Making Your Bed with Eco-Luxe Layers

by Arkeras LLC December 3, 2021

Gift-giving is in the air, and we are excited to share an Eco-Luxe Gift Guide for the Holiday Season!

A beautifully appointed bed is a wonderful gift, but being in bed because you are unwell is made even worse when the bed itself is uncomfortable or utilitarian. Whether at home, in the hospital, or in hospice, our approach is to elevate the experience of “The Bed”! Since eco-luxe is the sweet spot we aim for with our own products and those we use and endorse, our recommendations also sit in this spectrum. They are based on personal experience mixed with careful and thoughtful curation. Here in one place are our suggestions for making up a soft, supportive, and sumptuous bed with all the trimmings. Spoiler alert: softness abounds!

Starting with the foundation... SHEETS!
Note that most hospital and hospice beds require XL Twin fitted sheets.

Coyuchi’s Organic Jersey Sheets

Coyuchi products are the cream of the crop for their considerations to the environment and to the humans who insist upon fine products with a light footprint. Their organic jersey sheets are made from an easy-care 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified organic cotton knit that is as soft as your softest tee and highly breathable for year-round comfort. The color options range from light to dark neutrals, and the set comes in a reusable bag made of the same organic cotton fabric. A present at the ready!

Coyuchi’s Cloud Brushed™ Organic Flannel Sheet Set

We can’t resist bringing your attention to this company’s luscious flannel sheet set as well. Just note that it does not come in an XL Twin size. But if the size does not matter for your purposes, indulge your loved one with sheets made of six ounces of 100 percent GOTS Certified organic brushed, velvety cotton for its instant warmth. The set is available in soft, muted colors which can easily pair with existing bedding to create an aesthetically welcoming bed. This easy-to-give thoughtful present comes “wrapped” in a reusable organic cotton bag.

The company: We are delighted to recommend Coyuchi, a stellar company with sustainable and eco-friendly products. They are pioneers who have brought organic cotton linens and sustainable home textiles to the market for over thirty years. Recently, they entered the “circular economy” which means they produce recycled items made entirely of their own organic material. In fact, they are set to become the first company in the home industry to make a new product using a combination of the original, natural, and certified organic fibers that they are known for. It’s a blanket made from a blend of new and recycled Coyuchi materials to be released before year’s end. We can't wait to get our hands on it!

Their cotton is free from pesticides and harsh chemicals and is produced using less water and energy than traditional organic cotton. The company contributes to several organizations doing their part for the environment including 1% For The Planet as well as Fibershed which combats climate change through carbon-neutral farming. We could go on and on about the amazing efforts this company is making to reduce their carbon footprint on our precious planet. Explore their website www.coyuchi.com to learn more about sustainable production.

Leesa’s Cotton Sheet Set
These sheets are 100 percent organic cotton, brushed for extra softness—a half step toward flannel! They are GOTS certified and 400 thread count—breathable and oh so comfy! Choose from soft white, cream, light gray, or beautiful blue breeze: a variety of colorways to mix and match for a heavenly bed.

The company: Leesa is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to corporate accountability and transparency. Their giveback starts at home where the employees benefit from several wellness perks. And through their primary product, mattresses, they use a percentage of their sales to donate mattresses to children in need—one donated for every 10 mattresses sold.

Leitner’s Linen Duvet Cover
Our founder owns and loves the Linen Duvet Cover from Leitner Linens. She appreciates the company’s solid craftsmanship and use of luxurious fabrics made from natural materials. Her duvet cover has only improved with washings and usage becoming more and more supple for an extremely cozy feel. If you prefer a blanket to a duvet cover, check out their waffle-weave blanket made in Austria from classic pique linen. Whatever you choose from this fine company, you are guaranteed an impressively beautiful product that you will be proud to gift to a loved one.

The company: This Austrian company began in 1853 and remains viable by continually modernizing and innovating its processes while remaining true to its base material—linen—which is robust, tear-resistant, long-lasting, and holds its shape. Their website has an extensive timeline to explore the ins and outs of this storied institution. Leitner declares their blankets are made for cuddling—and we couldn’t agree more!

Parachute’s Marble Cloud Cotton Quilt
Overstuffed and fabricated from the finest 100 percent long-staple yarn-dyed Turkish cotton, this quilt is also garment washed, all of which makes for an extra soft, extra fluffy bundle of warmth with an unexpected marble-like visual texture. And it’s machine washable! They call it your “bed in the clouds,” it’s so soft and fluffy!

The company: Parachute’s guiding principle is to “bring more comfort to your world through premium, accessible essentials.” They are proud of their Oeko-Tex® certification which verifies that products are made without harmful chemicals or synthetics. And they take it one step further partnering with the United Nation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to send life-saving malaria-prevention bed nets to those in need.

Garnet Hill’s French Stripe Lumbar Pillow
A subtle stripe on a rustically high-end linen pillow, these sophisticated covers are made in heavy-weight 100 percent linen with a hidden zipper for extra comfort. There are two lumbar lengths: oversized at 12-by-48 inches or small at 14-by-20 inches). We like them in gray for the bed or a guest chair. They will make extended time in bed (or sitting at your loved one’s bedside) more comfortable. Be sure to get a corresponding insert!

The company: We are repeat customers of Garnet Hill, drawn to their natural products, accessible pricing, and stylish variations on everyday items. Besides using natural fabrics, many with the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX^®certification, Garnet Hill does so much to give back to their communities. Via the Garnet Hill Cares Program, they have donated over $1 million to charities locally and nationwide. They also contribute to Good360, St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and the Community Charity Fund of Garnet Hill, as well as put together an annual Community Service Day. All told, we feel great returning to garnethill.com time and time again to stock our linen closets!

Crown Linen Designs’ Zen Linen Lumbar Pillow
There are several linen lumbar pillows to choose from at Crown Linen Designs based on personal taste, of course, but they are all extra-long at 14-by-34 inches and made from supersoft 100 percent European linen, each filled with hypoallergenic poly fill. Not to mention their easy-care machine washability! The Zen version is our favorite, sure to add a peaceful feeling to any bed and leave its receiver feeling both calm and pampered.

The company: This local-to-us shop is frequented by several of us at Arkeras. Like us, Victoria, the Founder of Crown Linen Designs, believes that beautiful things elevate and inspire us, and that every person's life should be filled with beauty. She considers naturally renewable and biodegradable linen in particular one of Earth’s gifts to our senses so it’s no surprise that her product line centers around linen—all sourced from Eastern Europe.

Victoria takes such special care with each and every design offered at her shop, focusing on enriching the lives of all those she works with as well as those who benefit from her products—a mindset we cherish in her and foster at Arkeras!

Coyuchi’s Organic Latex Body Pillow
A body pillow is helpful to side sleepers and pregnant women who benefit from the support it offers on joints and back. Our recommended insert is made of pure, GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex rubber foam known for its breathability, durability, and biodegradability. Because of its fabrication, this amazing pillow will support even those who are highly sensitive to dust and mold. It comes with an organic cotton sateen pillow cover, removable for easy washing. Its generous 68-by-7.5 inch size offers the ultimate in support so your loved one can rest or sleep comfortably and peacefully.

The company: Coyuchi is the best! See details above.

Naadam’s Kilo Cashmere Throw
Named for its weight, this sustainable cashmere throw is made from 1 kilo (over 2 pounds!) of 100 percent sustainable Mongolian cashmere. Naadam's fabulous cashmere boasts high breathability, high-gauge fabric, and odor-blocking properties. This luxurious throw can be handwashed for relatively easy care, adding the desired comfort and warmth to any bed or body for years to come. It is offered in many gorgeous neutral color options to suit you or your loved one: white, cement, smoke, black, and oatmeal.

The company: We adore Naadam because of who they are and what they stand for. They go straight to the source of their cashmere, Mongolia's Gobi Desert, working directly with herders to bring high-quality, sustainable cashmere to us! They use finer, longer cashmere fibers that create their top-of-the-line products that are truly made to last. They also give back through nonprofit work with the Gobi Revival Fund to set up clean water sources, a livestock insurance program, and a park for the local community to gather, play, and thrive! We proudly recommend this company whose materials come from 100 percent renewable or recycled resources.

Quince’s Luxe Knit Cashmere Throw Blanket
Made from 100 percent Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, this soft, flat-weave throw is finished with a classic ribbed edging. It measures in at the perfect throw size of 50-by-60 inches, and comes in two lovely neutrals: heather gray and ivory. The epitome of luxurious comfort, it’s an extra layer of warmth for anyone on your gift list during the cold winter months.

The company: Quince has made its reputation on radical transparency and lower pricing, offering high-end sustainable materials at a lower than traditional retail cost. They believe that quality shouldn't be a luxury for the rare few. So, they took a category of historically considered exclusive items and transformed it into everyday products that last. Quince is so confident that you will love their products, they honor free returns for 365 days. That’s stress-free shopping!

Quince is also committed to working with factories that meet the global standards for workplace safety and wage fairness. Even their packaging is created in an environmentally conscientious way. Another all-around feel-good company to choose from when gifting a loved one this holiday season!

Crown Linens Designs Jacquard Linen Throw Blanket
Enjoy the wonder of 100 percent linen with this lightweight throw blanket in a stunning jacquard pattern with flax linen edging. Its natural taupe color that will easily layer into any environment. At 52-by-64 inches, it is a generous size appropriate for the bed or bedside chair. It will stay lovely via machine washing in cold and lying flat to dry. And don’t stop there: we recommend pairing the throw with their Jacquard Linen Lumbar Pillow for a simply sumptuous bed!

The company: We love this place! See above for all the company details!

Mamu Studios Hot Water Bottle
For an item that will warm the heart and body of any recipient, explore Mamu's hot water bottle plus cover. It is crafted with ultra-soft sheepskin and a silky cotton lining. Its subtle zip along the back allows for easy cover removal and care. This indulgent accessory comes in three gorgeous colors—khaki, cream, and dark gray—made all the better knowing that each item is crafted with sustainable materials, and packaged in an eco-friendly cotton bag. Mamu Studios makes it an easy choice for everyone on your shopping list this holiday!

The company: Mamu Studios is an independent brand that offers a mix of classic and minimalist staple pieces made with top quality in mind as well as the environment: all of their items are packaged in eco-friendly cotton bags and recyclable paper packaging. Their products represent the love of comfort, simplicity, and affordable luxury—all things we at Arkeras also love and support—that can extend out to the gift receivers on your list this holiday season.

We at Arkeras hope our list has inspired you with thoughtfully made gift options this holiday season. Our hope and wish is that The Bed curation has brought your attention to some sustainable companies and products that will let you feel good about gifting an item that will make its receiver feel good too. Happy Holidays from the entire Arkeras Team!

Making Your Bed with Eco-Luxe Layers

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