Natural Fabric Ideas

The Linen Look, Without the Compromise

If you love the relaxed, natural look of linen but want something a little more forgiving day-to-day, this collection is built for you. It brings together pure linens, linen-blends and linen-effect fabrics that all share the same relaxed drape and soft, textured finish — so you can choose based on how it looks and feels, not just what it's made from.

Choosing Between Linen, Linen-Blend and Linen-Effect

  • Pure linen – the most authentic texture and drape, can crease but this often adds to the charm
  • Linen-blend – linen mixed with cotton or other fibres for a similar look with a little more structure and strength 

Linen-effect – woven to replicate linen's texture, often more resistant to creasing and fading, and usually the most budget-friendly option

View plain linen and linen look

Frequently Asked Questions

What is linen-effect fabric?

Linen-effect fabric is woven or finished to recreate linen's natural texture and matte look, usually from cotton or man-made fibres. It gives you the relaxed, linen aesthetic with less creasing and easier care than pure linen.

Does relaxed drape fabric work well for curtains?

Yes, relaxed drape fabrics are especially popular for curtains because they fall in soft, natural folds rather than a stiff, structured line, giving rooms a lived-in, effortless feel.

Is linen-look fabric as durable as pure linen?

It depends on the fibre content, but many linen-blend and linen-effect fabrics are actually more durable day-to-day than pure linen, since they resist creasing and fading better while keeping a similar texture.

Can I mix pure linen and linen-look fabrics in the same room?

Yes - because they share a similar texture and colour palette, pure linen and linen-effect fabrics blend well together, so you can use a hardier linen-look fabric for curtains and pure linen for cushions or lighter accents, for example.

Patterned Linen Fabric

Relaxed drape doesn't mean plain. Our patterned linens bring the same soft texture and natural fall in florals, stripes and geometric prints — perfect if you want the linen look with a bit more personality. Browse our floral linen fabric and striped linen fabric for pattern-led options within this collection.

Tutorial Fabrics
H357 Rustic Chunky Gingham Linen Fabric GatheredH357 Rustic Chunky Gingham Linen Fabric Swatch
Tex Ex Emporium H357 Rustic Chunky Gingham Linen
Sale price £14.00 / Metre
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iLiv iLiv Zennor Olive
Sale price £27.50 / Metre
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iLiv Summit AlmondiLiv Summit Almond Fabric Gathered
Tex Ex Emporium iLiv Summit Almond
Sale price £35.50 / Metre
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French Woven Ticking Taupe S06French Woven Ticking Taupe S06
Tex Ex Emporium French Woven Ticking Taupe S06
Sale price £16.50 / Metre
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Nova Double Width Linen T150Nova Double Width Linen T150
Tex Ex Emporium Nova Double Width Linen T150
Sale price £18.00 / Metre
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Clarke and Clarke Clarke & Clarke Highlander Ivory
Sale price £13.50 / Metre
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H391 Rustic Chunky Gingham Mustard FabricH391 Rustic Chunky Gingham Mustard Fabric Gathered
Tex Ex Emporium H391 Rustic Chunky Gingham Mustard
Sale price £14.00 / Metre
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H357 Rustic Chunky Gingham Linen Fabric GatheredH357 Rustic Chunky Gingham Linen Fabric Swatch
Tex Ex Emporium H357 Rustic Chunky Gingham Linen
Sale price £14.00 / Metre
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Save 44%
Tex Ex 2935 Embroidered Paisley Linen White Denim FabricTex Ex 2935 Embroidered Paisley Linen White Denim Gathered
Tex Ex Emporium Tex Ex 2935 Embroidered Paisley Linen White Denim
Sale price £10.00 / Metre Regular price £18.00
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Clarke and Clarke Clarke & Clarke Highlander Bone
Sale price £13.50 / Metre
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S100 Yoga Class MultiS100 Yoga Class Multi
Textile Express Originals S100 Yoga Class Multi
Sale price £5.00 / Metre Regular price £12.50
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