It's a cover-up

Announcing the Bemz Design Award

Bemz loves design. So much so that we have decided to throw our energy in to a competition to help the next generation of textile designers break into the big league. Yes, we are proud to announce the inauguration of the Bemz Design Award!

Our new prize will bring together students from major design schools around Europe, encouraging their future design careers and inspiring upcoming generations of designers. Students working with textiles from renowned design schools in Sweden, Germany, France and the UK, will compete for the prize: one lucky winner from each country will see their design developed, produced and introduced into the ranks of the Bemz Designer Collection.

Bemz cover in Pienet Kivet by Marimekko from the Bemz Designer Collection

Bemz cover for PS armchair in Duck Egg Brera Lino by Designers Guild

Here, the winners will see their names sit alongside long established and illustrious designers like Marimekko and Designers Guild...

Bemz cushion covers in Blue on Blue Kaleido, Brown on Plum Kaleido by Viola Gråsten and Ash Brown Bulbous by Stig Lindberg

... as well as designers like Stig Lindberg whose seminal vision changed the face of textile design for future generations...

Bemz cover for Stockholm Easy chair in Blue on White Korall, Brown on White Korall, design Bantie

... and Lisa Bengtsson and the designers at design house Bantie who are a testament to contemporary design and were not long ago students themselves.

Furthermore, the winning creations will be available for purchase across the globe, from Australia to the Americas, making their way into homes as sofa covers, chair covers and bed covers to name a few, alongside the hundreds of home textile products available at Bemz.

The Bemz Design Award will be launched at the end of August 2013 at which time members of the judging panel and participated schools will be announced. You will also be able to follow step-by-step as the competition unfolds.

 

Bemz & Designers Guild: Together again + 10% off!

Yes it’s true. Bemz is once again teaming up with award winning Designers Guild.

Bemz cover for PS armchair in Duck Egg Brera Lino by Designers Guild

This time we’re bringing you the full range of Bemz products in 100% linen from Designers Guild – in exciting new colours too!

This means you can buy the full range of Bemz products, from sofa covers to cushion covers to bedspreads and everything in between, in 100% linen - until now, 100% linen was only available for our Loose Fit styles.

Bemz cover for Söderhamn sofa in Crocus Brero Lino

Bemz cover for Nils chairs in Ivy Brera Lino

This is also the first time that Brera Lino linens will be available as ready-made textile products for the home - excusively at Bemz!

Bemz cover for Söderhamn sofa in Noir Brera Lino and Bemz cover for PS armchair in Duck Egg Brera Lino

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa, Loose fit Urban style, in Leaf Brera Lino

Designers Guild’s gorgeous Brera Lino prewashed 100% linen textiles – now in lovely new hues – are spot on trend and an absolute must-have for summer 2013. Use Bemz’s ready-made interior textile products in Designers Guild’s popular Brera linens to instantly lift the character and style of any room and, with a greater choice of colours and styles, it is easier than ever for customers to create a chic, coordinated interior.

Bemz cover for PS armchair in Cinnamon Brera Lino by Designers Guild

Designers Guild Brera Lino textiles are a heavyweight 100% plain linen weave with a soft washed texture for outstanding handle and drape. And as with everything Bemz, the new home ware products made in Designers Guild Brera Lino linens are robust and machine washable, and carry the same Bemz high quality guarantee.

Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Rosewood Brera Lino, Bemz bedskirt in Rosewood Brera Lino, Bemz bedspread in Cloud Brera Fino

They can be mixed and matched with all Bemz slipcovers, bedroom furnishings and more, as well as all Designers Guild’s products, for a highly personalised look in the home.

We have also added exciting new fabrics to the linen range for Loose Fit. The stripes and checks Bemz has chosen from Brera are available exclusively as Loose Fit covers and are just as well suited to the romantic shabby chic style of Loose Fit Country as to the more austere, natural style of Loose Fit Urban.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, Loose Fit Urban Style, in Saffron Brera Fino and curtain in Lime Brera Fino

Buy now and get 10% off any Bemz product in solid coloured linen fabrics: (NEW!) 100% Brera Lino linen from Designers Guild, 100% prewashed Rosendal linen, and our cotton/linen Belgian Linen Blend! Offer valid until June 12, 2013.

Or visit our website to test your favourite on your own furniture. Order up to five free fabric samples!

(And Pssst, from August 2013, the 100 per cent Brera linens will also be available as new made-to-measure curtains from Bemz, the perfect addition for creating individually designed living spaces.)

Big news from Bemz: Curtains

Believe your eyes! In August 2013, Bemz will be launching a completely new product: made-to-measure curtains suitable for a variety of décors and budgets. And you can get a sneak peek at them right here.

Bemz curtains in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Wash Linen and Bemz cover for Backa sofa in Tea Green Belgian Linen Blend.

Curtains are key to the Bemz textile home ware mix, enabling you as a customer to create a complete and individual look using Bemz products.

Bemz curtains in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Wash Linen Bemz Multi Fit cover sofa cover in Absolute White Panama Cotton and Bemz cover for Mellby armchair in Absolute White Panama Cotton

For a chic, coordinated interior, you can mix and match curtains with the rest of Bemz’s range of sofa covers, chair covers, cushion covers, bedroom products and more, instantly lifting the character and style of any room in your home.

Bemz curtains in Mandarin Orange/Soft White Gotland Stripe. Bemz cover for Skruvsta Swivel Chair in Mandarin Orange Panama Cotton and a Nils footstool cover in Woven Whimsey Cloud Grey by Katarina Wiklund

The new curtains from Bemz will be available in four made-to-measure styles: with tabs, pencil pleats, eyelets or rings; and two flexible sizing options: readymade, in four standard sizes that fit the most common window sizes, or made-to-measure, in narrow panel curtains or full size lengths – up to six metres long!

Bemz curtains in Sand Beige Raffia Textured Cotton. Bemz bedspread in Grey Frescati Plaid, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz bed skirt with box pleats both in Zinc Grey Raffia Textured Cotton

And here's what Lesley Pennington, the founder and CEO of Bemz has to say: Our new line of curtains is a fantastic addition to the Bemz range of products and a unique offering for our customers. Bemz is making designer décor more accessible to savvy, quality conscious customers, who wish to express their personal style in the home and surround themselves with things they love.

Bemz curtains in Silver Grey Panama Cotton and Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair with armrests in Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz curtains in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen and Bemz Daybed in Absolute White Panama Cotton.

You will be able to choose curtains in over 200 different fabrics, including designs by famous brands and designers such as Designers Guild, Marimekko, Strömma, Viola Gråsten and more. Made of 100 per cent natural materials, the curtains are robust and machine washable, and carry the same Bemz high quality guarantee, and like everything Bemz, Scandinavian at heart.

Roll on August! And watch this space for your curtain call.

Show your Tomelilla some love: 10% limited offer

At Bemz you will find slipcovers for cherished favourites that are no longer sold at Ikea, including the tried and true Tomelilla. Take this opportunity to give your Tomelilla sofa, armchair or footstool a new style for summer! Buy a Bemz cover for your Tomelilla now and get 10% off until May 14, 2013.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla sofa in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz cushion cover in Caffe Latte True Rose

The classic, rounded design of the Tomelilla is practically an icon. The Tomelilla series, sold between 1993 and 2005, is an Ikea favourite that has stood the test of time. We, along with many of our customers, are very fond of this range of comfortable and cosy pieces made for some seriously lazy lounging.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla sofa in Candy Pink Panama Cotton

The sofa is deep and generous with loose back cushions and set on casters, a very practical detail when rearranging furniture or moving! At Bemz you can buy extra slipcovers (60x60 cm) for the sofa’s back cushions, allowing you to mix and match colours and patterns according to your own taste.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla in Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe

With three different styles and over 180 different fabrics to choose from you can rest assured that a slipcover from Bemz will give your favourite sofa or armchair a unique look. Each of the three different slipcover styles available at Bemz ensures your Tomelilla sofa, armchair or footstool will be completely transformed.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla armchair in Red Fandango by Marimekko for the Bemz Designer Collection

Regular fit is our most popular style and is available in 160 different colours and patterns. The design is cut to the precise dimensions of the furniture and has the appearance of an upholstered sofa or chair.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla armchair in Loose Fit Country Style Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Loose Fit Country style slipcovers are available in 100% prewashed linen from Belgium, including our exclusive Rosendal Pure Washed Linen. The slightly looser fit, armrest covers and ties, give this style of cover a vintage, romantic feel that completely changes the look of the furniture.

Tomelilla in an Unbleached Bemz Basiq slipcover, with ties instead of zippers

Basiq is our price-conscious option. This style of cover offers a somewhat looser, more relaxed fit, without piping, and the zippers have been replaced by ties.

Tomelilla armchair and Tomelilla Fotö footstool in Aqua Praliini Printed Cotton

The Tomelilla series includes a 2-seat sofa, a 3-seat sofa, a sofa bed, an armchair with a high back, an armchair with a low back and the “Fotö” footstool. These are now discontinued at Ikea, but you can try to find second-hand models on sites like E-bay.com (Germany, USA), Blocket.se (Sweden), Leboncoin.fr (France), Gumtree (UK), Craigslist (USA) and others. Throw on a cover from Bemz and hey presto you have a designer sofa without the designer price tag.

Trend Alert: New Nordic Pastels + new colours & 10% off

Update your interior décor with the latest colour trend: New Nordic Pastels - a modern take on summer's favourite hues. To help you get this look, Bemz is launching two new colours in our popular Panama Cotton fabric; Peach and Aqua, both essential for creating this unique style, and available for all Bemz covers. Starting today, April 25, you can get 10% off the New Nordic Pastels palette until May 2, 2013. So kick start summer by adding some easy Nordic elegance to your home with this bright, cool palette!

Bemz covers for Söderhamn sofa and armchair in Peach and PS chair in Sand Beige

The modern New Nordic palette is a move away from sugary pastels, focusing instead on sublime bright shades, colour-blocked with stark white, neutral beige and refreshing hints of neon.

Bemz covers for Nils chairs in Peach and Aqua

Colour-blocking, combining two or more larger blocks of solid colour, is the key to this look. Think serene Vanilla Yellow, Peach and Aqua colour-blocked with neutral Absolute White, Sand Beige and Silver Grey. Accents of primary colours True Blue and Grass Green, as well as refreshing hints of neon give the necessary playful touch.

Bemz cover for Skruvsta chair in Grass Green

A few examples of typical combinations are Vanilla Yellow with Silver Grey, Peach with Sand Beige and Aqua, and Peach with Vanilla Yellow, all set against a cool white base. Dashes of bright colour adds visual depth and interest to the otherwise minimalist interior.

Bemz covers for Tylösand sofa in Absolute White and for PS armchairs in Sand Beige and Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen Blend

New Nordic interiors are free from clutter. The living room’s clean lines are cool to the eye, with textiles adding warmth and comfort.

Bemz covers Söderhamn sofa in Peach and Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Silver Grey Vallsta and Yellow Fiskis

Furniture is simple and stylish, in materials like natural, unfinished wood. A sleek Söderhamn sofa with a Bemz cover in new Peach paired with accent cushion covers from the Bemz Artist Series collection to add a pop of colour.

Bemz bedspread in Absolute White and Bemz cover for Klippan footstool in Aqua, with Bemz Artist Series cushion covers.

Textiles are where the New Nordic look really comes into its own, making colour-blocking easy and affordable. Use Bemz sofa covers and chair covers in modern New Nordic Pastels as a base, while bringing the look together with cushion covers in neon digital print or trendy dip dye or ombré accents.

For more information on New Nordic Pastels visit Bemz.com.

Top tips: How to bring that posh hotel suite home

Stepping into a boutique hotel is about as luxurious as it gets. If only you could create that same experience in your own bedroom, right?

The Standard Hotel High Line, NYC

Whether you long for a sleek, streamlined design or something more rich and elegant, follow these easy tips from Bemz in-house designer, Katarina Wiklund, to give your bedroom the 5-star treatment.

Bemz bedspread in Grey Frescati Plaid, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz bed skirt with box pleats both in Zinc Grey Raffia Textured Cotton

Vanvik bed frame cover from Bemz, available in three sizes, 140 cm, 160 cm and 180 cm, with or without a bed skirt in Sand Beige Raffia

Katarina says that transforming your bedroom into a stylish, sophisticated haven is as simple as sticking to a monochromatic scheme - choosing neutral colours like creams, beiges, and plenty of greys and boosting interest with splashes of colour.

Bemz bedspread, Loose Fit, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard, Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

The bed is the focal point of your room so make it a showstopper.

Bemz bed skirt with box pleats in Bayshore Magenta by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection and a Bemz cover for Ikea's Bådalen headboard also in Bayshore Magenta.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Outfit it with a crisp white duvet and sheets, then heighten character and texture with a luxurious 100% linen bedspread, a matching bed skirt and extra pillow covers in the same or contrasting colour. This will make the room look and feel heavenly. A complete look like this can be created with the Bemz bedroom collection.


Bemz bedspread, Regular fit, in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz bedspread. Loose Fit, in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

If space allows, give the room a whisper of opulence by introducing a chair, bench or ottoman then give it the designer treatment with a coordinating Bemz cover.

Bemz cover for Lillberg armchair in Graphite Grey Belgian Linen and Bemz cover for Karlanda bench

Other tips from Katarina include matching curtains to your walls for a calm, cosy feeling or to your bedding for an elegant touch. For extra drama, she suggests keeping the curtains longer than the length of the window so excess fabric can bunch on the floor.

Bemz bed skirt with pleats in Mocha Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz cover for Bådalen headboard also in Mocha linen

Straight bed skirt in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend from Bemz

Conceal your television and electronics as well as your clothing and accessories in an armoire or cupboard for a grand and serene look, not to mention a more restful sleep! Then keep it polished and sophisticated with nightstands and dressers free of clutter.

Made-to-order bedspread in White and Grey Japan from Bemz

Your choice of lighting will create the ambiance: lamps either side of the bed for reading and symmetry, while a chandelier, crystal lamp or wall sconce for a touch of grace.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame in Dusty Rose Hounds Tooth

Finally, a vase of fresh cut flowers on your nightstand or table will pretty up the room and add a hint of romance.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend


Bemz bed skirt with frills in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Photo credits: All photos from Bemz except the first, which is from The Standard, High Line, NYC

All good things come in threes: 3-pack cushion covers

Cushions are versatile décor accessories that make your space look stylish and chic. And changing your cushion covers now and then is a quick way to freshen up any room and make an instant, impactful design tweak, while being light on your budget. So you'll be pleased to hear that Bemz is now offering 3-pack cushion cover combinations specially hand picked by the Bemz design team to coordinate and complement your sofa or chair cover.

And the best thing is that you save when buying the 3-pack versus the three covers individually. All cushion covers are 50cm x 50cm. What's not to love?

If you're looking for a playful preppy look then you'll just love the following combinations:

 

Playground no. 1 This playful and peppy trio of orange, fuchsia and lime green will make your sofa pop. Fabrics: Fuchsia Panama Cotton, Daiquiri Green Stockholm Stripe, Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe.

Playground no. 2 Graphic and expressive, this threesome will sit beautifully on a bold coloured sofa, in red, yellow, green or even orange. Includes Coconut Grove by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection. Fabrics: Jet Black Stockholm Stripe, Black Classic Ruta, Black&White Coconut Grove.

Looking for a more romantic look?  Then check out the following options:

Scandinavian Country no. 1 Romantic and rustic pastels as well as white will welcome these alluring stripes and muted solid. Fabrics: Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen Blend, Silver Grey Gotland Stripe and Candy Pink Stockholm Stripe.

Bohemian Chic no. 1 Red is an easy match for almost any sofa so always a great choice. This is the perfect trio for a warm injection of colour. Fabrics: Crimson Red Raffia, Real Red Tegnér Melange, Real Red Urban Tapestry.

If you're after natural elegance with a coastal feel then dive into:

 

Simple Life no. 1 Give your furniture a splash of seaside chic with this modern interpretation of the classic blue and beige combination. Particularly suited to unbleached, white or blue linens. Fabrics: Unbleached Belgian Linen, Deep Navy Blue/Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe, Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill.

Or if urban industrial is more your thing then check out: 

Urban Living no. 1 Whether working with white, beige or brown, this trio will add natural beauty to your decor. Includes Barcelona Ecru by Designers Guild. Fabrics: Sand Beige Tegnér Melange, Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe, Ecru Barcelona.

Urban Living no. 2 Black, the ideal partner to grey or a stunning contrast for white. Includes Josephine by Göta Trädgårdh. Fabrics: Jet Black Raffia, Graphite Grey Josephine, Graphite Grey Woven Whimsy.

Urban Living no. 3 This classic and sophisticated trilogy of hot-on-trend greys are an easy update for your grey or white sofa. Fabrics: Zinc Grey Tegnér Melange, Silver Grey Tegnér Melange, Grey Frescati Plaid.

Read more about our 3-pack cushion cover offer and find inspiration on how to change your interior décor with sofa covers, armchair covers, bedroom products and more on our site.

Blogger blitz at Bemz: made-to-order bedroom must-haves

This week it's all about design in Sweden. And Bemz was thrilled with a visit of some 80 bloggers from around Europe getting a firsthand look at our brand new bedroom products, including new made-to-order bedspreads, matching cushion covers and a new headboard cover.

Here's the skinny. The group was here in conjunction with Stockholm Design Week for a two-day blogging seminar. Organized by Meet the Blogger, this unique conference dedicated to home-, design- and lifestyle bloggers is held a number of times a year in various cities around Europe.

A part of the Meet the Blogger weekend was a Design Walk through Stockholm's most design oriented stores, and Bemz was really excited to be one of them.

And the timing was perfect.

The Bemz Inspiration Store was all decked out to showcase new Bemz bedroom products, giving the bloggers a firsthand look at our latest must-haves for the boudoir.

These new made-to-order bedspreads join Bemz’s suite of stylish bedroom products, including a line of bedspreads and decorative pillow covers, and a new headboard cover, making it easier than ever to create an elegant and coordinated bedroom look.

A big thank you goes to Meet the Blogger and all the wonderful bloggers we met. We certainly enjoyed having you and appreciate your interest in Bemz. And we hope you enjoyed your goodie bags, containing a couple of neat, specially made bags from Bemz, a candle and a relax/enjoy kit put together by Biofood of Sweden with Pukka tea samples and chocolate.

Come back and see us soon and keep spreading the love!

Rock your IKEA sofa this spring in revived retro

Exciting news! At Bemz we're celebrating the lead up to spring by reintroducing select 20th Century Swedish design. Yes, we're expanding our range of fabrics with a host of long-forgotten treasures from the Swedish design archives – carefully picked out by the Bemz design team.

Viola Gråsten’s popular Kaleido, first launched at Bemz in 2008, is joined by two more stunningly unique designs: the organic Hästkastanj, and the geometric Trianglar pictured above

The designers include two established favourites from the Bemz Designer Collection, Viola Gråsten and Göta Trägårdh, who are joined by Annika Malmström and Stellan Mörner. Also making their debut with Bemz is the design house Strömma. All were seminal in influencing Swedish 20th century design.

Göta Trägårdh’s Josephine, part of the current Bemz collection, is joined by the equally impressive blooms depicted in her vibrant Folklore and the timeless Japan pictured above.

We actually leaked news about this relaunch back in November. Now these iconic fabrics are up and available to order on bemz.com – for the full range of Bemz products, including sofa covers, chair covers, cushion covers, fabric by metre and more.

Strömma is synonymous with Swedish textile history. Bemz is reintroducing their flowing Birds and the vibrant Kavalkad designs, pictured above and created by Inga Lill Andersson.

Needless to say, we're thrilled to be able to re-introduce these designers to be rediscovered by a whole new generation!

Stellan Mörner’s Comedin Går is constructed from eleven different colours of angular prisms that intersect and interlock in one strikingly abstract dream.

These vintage fabrics are perfect for those looking for something fresh and unique this spring, with the hot trends in fashion and design being all about mixing it up with geometric patterns, stripes and bold blooms.

Annika Malmström’s Harlequin is a never-before produced design made up of pen strokes that fuse and connect to form a spectacular geometric pattern.

Once again, Bemz has created the opportunity for easy and inspired home updates by transforming Ikea furniture around the world into something truly unique and individual. With these eight new patterns, we now offer a total of over 180 fabulous fabrics available via bemz.com. Enjoy!

Photo credits: All photos from Bemz. Hover over each photo for information about the products.

Enter the fold: Söderhamn, Mellby & Bemz Artist Series

Following up on our recent post on the chic Monochromatic trend, we thought you'd like to know that Bemz has added a number of exciting new covers to our product range to enhance your monochromatic interior. These include stylish covers for Ikea’s gorgeous Söderhamn sectional sofa, the Mellby chair and our one-of-a-kind exclusive Artist Series cushion covers.

Söderhamn modular furniture grouping in Silver Grey Panama Cotton covers from Bemz. Cushion covers in Yellow Fiskis and Orange Fiskis from the Bemz Artists Series cushion cover collection.

The Söderhamn series is based on durable and comfortable modules that can be combined in a myriad of ways. Its design and size are the perfect complements for a trendy monochrome scheme in your home, and the modern, square Mellby armchair fits right in.

Mellby chair in a Silver Grey cover from Bemz. Brown Kvarter and Silver Grey Vallsta and more from the Bemz Artist Series Cushion Covers.

Bemz has also introduced an Artist Series of digitally printed and specially designed cushion covers. Created by our in-house designer Katarina Wiklund, they’ll add the perfect splash of colour and interest to your stylish monochromatic interior.

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Brown Kvarter, Beige/Orange Stockholm Stripe, Silver Grey Vallsta, Rose Dellen, Jet Black/Pink Stockholm Stripe, Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis, Orange Kvarter, and Yellow Fiskis

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Pink Fiskis, Orange Kvarter and Brown Kvarter

Available in neon, bold and retro, you can’t help but fall in with the stunning motifs, striking colours and exclusive piping details of these fab covers, made in all natural materials.

Bemz artist series cushion in Chocolate Brown/Bamboo Green New Baroque

Mix and match these unique cushion covers with a Bemz sofa cover on your sofa and chairs, decorate your bed with them or make a statement with a gorgeous mound of cushions on the floor.