Bedroom Talk
After a bit of a hiatus, I’m back, and hoping to post a bit more regularly. Nothing like a global pandemic to really throw things off-course!
I frequently have clients request hospitality-inspired bedroom designs based off of a favorite hotel they’ve stayed at (one inspired by the Shinola Hotel is my favorite to date), so today I am sharing some tips on how to achieve an elevated, hospitality-inspired bedroom using only cruelty-free materials. Since we spend about a third of our lives in bed, this is an area worth investing some time and money in. The focus of this post will be on textiles, as that can be one of the areas it is hardest to avoid animal products. First, the basics:
Bed pillows are part of a foundation for a luxurious sleep experience.
Bed pillows // Down filled pillows are ubiquitous, but they are not only a common allergen, they are definitely not cruelty-free. If you've never thought about where down comes from or how it is obtained, suffice to say, it is not cruelty-free. A quick online search will tell you more than you ever wanted to know. Thankfully there are a myriad of other options to choose from. Not all down-alternative pillows are created equal. A good quality pillow will feel and behave very much like down, have a soft loftiness to it, and be easy to fluff and reshape. After much trial and error, I have discovered my personal favorites, but it is definitely a matter of individual preference. Keep trying different ones until you find what works for you.
Sheets // For the ultimate hotel-inspired bed, opt for clean, white cotton sheets. Percale will give you a crisp, cool feel (think of a classic, white button-down shirt), while sateen has a sleeker feel and sleeps a bit warmer than percale. Percale might require a quick touch of the iron to get any wrinkles out, but the end result is so worth it. There are also some “wrinkle free” options available now.
Covers // A brushed cotton blanket has the look of high-end wool, without any of the itchiness. At the end of the day, wool is an animal product, therefore not considered vegan. It is also another common allergen (many people have a sensitivity to a compound found in wool). For a more layered, sumptuous look, you could opt for a duvet instead (or in addition to). A simple linen duvet cover has an effortless and relaxed look to it, while cotton percale or sateen will look a bit more tailored. Tencel (lyocell) is a material that has a silk-like look and feel (but does not contain any animal products) and is becoming more and more common. This could be a great option, as well.
Throw pillows // Cotton velvet, cotton, and linen are all great options that add texture and color to your bed. Bonus points for using an oversized lumbar pillow for a tailored, unfussy look. Remember to check for down-alternative inserts here, as well.
Finishing touches // A throw folded across the foot of the bed is a great touch. Make sure it is the appropriate size, depending on what size bed you are working with. Finding options large enough to span the width of a king-size bed can be tricky. Some materials to seek out are a highly textured cotton, faux mohair, or other synthetics, which can have a very soft hand and are often machine washable.
Buy quality bedding basics, and they will last for years.