Autumn has arrived, which means the holiday season will be here before you know it. With so many festivities to look forward to, there's no better time than now to revamp your guest bedroom for visiting friends and family. And when it comes to guest room decor, adding small personal touches and upgrades can go a long way in creating a space your guests will love.
Whether you're looking for guest room decorating ideas to give your spare room a festive glow-up or for a front-to-back makeover, we've got you covered. Redfin reached out to us and other experts for our room essentials to add a touch of holiday cheer to your guest room and create a stylish and functional space for your visitors. Check out our guest bedroom decorating idea alongside other recommendations here:
Dreamy Guest Bedroom Decorating Ideas to Welcome Your Holiday Guests
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In 2020, many online brands partnered with environmental charities to encourage consumers to “give back” on Black Friday. A great example is Patagonia, which donated 100% of its sales on Black Friday to environmental causes.
This is an effective way for you to donate to these fantastic charities while shopping online, so be sure to look around to see which companies will be taking part this year.
We have decided to donate a percentage of our sales during November & December to World Water Crisis Charity this year. Water is the largest natural resource on the planet & research also indicates that water shortages have the potential to cause conflict & war.
Conventional cotton farming is very water intensive, however, organic cotton is mainly rain-fed & requires 90% less irrigated water than conventional cotton. Water usage & access to clean water is something we care deeply about which is why we have chosen to donate to World Water Crisis Charity.
We’ve all been there, giving in to temptation by buying something straight away because it’s “cheap as chips” and it looks good. But what we really need to be asking ourselves is: Do we need it?
So before you do your Black Friday shopping spree, we’d recommend you make a shopping list of the things you need rather than want beforehand to reduce your impulse spending. This practice is not only eco-friendly but is also easy on the pocket!
Don’t be tempted to place one order after another! Consolidating your orders will not only help to reduce the delivery costs but also help to limit the amount of packaging used for your items and the number of delivery drivers required.
Also, when it comes to selecting the delivery method, it is worth choosing an eco-friendly delivery option if it is available. We have partnered with DPD for our deliveries and you can find out about how they are aiming for cleaner, greener deliveries here.
When it comes to choosing a company to shop with, it’s important to research their ethos and practices. Choose to shop from companies that are transparent about the materials used within their products and where their items are produced.
Our company believes fast fashion has a huge negative impact on the earth’s resources and population's health. That’s why one of the key aspects of our brand is to be transparent and to choose quality over quantity for more sustainable practices. Buying as ethically as possible means being compassionate and smarter with our resources and money.
Read our blog on why we chose to use organic cotton for our products and the environmental benefits.
Browse through our entire range of luxurious bedding, all made from 100% organic cotton, using sustainable and ethical practices.
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Did you know that temperature significantly contributes to the quality of sleep you get?
If you are serious about getting some quality "zzzzs", you need to think seriously about the quality of bedding you sleep on.
Here at Strawberry & Cream, sleep is very important to us. That's why we're so passionate about sourcing and designing the most luxurious, well made and ethical 100% GOTS certified organic cotton bedding.
The flat sheet may seem old-fashioned, but before elasticated fitted sheets were invented, flat sheets required daily tucking under a heavy mattress. Here at Strawberry & Cream, we see the 100% cotton flat sheet rather differently.
We believe it is best used as a layer between yourself and the duvet, and preferably untucked. Not only does this help to regulate your temperature at night, but it also reduces the need to wash the duvet cover so regularly. There's nothing better than the feeling of freshly laundered sheets, and changing a flat sheet is so much easier than regularly wrestling with a duvet cover!
Thermoregulation is also a vital component to quality sleep. Rather than stirring from deep sleep, cold from kicking off the duvet on the hottest nights, the flat sheet helps your body react to a drop in ambient temperature. So as the nights get warmer, try layering a breathable 100% organic cotton flat sheet underneath a 100% wool blanket or 100% organic cotton duvet cover. Research shows it will directly influence the quality of your sleep.
A rise or fall in the ambient temperature can cause increased wakefulness and decreased REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This fourth stage is the restorative part of our sleep cycle and if disrupted by temperature, our bodies are unable to follow their normal circadian rhythm (internal body clock that regulates the 24-hour cycle of biological processes in animals and plants.). Leading to tiredness and difficulty concentrating during the day.
Temperature can also impact upon slow wave sleep; the deepest stage and most important period of our sleep cycle. This is when our bodies, grow, develop, grow and re-energize. It’s during slow wave sleep that the body recovers and energizes for the next day. Researchers have shown that regularly disrupted slow wave sleep can lead to an increase in serious diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
1. Sleep boosts your immune system
Your body needs sleep to identify and fight germs and allergens. Whilst you sleep, your body produces extra protein molecules that can strengthen your ability to fight infections. A good night's sleep is also the best way to fight existing colds and infections.
2. Sleep reduces stress and depression
A lack of sleep causes your body to produce higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This can not only disrupt your sleep further, but make it harder for you to react and respond to stressors rationally and calmly during the day.
3. Sleep helps you maintain a healthy weight
Sleep affects our hormonal balance. Hormones are essential for the feeling of refreshment we have when we wake up. Not only that, but they are important for the proper function of all the organs and cells in our body. They even regulate the hormones that affect your appetite and reduce your cravings for high calorie foods.
4. Sleep reduces your risk of serious diseases
Prolonged relaxation during sleep helps reduce blood pressure. Regular restorative sleep can also help to lower the levels of stress and inflammation to your cardiovascular system, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, research has shown that regularly disturbed sleep affects how your body processes glucose; ineffective management of glucose can lead to type 2 diabetes.
5. Sleep can help your relationships
Do you find yourself to be more snappy after a poor night's sleep? More likely to jump to conclusions, listen to paranoia and misinterpret signals? Sleep is key to reducing our levels of stress hormones and helps us respond to loved ones in a more calm and measured way, even if they have left the damp bath towels on the bed...again!
6. Sleep can make you smarter
Alongside a great night's sleep, scientists have shown that a daytime power nap can help your brain to function more effectively. Sleep is also key to memory function; it is when your brain processes, analyses and stores the information it has absorbed during the day. Your brain needs sleep to maintain an effective filing system!
We can help. All our bedding made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. Not only will the breathable organic cotton help your body maintain a happy temperature, you can also sleep guilt-free knowing that our sustainable, ethical bedding is not harming the planet.
From Fitted to Flat Sheets, Pillowcases to Duvet Covers, our bedding is designed with a good night's sleep in mind. We take huge pride in the feedback we receive from our existing customers - many of whom who are enjoying a better night's sleep already.
Discover our blog for more top tips for a great night's sleep.
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A whole year on from the first lockdown, who'd have dreamt that we'd be in the midst of a pioneering vaccine programme and have navigated the choppy waters of home-schooling, furlough, masks and tests?
If, like us, you've enjoyed a more relaxed approach to cleaning during lockdown, perhaps this Spring sunshine is spotlighting all the wear and tear?
If you're now thinking ahead to visitors arriving, we've got you covered. Read on for our top tips to get your spare bedroom visitor-ready.
Throw back the curtains, open the windows wide and pass a critical eye over your spare bedroom. Dust - you can deal with, paint chips can be resolved, but how else can you make the bedroom feel light and bright?
Your Spring spruce up for the spare bedroom needn't cost the earth. With the bed often the dominant, central feature, refreshing your bedding is an easy and cost effective way to brighten up the bedroom.
Choose our luxurious white duvet cover set (1 duvet cover & 2 pillow cases), and pair it with a contrasting sandy beige, pink or grey fitted sheet set (1 fitted sheet & 2 pillow cases) to blend with your existing colour scheme. The contrasting look of the white duvet cover set, to that of the coloured fitted sheet set will look bespoke, stylish and modern. The bedroom will instantly spark to life, and you'll be amazed by the impact reflected light can have on the feeling of space.
Chances are your visitors will be giddy at the thought of a night away from their own four walls, so why not treat them to the ultimate night's sleep?
With foreign holidays on hold and even local ones sold out, after a restful night's sleep they'll wake up revived and ready for their day with you.
Did you know that night time temperature significantly influences the quality of your sleep? Synthetic fabrics traps air and reduce circulation, so as your body temperature rises, you sleep hotter and experience discomfort. Your sleep quality is also affected because the time you spend in deep sleep reduces.
The bed linen you choose has an important bearing on comfort. There are few things more comforting than sliding under a decadent duvet cover and laying your head on a sumptuously soft pillowcase.
Choosing high quality, 100% organic cotton bedding not only helps your guests maintain a comfortable temperature, but you can sleep guilt-free too, knowing that your eco-friendly, ethical purchase has had a positive impact on our planet.
As we approach an increase in temperature, offering your guests a flat sheet alongside their duvet cover not only looks stylish, it also offers them a choice of bedding to prevent overheating.
Check out our example below showing the light grey flat sheet (untucked for a relaxed layered look), overlaid with a white duvet cover.
A good night's sleep can be affected by so many variables and freshly, laundered bedlinen can have a positive and pleasant effect on our wellbeing.
Studies show that the aroma therapeutic effects of lavender include a significant increase in blood melatonin levels in both men and women. Melatonin levels have a direct impact on the quality of sleep we experience.
Try spritzing your pillowcases with a light spray of lavender or light a lavender essential oil candle to add a warm, relaxing glow to your spare bedroom.
According to a survey carried out by Spare Room in October 2019, there has been an increase in the number of houseplants gracing Instagram feeds, with over 2.4 million posts tagged with the hashtag, #houseplant.
The Royal Horticultural Society also found that nearly three quarters (72%) of adults had a houseplant in their home with this figure rising to 80% of 16-24 year olds.
This growing trend for green guests is borne out of a greater awareness of the impact of plants on health and well-being. Although few studies have looked at the impact of houseplants on sleep since a convincing 1989 Nasa study, injecting oxygen-rich greenery into your spare bedroom is a fresh, welcoming touch.
Whether its a Macramé hanging Spider plant, a Peace Palm or a sprawling, jungle Pothos plant, letting nature in to your spare bedroom shows guests that their bedroom has been nurtured and cared for.
What are your spare bedroom essentials?
Whatever you can't do without, treat your guests to the same 5 star hotel treatment. If leaving a chocolate on their pillowcase, is a step too far, consider offering a small kettle and range of teas. Or maybe a small selection of your favourite books, a fluffy dressing gown and bedroom slippers.
Little touches, but what better way to welcome a return to normality, than by treating your loved ones to a wonderful stay and a decadent night's sleep in your spare bedroom.
The biggest challenge of using a Duvet Cover, is inserting the Duvet into the Duvet Cover. It's frustrating, fussy, and cumbersome. The Duvet usually “bunches up” inside the Duvet Cover, and inserting it feels like a task that takes forever.
This inconvenience often makes people procrastinate when it is time to wash their bedding. It is no surprise then, that as many as 28% of people in the UK wash their bedding every 4 weeks!
a) Use a Flat Sheet as a layer between the Fitted Sheet & Duvet
Ideally, you should change your bedding weekly. But if this is not possible / convenient for you, then we recommend that you use a Flat Sheet between the Fitted Sheet and the Duvet (like in the image below, which shows a grey Flat Sheet sandwiched between the Duvet and the Fitted Sheet). Leaving the Flat Sheet untucked makes bed making easier, and it gives a luxury hotel style layered look.
The Flat Sheet helps reduce the amount of contact your body has with the Duvet Cover. Removing the Flat Sheet from the bed and putting it back on, is easier than using the duvet cover. This allows you to wash the Flat Sheet, Fitted Sheet & Pillow Cases more often, ensuring that you sleep in freshly laundered bedding regularly.
The Flat Sheet is also a year round bedding staple. In winter, it adds a layer to your Duvet for more cosy sleep. In warmer weather, rather than using a Duvet, the Flat Sheet can be paired with a light blanket for more comfortable sleep.
For hygiene reasons, we still recommend that you regularly wash your Duvet Cover. Aim to wash your Flat Sheet, Fitted Sheet & Pillowcases weekly, and your Duvet Cover every 2 weeks.
b) Discover an easier way to change your duvet cover!
We empathise with you, and completely understand the frustration you probably experience when trying to insert a duvet inside a duvet cover - especially if it is a large king or super king sized duvet. But worry not... there is now a brilliant solution to overcome this challenge. There is now an innovative way of inserting a duvet into the duvet cover, using the "burrito" method.
Why not add a flat sheet to your bedding, and see what a difference it makes to your sleep! Pair the Flat Sheet with a matching Fitted Sheet Set, and a contrast coloured Duvet Cover Set. It will instantly refresh your bedroom decor, and give your bed a boutique, hotel style look.
]]>There is plenty of medical research to suggest that getting good quality sleep is as important to human health as getting regular exercise and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet. The quality of sleep you get affects how rested you feel, and that can have a major impact on your physical and mental health.
According to the National Bed Federation, two people sharing a standard double size bed only have as much personal sleeping space as a baby in a cot. So, when it comes to beds, bigger is better! The more space you have in bed, the more comfortably you’ll be able to sleep. So, it makes sense to invest in the biggest bed you can afford, provided it also fits comfortably in your bedroom. It’s worth putting some thought into what size bed will give you the best night’s sleep, but what should you consider when you’re shopping for a bed?
We’ll help you decide which UK bed size is right for you. If you haven’t already, you can read our bedding size guide to learn more about the differences in UK, European and US bed and bedding sizes.
Single size beds are usually designed for one person and are suitable for very small bedrooms. A standard double bed is not ideal for 2 people either, so for a comfortable night’s sleep we recommend that single adults should have a double bed at least (if there is space to accommodate this). While couples should consider a king size bed to start.
Your bed should be at least 10cm longer than the tallest person who’ll be sleeping in it, so that they aren’t having to curl up or have their feet dangling off the edge! If you or your partner are taller than 5ft 11” (180cm), that means you’ll need a king size bed for maximum comfort.
Your bed needs to be proportional to the size of your bedroom, because a small bed will look a bit lost in a large room, while a large bed will make a small room feel even smaller. As a guideline, a 1:3 ratio of bed to bedroom works best but this isn’t always practical, particularly in cramped new build houses. Remember that you’ll still need space to walk around the edges of the bed comfortably, so aim to make sure that you leave 24 to 30 inches between the bed frame and wall on each side of the bed.
Your bed likely isn’t the only item of furniture in your bedroom, so you’ll need to leave space for other pieces of furniture! From bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobes, any furniture will need 24 to 30 inches between the bed and the item so that you can move around easily.
Now let’s take a look at which bed size is best for you and your room.
*When estimating the recommended bedroom sizes in the examples below, we have assumed that the mattress lies on a bed frame that is 10cm larger in both width and length than the mattress. Mattress sizes are assumed to that of UK standard mattress sizes.
A standard UK size single bed measures 90x190cm. You should measure your room to make sure that the bed can fit with enough walking and storage space. For the best level of comfort, we recommend that your room should be at least 65 sq. ft. in order to fit a single bed.
To accommodate a single bed, a bedroom measuring at least 175cm (W) x 335cm (L) would be most suitable - assuming there’s a 60cm deep wardrobe against one wall with walking space of at least 60cm (24”) to 75cm (30") after allowing space for radiators.
A standard UK double bed measures 135cm x 190cm. European sized double beds are slightly longer and roomier, measuring 140cm x 200cm. Again, you should measure your room to make sure that the bed can comfortably fit with enough walking and storage space around the room!
We recommend that your room should be at least 105 sq. ft. in order to fit a standard UK size double bed.
A bedroom measuring at least 295cm (W) x 335cm (L) would be most suitable to accommodate a double bed - assuming there are wardrobes on only 1 wall side of 60cm depth & walking space of 24" - 30" around 3 sides of the bed (minimum) after allowing space for radiators.
The king sized bed is the most popular bed size in Europe, allowing two people to sleep comfortably. Whilst the standard double bed, in the UK, is the most popular size, people are increasingly upgrading for a King size bed for a luxurious sleep.
A UK size king bed measures 150cm x 200cm, while a European size king bed is a slightly wider 160cm x 200cm. So the minimum room size should be at least 115 sq. ft.
A bedroom measuring at least 310cm (W) x 345cm (L) would be most suitable to accommodate a king sized bed - assuming there are wardrobes on only 1 wall side of 60cm depth & walking space of 24" - 30" around 3 sides of the bed (minimum) after allowing space for radiators.
If your bedroom is large enough to accommodate this sized bed, you should absolutely choose this option without hesitation!
The comfort you and your partner would get by sleeping on a bed this size would be luxury hotel standard, especially when you consider that it is 30cm wider than a UK king size bed (and 45cm wider than a UK double).
Considering that a super king sized bed measures 180cm x 200cm, the bedroom must be at least 125 sq. ft.
A bedroom measuring at least 340cm (W) x 345cm (L) would be most suitable to accommodate a super-king sized bed - assuming there are wardrobes on only 1 wall side of 60cm depth & walking space of 24" - 30" around 3 sides of the bed (minimum) after allowing space for radiators.
When you’ve treated yourself to that new bed, why not treat yourself to a gorgeous new set of Strawberry & Cream organic cotton bed sheets to go on it?
Getting the correct sized bedding is also important as it's more comfortable and looks more attractive. Oversized or under-sized, ill-fitting sheets not only look untidy but also can impact the sleep quality.
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A Duvet Cover is a protective casing for the Duvet. It helps prevent the Duvet from getting stained. Cleaning Duvets can be expensive, and hence the reason for using the Duvet Cover.
Duvet Covers have three sealed ends. The bottom end is open allowing for duvet insertion. Most Duvet Covers have buttons as fasteners.
Duvets should be larger in size compared to mattresses. This is to ensure that despite tossing and turning, you are still covered by a duvet. So as not to get cold – especially during cold winter months.
The size of the Duvet must match the size of the Duvet Cover to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. Industry standards dictate Duvet sizes.
But sizes can vary between different countries. This is because mattress sizes are different between countries. For example, European & US sized mattresses are bigger compared to UK sized ones.
When buying a Duvet, you should aim to buy one where each person gets at least 30cm extra duvet (width-wise). So, if you have a UK Double bed, your duvet width should be at least 200cm; 135cm mattress width + 32.5cm extra width either side.
Duvets are also designed in a way that when placed on the bed, the Duvet should be 25cm down from the head of the bed at least. For example, a UK Double bed mattress is 190cm long. So, if the Double Bed sized Duvet is 200cm in length – it gives 35cm extra duvet at the foot of the bed. This is enough for a person to sleep comfortably without their feet getting exposed and feeling cold.
Some people prefer bigger sized duvets for their bed. It's not uncommon for people to choose a King sized Duvet for a Double bed; or indeed a Super King sized Duvet for a King sized bed.
At Strawberry & Cream, we recommend that you buy a Duvet designed for the specific size of your bed. For example, a Double sized Duvet for a Double sized bed, or a King sized Duvet for a King sized bed. It makes your bed look neat and attractive.
But, if you feel you must buy a bigger sized duvet for your bed, then we recommend going no higher than the next size up. So for example, get a King sized Duvet, at most, for a Double bed… and so on.
Conclusion:
Getting good quality sleep is especially important for your health and productivity. In addition to getting good quality bedding sheets, you should get the right fitting bedding for your bed for maximum comfort.
It is also important that you get a generously sized bed and mattress for your bedroom (of course space permitting and taking other factors into account), for better quality sleep.
To sleep in luxury comfort and style every night, browse our luxury duvet cover selection.
]]>The following benefits are associated with good sleep:
There is a strong case for the need to improve sleep quality. Yet, there are still many people who are unable to achieve this. According to an article by Healthline, many factors contribute to lack of sleep – some of which are:
You can improve sleep quality in many ways. Using quality bedding, maintaining a cooler sleeping temperature, practising better bed hygiene, & reducing caffeine intake are some of them. But what about relaxing your body and mind to prepare it for sleep?
This is an often over-looked and important aspect. Meditation and breathing techniques can help you sleep better. It can also make a difference in your ability to function well both mentally & physically. Breathing helps to lower your heart rate. To enter a state of deep sleep, your heart rate needs to be at 60 beats per minute. Most people’s heart rate is closer to 75-80.
Stress and anxiety can also impact on our ability to sleep well. Most people face different daily life challenges. They can be financial, emotional or physical (or a combination). These challenges cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Dealing with daily stresses induces a “flight or fight” adrenal response from our body. This type of response can be healthy to identify and deal with physical danger. But events which are not life threatening can trigger this response too. Challenges like traffic jams, relationships & financial pressures. This is when it becomes a problem. Breathing techniques negate these “flight or fight” responses. They help the body to relax.
It is difficult to sleep well in an uncomfortable environment... whether you are facing physical or emotional challenges. There is a well-documented breathing technique known as the “4-7-8” method which can help improve your sleep quality.
The 4-7-8 breathing technique requires you to do the following:
Deep breathing can induce many benefits. Some of these are:
The 4-7-8 breathing technique, is one of many breathing techniques. What makes it unique is that it is very easy to remember the sequence. Breathe in for “4 seconds”, hold for “7 seconds” and breathe out for “8 seconds”. It is not time consuming to perform it daily. If the “4-7-8” sequence is not suitable, then do a shorter “2-4-4” sequence. The "2-4-4" sequence shortens the "4-7-8" sequence by half. You then build up to a level that is suitable for you.
Happy breathing, we wish you deep and restful sleep!
Shivani & Sam
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Both need a change in lifestyle and a call to action by the public. Like with COVID-19, many people still live in a state of denial that it cannot happen to them. This is despite the overwhelming amount of evidence. For those not experiencing its ill effects - there is almost an element of indifference. The media regularly reporting huge numbers of people congregating, despite strong advice not to.
Climate change is very similar in that respect. Devastating natural disasters are increasing in frequency and well documented. Yet there is still an insufficient call to action by many people and governments.
Cape Town (in South Africa) & Chennai (in India) have run out of fresh water. There have been devastating fires in Australia. US coastal regions have experienced major flooding. Europe has experienced deadly heatwaves.
These events should alert people to be more mindful about consumption habits and their impact on climate change. Yet it has not done so at a rate where meaningful results can be seen.
COVID-19 forced many governments to order lockdowns. They took this action to rein people in, and force them to behave responsibly. Many economies globally, both rich and poor, opted for this measure. This is despite knowing the economic disaster that they would face by grinding to a sudden halt. Many people suffered major financial hardship.
Many developed nations have taken on huge amounts of debt to bail out their economies. For many of these countries, this debt is unaffordable. How this debt will be serviced and repaid is not a decision for today. Future generations will have to pick up the tab. It will be difficult for them to do so - and they are likely to experience significant financial hardship.
Knowing all this, why is it that governments are taking such aggressive measures? The answer is – with COVID-19, danger is imminent. Almost every government sees the problem sitting right on their doorstep. The fear is there and forces them to be pro-active.
The effects of climate change are also real. They pose an equal level of threat – if not more – compared to COVID-19. But it is not taken seriously yet for 3 major reasons:
The effects of climate change look likely to get more intense with the passage of time. This is if we can rely on research and science. Natural calamities can be catastrophic, affecting people mentally & physically. It can also be financially devastating to people and economies. Just because we cannot see events in the present - it does not mean that it cannot happen.
However, adopting clean living and eco-friendly habits should not be done just out of fear. There should be a deeper understanding of why we all ought to do this. It is a way for all to re-connect with nature and tune in to our true selves.
It’s about being respectful and compassionate to all living beings, whether human or other forms of life. It is about understanding that they, like us, also play an important role in the well-being of our planet. It is about being mindful of our consumption habits. It is understanding the impact our purchases have on the world’s resources, including the health and well-being of our fellow human beings. It is about choosing quality over quantity. Understanding that less is more.
All countries are united in the fight against COVID 19. The world came to a halt for a period of time. Everyone is sacrificing convenience. A heavy price is being paid in the short term in the of a better future.
If climate change is similar in logic to COVID 19, shouldn’t we all be adopting the same stance? Buying better, which might not be more cost effective yet, but see the benefit in the long term?
One way of doing so is to buy products made from 100% organic cotton. It contributes to the well-being of the planet. It also benefits the health and wellbeing of farmers.
Buying organic cotton products is one aspect. Reducing consumption by choosing to buy good quality over quantity also helps. It goes a long way to reduce the impact of climate change through lower greenhouse gas emissions. It might cost more in the short term, but it pays dividends in the longer term.
Ready to make the switch to living a more compassionate life?
There are some factors you may not be able to control, but the good news is that you have the power to change the environment you sleep in - that is, your bedroom.
Darkness is a signal to your body to produce melatonin, which helps you drift off to sleep. If your bedroom is too light, this sends your body the wrong messages.
That’s also why the advice is always to avoid phone screens when you’re getting ready for bed.
If you work night shifts and need to sleep during the day, blackout curtains and/or blinds are a must, especially, if you have street lamps outside your bedroom window. An eye mask is a cheaper alternative. Make sure to dim any digital clocks overnight.
The temperature of your bedroom makes a huge difference to your sleep quality. It’s difficult to get to sleep in a room that’s too cold. If the room is too warm you’re likely to wake up tossing and turning in the night.
Your body temperature actually drops overnight. Experts believe that 16-18 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature for sleeping in.
This could mean turning the thermostat down overnight. You could open the window if it’s safe to do so. This will give you plenty of air & prevent stuffiness. If the room feels cold - a cosy pair of pyjamas, bed socks and a hot water bottle will help you feel warm when you climb into bed.
Noise can also disrupt your sleep, especially if you live on a busy road. Investing in double glazing can help to reduce this. If you want to have the windows open, you might find ear plugs help to drown out street noise.
Be aware of any background humming created by appliances and gadgets in your house, e.g. the dishwasher. Closing doors or switching some devices off overnight may help.
Your body temperature overnight is not only determined by the ambient room temperature. The thickness of your duvet also plays a part. It’s best to alternate between a lower-tog summer duvet and a higher-tog winter one. So that you’re not overheating in summer or feeling too cold in winter.
It’s not only your choice of duvet you need to consider. You’ll also want to make sure your pillows are of the right height and firmness for a comfortable sleep.
Your mattress also has a major impact on your comfort levels and thereby the quality of your sleep. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to mattress firmness. The important thing is that you’re not sleeping on an old, sagging mattress. It can put pressure on your shoulders and hips. Your back needs the right support, and your mattress needs to be adequate for your weight and build.
The bed linen you choose has an important bearing on your comfort. You don’t want your duvet cover or pillow case feeling rough against your skin. Opting for a smooth, high-quality organic cotton bed linen set will give you a feeling of luxury - you feel as if you’re staying in a nice hotel.
Many of those insecticides kill bees and fish. Despite this, insecticide use is still considered indispensable. This is because various pests, viruses and bacteria can damage up to 60% of cotton crops. In addition, herbicides are used to prevent weeds growing.
But, synthetic insecticides and herbicides contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, damaging the eco-system. They also pollute waterways and rivers - making the water unusable.
However, there is an alternative to growing non-organic cotton. It is Organic Cotton. Organic cotton prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides. It reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. It also helps conserve water - Earth's most precious (and increasingly scarce) resource. Organic cotton reduces use of irrigated water by up to 90%, compared to non-organic cotton.
In an eco-friendly world, organic cotton is becoming more popular with consumers.
Cotton farmers, globally, run about 100 million households. Most are small scale farmers, in 3rd world countries. Farmers, who grow non-organic cotton, often farm it as a mono-crop.
The majority of cotton grown the world over is of the genetically modified (GM) type. While yields can be high, they require a lot of pesticides & insecticides to combat pests. However, pests have become increasingly resistant to GM cotton in India. This requires the cotton crop to be sprayed with even more pesticides, and also harming soil quality.
But insecticides and herbicides are also harmful for human health. Farmers are often untrained in how to use them. Fatalities and hospitalisations of farmers and their workers are common. Many of these countries have poor health services and little state support.
Living a healthy lifestyle there is even more vital. People do not enjoy the same healthcare facilities we enjoy in developed nations.
Financially, crop failures can be devastating as there is no alternative income. This is especially true if there is little state support. Many of these farmers borrow monies at unsustainable interest rates. Crop failures mean they are unable to re-pay their debts - and often lead to tragic cases of farmer suicides.
It takes between 10,000 and 20,000 litres of water to grow 1 kg of cotton. About the quantity of cotton needed to make a single pair of jeans!
To put this in perspective, Coca-Cola has faced challenges in places such as India and Pakistan. It has been forced to recycle waste water, and think about sustainability – including building desalination plants. That is because it takes almost 3 litres of water to create 1 litre of its drinks. In the scheme of things, non-organic cotton is a much bigger culprit than Sprite or Coca-Cola. Yet local farmers, unlike huge multinational corporations, cannot build desalination plants!
This is a major consideration. The wettest parts of the world are getting wetter and the driest are getting dryer - evidence suggests. Most cotton is grown in many of the driest countries and regions in this world. These countries are already experiencing falling water-tables.
The global population is set to grow by another 2-3 billion people by 2050. Feeding and clothing everyone is likely to stress water levels even more. Irrigation, as a long term solution is unsustainable.
The Guardian newspaper reported in 2015: ‘The water consumed to grow India’s cotton exports in 2013 would be enough to supply 85% of the country’s 1.24 billion people with 100 litres of water every day for a year’. Not much has changed since then.
In the UK we seem to have "endless amounts of water", but others are struggling. Cotton is a culprit, therefore any frugality with water is helpful.
There is a huge saving in water if farmers shift to growing organic cotton.
The Soil Association has documented how it (organic cotton) grows slower, and yields are around 15% lower, but, compared to non-organic cotton, its fibres are stronger. Also, its impact on global warming is less than half. The input costs to the farmer are almost 40% lower.
On balance, organic cotton is more profitable for farmers than non-organic cotton. Eco-system wise, organic cotton is better for the local flora and fauna. Growing organic cotton is healthier for farmers and their workers too. That is because the use of synthetic fertilisers and insecticides is not allowed.
Farmers instead adopt methods like crop rotation to combat pests. The resulting subsistence food crops provide farmers with better and varied nutrition. It also provides farmers with a diverse and stable income, as excess food crops get sold in local markets.
As population size increases, demand for scarce resources will too. Regarding food, being self-sufficient becomes more important therefore.
Organic cotton still only accounts for less than 1% of all cotton produced. But attitudes to it, like attitudes to the environment and the food we eat, are changing rapidly. There is an awareness and increase in demand for organic cotton. Consumers are looking for ethically produced and certified textiles. This is where brands like Strawberry & Cream help lead the way in organic cotton awareness.
Organic cotton benefits the eco-system. It also contributes to the well-being of farmers and their families - and helps them live a life of dignity. So, where possible, choose to buy products made from Organic Cotton. Then you’ll be cool in every sense!
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A good night’s sleep should not come at the expense of ruining someone else’s. Sleep and let sleep. Today and for future generations…. by making the wise and compassionate choice. Do the right thing, and switch to using organic cotton sheets.
]]>Big cities like Cape Town, Rome and Chennai are already experiencing major water shortages. However, the severity of the situation is thrown sharply into focus when we consider research, which shows water shortages could cause conflict and war.
Traditional cotton farming is water-intensive, requiring on average 11 thousand litres of water to grow 1kg and accounts for almost 2% of the world’s water consumption. In India alone, the water required to grow conventional cotton would be enough to supply 85% of the country’s 1.24 billion people with 100 litres of water every day for a year.
Organic cotton requires 90% less irrigated water than the conventional type and is grown in healthy, rain-fed soils, so they can retain more water to cope with both floods and drought.
An annual saving of 54 billion litres of water would result if the cotton fibres used in bed linen production for the UK market were organic. This is enough to meet the domestic water consumption for a city the size of Glasgow for an entire year!
Over 95% of cotton produced globally is genetically modified (GM). GM cotton is damaging to the environment and the physical health of farmers because of the excessive amounts of pesticides used for growing cotton. It is estimated that 77 million cotton workers suffer poisoning from pesticides every year, causing health problems such as infertility and birth defects.
Most cotton production occurs on small scale farms. Purchasing GM seeds, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers is expensive and cost-inefficient for farmers. So as well as health issues, farmers also often face debt problems due to the unsustainable interest rates on these purchases.
Yet, GM cotton has not performed well in India — the world’s largest producer of cotton. Crop failures often result in financial ruin. Unable to pay off their loans and debts, tragic cases of farmer suicides are common.
Most cotton farmers are not trained in the handling of pesticides. They also don’t have the suitable kit to protect themselves from this toxic mix of chemicals, resulting in hospitalisation and/or fatalities.
Pesticides and synthetic fertilisers also pollute the wider ecosystem, rivers and waterways. This pollution makes the water unusable and poisonous — and dangerous for animals and human life.
Growing organic cotton prohibits the use of synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Natural herbal pesticides are used instead, for example, neem, a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the neem tree.
Farmers also practise crop rotation to help tackle pests better. The soil quality is also healthier than ground where synthetic fertilisers are used. Healthier soils help tackle climate change and crop rotation enables farmers to become self-sufficient and enjoy a more secure income.
Our bed linen is made from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified 100% organic cotton. For a product to be GOTS certified, it has to meet the highest environmental and social criteria. This includes every point along the supply chain — from the farm to the finished product.
Organic cotton farmers play a significant role in water conservation. They also help preserve biodiversity and the creation of a better ecosystem. At factory level, workers get paid a fair living wage, enabling them to live a dignified life. Child labour and the use of toxic dyes and chemicals in the production process is prohibited. Detailed records of water consumption and wastewater treatment are mandatory.
Learn more about the criteria required for a product to be labelled as 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
By buying our range of bed products, you can rest assured that you’ve made a positive impact in creating a better, happier and healthier world.
Browse our bedding range today.
Read our buyers guide on how to choose quality bed linen to make sure you're getting the best.
]]>Your sleep quality is invaluable; it directly contributes towards your emotional and mental well-being. Investing in comfortable, well made and well-designed sheets should be non-negotiable.
We want your experience of bed linen to be luxurious and comfortable. This is only possible if the fabric is well made.
Many factors determine the quality of bed linen. Thread count is relevant, but not the most important factor.
Most retailers use it as a marketing gimmick to promote the superiority of the product. But be cautious, as thread count can be manipulated. A high thread count product can actually be inferior in quality!
The guidance below will help you make an informed decision when buying any quality bed linen.
Cheap bed linen is usually made from a polyester and cotton mix. Polyester is made from plastic and treated with harmful chemicals that shed with every wash. It impacts both your skin and the environment. It’s not breathable either, so it traps body odour, and makes you sleep hotter, presenting a ripe breeding ground for bacteria.
Knowing the staple length and yarn count is important when buying bed linen. Bed linen made from long staple cotton fibres, of a high yarn count, will give a smooth and luxurious fabric feel. Avoid bed linen made from a yarn count of less than 40, as it will be of poor quality.
Yarn counts between 60 & 80 are suitable to achieve a good balance between affordability, luxury & high quality.
Avoid bed sheets made from a thread count of less than 180-200. This is because the fabric will be flimsy and made from coarser yarns, this makes the bedding less durable.
For light, breathable & affordable bed linen, a thread count of between 200 & 350, is suitable. Sheets made from a thread count of higher than 400 in single ply, single pick fabric is usually expensive, because the threads would be finer and of a higher yarn count (e.g. 80s, 100s or 120s).
There are two types of weaves: a) a sateen weave & b) a percale weave. A sateen weave gives a soft, smooth, and silk like feel to the material. It has a better drape, and a shiny lustre that exudes luxury.
With a percale weave, the material is crisp with a paper like rustle when ruffled. It has a matte like appearance. Bed linen made using this weave is most suited for warmer climates.
The weave ratio also influences the softness and lustre of the material. Horizontal threads are woven into the vertical ones in creating the material. A vertical thread is known as a "warp". A horizontal thread is known as a "weft". An approximate weave ratio of 2:1 between warp & weft is recommended for good quality sheets. This weave ratio gives a durable fabric, a beautiful lustre and a luxurious softness.
Sleep quality contributes to our general wellbeing. You have a right to know more about the make-up and quality of your bed linen, especially when you spend a third of your life sleeping in it.
Most retailers don’t provide this level of detailed information. We choose to be transparent.
Our bedding is made from GOTS certified, long staple “60s Yarn”, 100% organic cotton. The fabric is woven using “single-ply” & “single-pick” construction, using a sateen weave method. The fabric has approximately 300 threads per square inch. The vertical: horizontal thread ratio of the weave is approximately 2:1.
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]]>The quality of a fabric cannot be determined just by the thread count, as this can be manipulated. Also most retailers keep thread count details vague, by not disclosing what area it covers e.g. is it per square inch, or is it per 10 cm2 (as is often the case in Australia), or is it more?
It is the finishing processes applied to fabrics that greatly influence the quality and feel of it e.g. mercerization & singeing. In addition to these, there are other factors that need to be considered when deciding what constitutes good quality bed linen.
Let’s take a look at what we mean in closer detail…
Fibre lengths vary in length and are referred to in the textile industry as “staples”. Long length cotton fibres are referred to as “long staple” and short length cotton fibres are referred to as “short staple”. Most clothing is made of the “short staple” variety.
Long-staple fibres result in a softer, stronger, more durable fabric that’s far less likely to pill, fray and feel scratchy after just a few washes. However, most store-bought bed linen is made using short-staple fibres.
‘Yarn’ is defined as a collection of cotton fibres that form a ‘single ply thread’, with its finesse being measured in ‘Yarn count’.
The term ‘Yarn Count’ refers to how many thousands of metres of thread achieve 1kg in weight. For example, a ‘60s Yarn Count’ would require 60,000 metres of thread to achieve that weight. ‘80s Yarn Count’ would take 80,000 metres of thread to achieve the same weight.
So, the higher the Yarn Count, the finer the thread will be. When 2 or 3 single-ply threads are twisted together, they become 2-ply or 3-ply respectively.
Thread count is generally measured as the total of the number of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads per square inch of fabric. The higher the yarn count (finer the thread), the higher will be the thread count per square inch of fabric – and the more expensive the fabric will be.
If the fabric is woven using only single ply thread, it is only possible to achieve a thread count of around 300-400 threads per square inch of fabric using 60s Yarn thread, depending on how tight the weave is.
Unless thread of a yarn count in excess of 100 is used (resulting in very expensive bed linen), excessive thread counts indicate the use of “multi-picks” or “multi-ply yarns” and a poor quality product.
Our 60s Yarn Count bed linen is woven with a 70% weave coverage average between threads to give an optimal balance between breathability and fabric weight, thereby enhancing comfort while sleeping.
Thread count can be inflated using multi-ply threads (2,3 or even 4 ply). Quite often, manufacturers use a mixture of short and long staple yarns of lower yarn counts which result in a heavier and less durable fabric that is more likely to pill and feel coarse and scratchy after a few washes, as the short staple fibres start to poke through the fabric.
The fabric of our bed linen is woven using only long staple single-ply threads.
“Picks” are threads woven horizontally into the fabric. A “single pick” is a single thread that is woven into the fabric at a time. “Multi pick” refers to 2,3,4 or as many as 8 threads that are simultaneously woven horizontally into the fabric, all bunched up. This artificially increases the thread count.
Multi-pick threads affect the structural integrity of the fabric as more strain is placed on the vertical threads. This results in a heavier and more fragile fabric.
Our bed linen is manufactured using only “single pick” insertion.
Bed linen with a high thread count at a really low price, should raise a certain amount of suspicion from the consumer. Thread counts only matter up to a point, with a measurement below 180 indicating thin and flimsy sheets.
View our buying tips page to understand what to look out for when judging the true quality of bed linen.
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