French Country bedding is just as important as the bed itself. As pure linen is favored in the French home, antique stalls and Brocante fairs – a cross between junk and antique sales - do a fair trade in France selling old embroidered and monogrammed linen sheets.
Antique and vintage sheets are also used as bed covers or hangings for beds with a corona or posts. Damaged sheets are cut up and used for pillow or cushion covers.
When the fashion for the underskirts of a lady’s petticoat changed during the 19th century, the outdated underskirts were often turned into bedspreads which are sought after items today.
Homespun textiles are also avidly collected. Each treasured remnant of hemp, linen or wool, no matter how small, will be turned into cushion covers with the smallest pieces used as center inserts.
Creating the Look
Sheets are usually white and may sometimes have a slight touch of blue in the form of a thin stripe or two. Embroidered, cutwork and monogrammed sheets being the most popular.
Blankets are favored above duvets and will be covered with a bedspread and indienne or toile ‘boutis’, folded at the end of the bed.
If the bed has posts, simple hangings will either be antique sheets or a soft light weight textile.
No bed will be completely dressed without pillows and a number of cushions for comfort. A bolster may be placed underneath the pillows and the square scattered cushions will be an assortment of different print designs and sizes, all blending and toning together.
Quilts and cushions are also used to introduce color and lift the other elements in the room.
Tip
Layer beds with bedspreads, quilts and throws and then finish off with heaps of comfy cushions.
