From baby blanket to design favourite: muslin reinvented
12.5.2025
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Pia Seidel
When I think of muslin, the first things that come to mind are bibs and baby products. But Journey Living has now found a stylish way of using this super soft fabric in our bedrooms. I’ve given some of the products a go and I’m excited.
The Swiss label, Journey Living, draws inspiration for each collection from a special place – most recently Ibiza. This has resulted in two new bed linen lines, including one produced with double-layer muslin, made from 100 per cent Lyocell, which is sold under the brand name Tencel. The material’s super airy and said to feel really comfortable against your skin. But is this really the case? I recently put it to the test with a sample set the brand provided me with.
Source: Journey Living
First impressions
As soon as I unpack it, it’s clear that a lot of love has been poured into the details. The bed linen comes in practical fabric bags that look pretty and are suitable for storage.
There were three colours to choose from: white, mahogany rose (pink) and mint (green). I opted for pink and green – subtle, but with enough personality to give my bedroom a fresh look.
Muslin, but different – with Tencel
You may know muslin from muslin cloths or baby accessories, but there’s a whole new side to it in this form. Instead of cotton, the linen is made with Tencel. Since Tencel’s made from sustainable wood fibres, often FSC-certified, it’s a more environmentally friendly material. That’s not all though. It’s cool, slightly textured look works well as a muslin fabric.
Tencel is a fibre obtained from wood – usually eucalyptus, beech or spruce. It’s manufactured by the Austrian company Lenzing and requires less water and chemicals than many other materials when it’s produced. The end result is impressive in every way. Miriam Tyrangiel from the textile label Undercover Living sums this up in an interview: «It’s breathable, moisture-regulating – more so than cotton – and therefore also antibacterial. Even years later, it keeps its silky, soft feel.»
Stylish, versatile and well thought out
After unpacking, washing and putting it on, I instantly realise that the Ibiza bed linen fits my minimalist style perfectly. At the same time, it’s so versatile it can easily be combined with other patterns or textures. Whether you’re using it alone or combined with other styles, it blends into any living concept without being obtrusive. The Ibiza design also pairs wonderfully with the relaxed, low futon sofa I have for guests because it emphasises the laid-back vibe.
Another plus: there are fabric ties inside the bed linen that you can use to fasten the corners of the duvet.
Maximum comfort for minimum effort
Of course, you don’t just want bed linen to look good, you also want to sleep well. To my surprise, Ibiza has a soft feel and provides a pleasant warmth. Whether I lie down for a power nap or an extended night’s sleep, I feel comfy. In the recent first summer days, I appreciated the cosy, breathable material.
What I love about muslin after a few weeks of testing is that the fabric gets softer and softer with each wash. Do I need to iron it? No, never, because the material’s natural structure brings this relaxed look all by itself. And best of all, the fabric retains its shape and won’t shrink in the dryer, so no nasty surprises.
I only washed the bed linen at 40 degrees because this is more than enough in modern washing machines and the fabric is delicate. Journey Living recommended this temperature too, by the way. According to CEO Oliver Basliger, their muslin has extra connecting points between the two layers – this provides more structure and elasticity. «That’s why the fabric shouldn’t be stretched too much when you hang it up,» he says. «It’s best if you put the laundry straight in the dryer.»
Casual charm, but a little sensitive
Of course, the loose structure has its pitfalls – muslin is a bit more delicate than other fabrics. Threads can easily pull if you catch it somewhere. That’s why I prefer to take off any jewellery that could damage the fabric.
Should I wash it frequently? Washing it frequently generally makes muslin even softer, but online it says that the structure can change a little. I haven’t tested the bed linen for long enough to say for sure. For me, however, this is part of the casual crinkled look and what makes muslin unique.
In a nutshell
A real game changer in terms of comfort
The Ibiza bed linen scores points with its super-soft, breathable and easy-care fabric – and you don’t need to iron it. Compared to cotton, Lyocell which also go by the brand Tencel, is both softer and significantly more sustainable. The fabric is produced in a resource-saving and environmentally friendly way.
The muslin weaving technique is visually pleasing, but the linen’s a little more delicate as a result. If you get your jewellery caught in it, for example, it might pull out a thread.
Pro
- Weave creates exciting look
- No need to iron
- Super soft
- Made from wood
- Environmentally friendly chemical processes used in production
Contra
- Delicate
Header image: Pia Seidel
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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