Linen is summer’s synonymous material. It’s lightweight, breathable and effortless. Linen brings a quiet sophistication throughout your home. It brings casual comfort and can be a tactile, visual, and sensory upgrade that transforms everyday spaces into seasonal sanctuaries. From flowing drapes to textured throws and elegant table settings, linen will easily cool, soften, and elevate your interior. Read on for ways to use linen intentionally throughout your home during summer.
Light, airy linen drapery panels
If your home has large windows, floor-to-ceiling linen drapes are ideal for the summer and the rest of the year. They allow light to filter in while gently diffusing heat and maintaining a sense of openness. Linen naturally regulates temperature, which can be powerful in keeping a room cool. The subtle weave of linen drapery panels diffuses light beautifully, creating a soft glow without full blackout. If you need more coverage, you can layer the linen drapes with blackout woven shades. Linen’s organic texture also adds depth and movement without adding visual weight.
Linen design tips:
- Opt for neutral shades like ivory, sand, or soft greige to match any interior style. You can add trim around the border for subtle color, texture & pattern.
- Choose a heavier-weight linen if you want a more tailored, structured fall
- Hanging the panels at least one foot higher than the window on all three sides will help create the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings.
Textured linen throws
Replacing your heavier throw blankets with lighter-weight linen throws adds coziness without too much warmth. A lightweight linen throw draped over a sofa, armchair, or bed adds softness, structure, and sophistication without trapping heat. You can lay a linen throw on the foot of the bed, in living rooms for cozy naps and beautiful layers, or outdoors on chaise loungers or other covered spaces.
Linen design tips:
- Crinkle-textured linen appears casual with a laid-back elegance.
- For a Mediterranean feel, opt for soft stripes or hand-fringed edges.
- Tones like dusty rose, sage, or stonewashed blue will inject quiet summer color.
- Keep a rolled linen throw in a woven basket by the door or patio entrance for al fresco dining or sunset lounging.
Refined yet casual linen tablecloths
Linen transforms everyday meals into an elegant experience. A well-cut linen tablecloth is one of the easiest ways to elevate your dining area without adding clutter or excess.
Linen design tips:
- For everyday luxury, layer a neutral linen cloth with matching or contrasting napkins, simple stoneware, and natural centerpieces like fresh herbs or citrus.
- Choose embroidered linen in pale hues for a more dressed-up affair, pair it with vintage glassware or gold flatware.
- Let the linen drape 8–12 inches over each side of the table for casual styling, or go full length for formal occasions.
Caring for linen
Part of linen’s charm is its relaxed texture. However, proper care is still required to maintain its longevity. Always wash in cold water with gentle detergent and air dry when possible. Embrace linen’s natural wrinkles. They signal authenticity and ease. Light steam or press keeps edges sharp without stiffening the fabric for a crisper look. Store linens rolled or loosely folded in breathable cotton bags to prevent yellowing or creasing.
