sheets, which just so happened to be a material I had never tried before. The mint green set I chose felt silky-soft the instant I pulled them out of the package, with an understated sheen that gave them a crisp, polished effect. In case you’re unfamiliar with the state-of-the-art eco-friendly material that is eucalyptus, allow me to give you a quick 101 lesson. Also known as Tencel, the fiber from eucalyptus trees is sustainable, hypoallergenic, and naturally cooling, with a breathability that will keep even the hottest sleepers temperate throughout the night. They’re also made in an environmentally-friendly facility that puts a focus on responsible workplace practices

One thing I really love about Sweave’s bedding collection is just how versatile it is. While most eco-conscious brands stick to a basic neutral palette for their offerings, Sweave has fun with patterns and colors, resulting in bedding that is personality-packed, playful, and good for the environment. After sleeping on my Sweave sheets for several months I can confidently say they get better (and softer!) with each use and have been awarded a permanent place in my coveted sheet rotation.

Is a Cork Floor the Best Option for Your Home?

Is a Cork Floor the Best Option for Your Home?

by | May 11, 2022 | Design Inspiration

Bricoflor Eis White Cork Flooring

For any of you who are longtime readers of my blog, you will surely know about my love affair with cork. It is one of my all-time favourite materials for so many reasons and after I visited the cork harvest in Portugal back in 2019, I became an even bigger fan of this natural, sustainable and versatile material.

Over the past few years, we have seen architects, designers and decorators rediscovering and embracing cork as they have recognised its exceptional characteristics and the benefits that it can offer to their projects. We’ve increasingly seen the construction industry adopt cork as the material of choice for residential and commercial projects, particularly when it comes to insulation and wall and floor coverings.

And this is what I’d like to talk about today. A cork floor is chosen by many homeowners nowadays due to the clear advantages that it offers over alternatives. And no need to worry about it catapulting you right back to the 1970s. Thanks to advances in technology and a strong focus on design, today cork is incorporated into sophisticated floor coverings in a wide range of textures and colours, perfect for modern-day tastes.

Given the move towards natural materials, organic textures, biophilic design and sustainability in interiors it’s no wonder that cork is having a bit of a moment.

A white cork floor from Bricoflor in a bedroom

Bricoflor Mystic White Cork Floor

So let’s take a look at some of the properties that make cork such a special material.

What are the Benefits of a Cork Floor?

Thanks to the innate properties of cork, this fascinating natural material offers many benefits that make it perfect for use in flooring.

Hypoallergenic

Cork is one of the best solutions for people who suffer from allergies because it does not gather static electricity and therefore does not attract or absorb dust, pollen or small fibres. This, along with its resistance to humidity makes it a great choice for those at risk of allergies or for asthma sufferers.

Heat and Sound Insulation

Cork offers clear advantages in terms of acoustic insulation and can help to reduce noise due to the natural absorption capacity of cork. It also helps with thermal insulation, regulates room temperature, and prevents loss of heat into the environment. This can in turn reduce energy consumption and result in financial savings for homeowners, which is a big plus given the current cost of energy.

Waterproof

Cork is a naturally waterproof building material and due to its composition, it does not absorb water. So is a cork floor waterproof? Well, this depends on the type of floor that you choose. The glue-down cork floor tiles can be installed in any room, but click cork tiles or floating tiles, cannot be installed in wet rooms, as there is an HDF board in the plank composition, which is susceptible to water damage.

So if you’ve been asking yourself ‘is a cork floor good for kitchens?’ or ‘is a cork floor good for bathrooms?’ the answer is yes. As long as edges are sealed, a water-resistant lacquer is used and the cork flooring has a water-resistant core, then a cork floor is perfectly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Bricoflor Sprint Cork Floor in a living room

Bricoflor’s Sprint Cork Floor

Fire-retardant

Cork also performs well went it comes to fire as it is a natural fire retardant. It is even used by the aerospace industry due to its unique properties. When it undergoes combustion it burns without a flame and does not emit toxic gasses.

Resistant to Mould, Mildew and Termites

Cork is naturally resistant to mould, mildew and termites due to a substance called suberin. The inner walls of cork cells are lined with suberin, a fatty substance that is highly impermeable to gases and water. This is what makes cork inherently antimicrobial.

Soft and Warm Underfoot

Cork is a great flooring material because it is comfortable to walk on and stand on for long periods of time. Cork is always pleasant to the touch due to weak thermal conduction.

Elastic and Compressible

Cork floors are shock absorbent and will retain their original shape when exposed to normal compression. This means that they perform well under heavy furnishings. Cork can actually be compressed to around half its thickness and will recover its shape and volume once released. Its elasticity means it is able to adapt to variations in temperature and pressure without being altered.

Eco-friendly

Cork is a truly wonderful material because it is 100% natural, sustainable, renewable and recyclable. Cork oak trees have the unique ability to absorb C02 from the atmosphere. It is estimated that the cork oak forests can absorb up to 14 million tons of CO2 per year.

Cork is also classified as an eco-efficient material. This is because any waste created throughout the manufacturing process can be reused as biomass to produce new products.

It is a truly green material that does not harm the environment.

A terracotta cork floor from Bricoflor in a living room

Bricoflor Castello-Terracotta Cork Floor

So now we know the benefits of cork, let’s take a look at some other frequently asked questions when it comes to deciding whether or not to choose a cork floor.

How is Cork Flooring Made?

Cork oak trees being harvested in Portugal. Image copyright Stacey Sheppard

Cork is harvested from the cork oak forest in Portgual. The cork oak tree has a life span of 250-350 years and the cork can be harvested for the first time once the tree reaches maturity at 25 years of age. The harvesting process is done by hand rather than with machines so that the trees are not harmed. Once the cork has been stripped it will grow back and can be harvested every nine years. A cork oak tree can be safely harvested up to 20 times during its life cycle.

Once harvested, the cork planks will need to rest for up to six months outside so that they can stabilize. Then the planks are selected by quality and thickness and the appropriate ones are chosen for flooring.

Cork planks being left outside to stabilize. Image copyright Stacey Sheppard

Is a Cork Floor Hard Wearing?

Yes, cork flooring is hard wearing and is extremely resistant to abrasion. Its honeycomb structure makes it resistant to impact and friction so it is more hard-wearing than many other hard surfaces. However, it is still quite a soft material does require certain measures to ensure that it is kept in good condition. Particularly if you choose raw cork tiles, you will need to ensure that they are varnished correctly in order to protect the grain structure from damage.

How to Clean a Cork Floor?

A cork floor is quite easy to maintain and keep clean. When hoovering a cork floor you should always use the hardwood floor setting on the vacuum cleaner, or even use a floor duster. This is because cork floors are quite soft and you may risk scratching the varnish.

Cork floors can be washed just like laminate flooring with diluted cleaning detergent solution and a damp mop. Make sure you wipe up any big spills quickly, especial if the cork floor has an HDF board in its composition.

What Look Can I Achieve with a Cork Floor?

For many people, a cork floor stirs up bad memories from the 1970’s, but technological advances mean that cork flooring has come a long way since then and can now be used to achieve many different looks and styles with various different colours and finishes.

The natural colour of cork is a light tan shade which instantly adds warmth to a space. It can come in various brown shades depending on the tint and varnished used. But it is also available in black versions as well as grey and whitewashed shades.

You can also add varying degrees of texture to your room depending on the size of the granules in the cork floor. Bigger granules add more texture whilst smaller granules give a smoother finish.

If you prefer a more textured look, then you should go for bigger granules. The small granule cork gives a smooth texture. Peeled cork is another option and this is made by taking strips of cork and placing them next to each other to create a streamlined look.

The natural cork designs are not that versatile when compared to the versatility available in LVT or laminate flooring, as they are limited by the cork pattern. But the numerous benefits that a cork floor can offer far outweigh this minor aesthetic disadvantage.

Where can I buy Cork Flooring?

Bricoflor supplies two different brands of cork flooring and focuses primarily on floating cork tiles with factory applied finish, as these are easiest to install and can be used immediately after installation.

If you have found this post useful, don’t forget to save it for later by pinning the image below. And as always, I would love to read your comments about cork flooring. Do you have it installed in your home? If not, would you consider it?

9 Under-the-Radar, Eco-Conscious Design Finds to Style Your Home Sustainably

9 Under-the-Radar, Eco-Conscious Design Finds to Style Your Home Sustainably

by | Apr 22, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Living more sustainably can include consuming less, using what you already have, or shopping secondhand, but sometimes buying new just can’t be avoided. And when you have to buy a new product, the impact it has on the environment can stretch from shopping to shipment. 

So, to decide on whether or not an item is worth it, consider asking a few questions. “Where was this made?” is a good start, since there are ways you can ensure that production lines are looking out for the planet. “Who made this?” is another solid question, because it’ll likely lead you to discover the mission statements of the companies that get your business — and whether they align with your environmental beliefs. And once you’ve decided to put something in your cart, you should also consider, “What happens to this product when I’m done with it?” Perhaps a company recycles items for you, and offers a discount when they’ve reached the end of their lifecycle.

To steer you in a planet-positive shopping experience, I scouted out nine eco-conscious design finds that can help style your home more sustainably. In honor of Earth Day, and every day, learning to shop consciously is a habit the planet needs.