Linen: all the properties of this plant material.

Whether in fashion or in decoration, linen is truly at the heart of the trend. Light, breathable, natural and eco-friendly, linen has it all. But where exactly does linen come from? What is its manufacturing process? We tell you all about this vegetable material that we love.

What is flax?

Linen is the oldestmaterial in the world and was used to create the wrappings around mummies in ancient Egypt. It is made from linen fibres, a herbaceous plant from Liberia whose delicate little blue flowers are particularly recognisable.

How is linen made?

France is the world's leading producer. 80% of its production takes place on our territory, mainly on the northern coast, in Normandy and in the Haut-de-France region.

Flax growing is delicate and ecological as it requires few resources. Indeed, it does not need fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides or chemical solvents, only sun and rain are enough to grow the flax fibre.

The farmer sows from March to April, and in June the fields are coloured with the beautiful blue flower. Harvested in July, the flax in the form of straw is then processed into usable fibres, the so-called scutching phase. After harvesting, the stages of combing, spinning, finishing and weaving follow to give life to the textile.

Flax growers also harvest the flax seeds that will be used for the following year's sowing or to produce flax oil. 

Everything in linen is useful and used, which makes it a zero waste material.

Our linen cushions woven and printed in Italy.

The strengths of flax

Raw, authentic yet chic, linen is also environmentally friendly in essence. Its thousand-year-old fibre is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Moreover, linen is a natural thermo-regulator, insulating in winter and limiting perspiration in summer.

But linen has a number of other qualities. As well as being comfortable and cosy, it is also the most durable material available.

Linen also has the power to enhance other furnishing fabrics around it, such as a beautiful leather armchair or a velvet sofa. The harmonies are then made naturally, very softly.

Finally, it is a textile that takes dye well, 60% of linen production is used in fashion, but the habitat is not left out since 30% of its uses are for decoration.

 For all these qualities, the linen material is particularly highlighted these last years for our greatest pleasure.

 Discover our Illustre Paris linen cushions, placemats and napkins.