It's a cover-up

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 This style of cover offers a somewhat looser, more relaxed fit, without piping, and the zippers have been replaced by ties.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: Stockholm White + 10% off solid whites

Stockholmers use a lot of white in their homes and not without good reason. During the long, dark winters, it is the white walls, whitewashed floorboards and white-on-white accents paired with large windows that brighten up even the smallest of spaces. Yes, white is forever on-trend in Sweden’s capital, a city in love with light.

Bemz cover for Tylösand sofa with one armrest and Bemz daybed cover both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

The style is clean and simple, with sofas and armchairs in form fitting white cotton covers, or relaxed, loose fit, pure linen covers. Layering fabrics and texture is the key to this understated but oh-so chic look, where natural material takes centre stage. White walls and light coloured floors make borders disappear, creating a fresh, luminous interior, while white cushions in a mix of fabrics add comfort and interest.

Bemz Multi Fit sofa cover and Bemz cover for Klappsta armchair both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Bemz Loose Fit Urban cover for Klippan sofa in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

White wood keeps dining room furniture simple, breathing a casual elegance with chairs in stark white cotton covers.

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chairs, long skirt model in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chair, long skirt in Absolute White Panama Cotton

In the bedroom, nothing says crisp and clean like pure, fresh linen, where an all-white scheme creates an airy, restful setting.

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 from Bemz

Surprisingly warm, liveable and child friendly, the secret to the Stockholm White look lies in machine washable sofa covers, armchair covers, headboard covers and more, as well as easy-to-wipe lacquered white surfaces.

Bemz cover for Skruvsta chair and Pällbo footstool both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Bemz daybed cover and Henriksdal chair, long skirt in both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Explore our extensive palette of white fabrics on the Bemz website and make a statement with the Stockholm White look. Plus get 10% off your favourite solid whites from tomorrow, Thursday, March 21 until Thursday, March 28, 2013. That’s right: 10% off solid white Bemz sofa covers, chair covers, armchair covers and cushion covers, and of course our brand new bedspreads! Plus fabric by the metre and more.

Top Tips: snug sleeping spaces + 10% off bedroom faves

We all love waking up after a good night’s sleep feeling refreshed and ready to greet a new day. And a comfortable bedroom is a key factor in getting the best sleep possible.

Here are some great ideas that can help you design your way to sleeping more soundly.

Made-to-order bedspread in White and Grey Japan from Bemz by Katarina Wiklund for the Bemz Designer Collection

Create mood with colour and pattern: A comfy mattress and soft pillow may help the sheep send you off to sleep, but beautiful bedding that invites you to snuggle up is just as effective.

Bemz bed skirt with box pleats and Bemz cover for Bådalen headboard, both in Bayshore Magenta, design by Designers Guild

Select cool or neutral hues to create a room that exudes serenity and calm.


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


Bemz bedspread, Regular fit, in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

Look to bright and warm tones to foster a sense of good cheer, energy, and cosiness. Bold patterned and colourful beds and bed linens will get you dreaming of exotic destinations. Florals bring a bed into bloom, adding a touch of romance to your boudoir.

Bemz Florö bed frame cover Sir Harald - Multi

Bemz bedspread in Real Red, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Multi Comedin Går, design Stellan Mörner by Bemz and Bemz bed skirt, straight, in Black/White Stockholm Stripe

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame in Moss Green Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz cover for Karlstad footstool in Brown Bubbel, design Bantie

Bemz bedskirt, Loose Fit Country style in Cobalt Brera Quadretto, design Designers Guild

Cosy up with a headboard: Adding extra blankets is one way to stay warm at night but for ultimate comfort choose an upholstered headboard. Soft and cushy with no hard edges, an upholstered headboard is the perfect choice when supreme snugness tops the boudoir wish list.

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 from Bemz


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

Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Blue & White Kokeshi topped off with a selection of Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Furnish for comfort, ambiance and function: When you make your bedroom space about more than just sleeping, you’ll find it beckons to you to linger longer in the morning and retire earlier at night.

Bemz bed skirt with frills, Loose Fit Country style, in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Cushions in Eggshell Blue and Black Gustavian Flowers by Katarina Wiklund from the Bemz Designer Collection, Dusty Rose, New Baroque Chocolate Brown, and Tea Green in Belgian Linen Blend and Lavender Belgian Linen Blend

Pair a rocking chair with a side table to create a cozy reading spot, where you can take some time to unwind before hitting the hay.

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

Create a relaxed, romantic feel by layering quilts and cushions and a decorative patchwork rug. Instead of a nightstand, stack books with tonal spines informally by the bedside. Or make a statement with a pile of decorative cushions.

Make a statement with Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Add candles, they create a warm, inviting and sensual ambiance to your boudoir.

And a set of stylish storage boxes works well in all bedrooms - use them to keep your belts, scarves and jewelry in order.

And finally, don't forget your windows and floors: up the cosy-factor with stylish full-length curtains and add an extra layer of comfort with a soft rug.

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

Bemz cover for Grimen bed frame in Grey Frescati Plaid

See more of the Bemz range of bedroom products including the newly added bedspreads, additional cushion cover sizes, and the new Abelvär headboard cover on the Bemz website - plus get 10% off all Bemz bedroom faves until Sunday, February 17, 2013.

Credit: Elle Decoration Nov. 2012
All photos from Bemz

Trend alert: Monochrome magic + 10% off solid greys

One of the hottest trends right now in interior design is the monochromatic look, being true to one colour, such as white, truffle, beige or this season’s must have colour, grey.

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. .

Grey feels balanced and Zen-like, with something very sincere and down-to-earth about it, which helps us relax and escape from our often stressful lives. A peaceful colour that's clean and simple and yet amazingly sophisticated.

Nils chairs in Silver Grey from Bemz

The palette extends beyond furnishings and textiles to the walls and the rest of the room, creating a feeling of harmony that turns any space into a stylish haven. Choose one nuance of grey and stay as close as possible to that particular hue.

Göteborg modular furniture grouping in Silver Grey covers from Bemz.Brown Kvarter and Silver Grey Vallsta and more from the Bemz Artist Series Cushion Covers.

In the living room, the furniture is large and square, easily rearranged to suit any occasion. Modular sofas, angular armchairs and cushions artfully piled on the floor convey a lounge feeling. The bedroom is a monochrome oasis, with an unusual, much loved object bringing the look together.

Bed skirt with box pleats in Silver Grey cover from Bemz

By mixing fabrics in the same colour but with different textures you will create movement and variation in your décor. And it’s texture that plays a starring role in a monochromatic room. So be sure to inject a mix of materials whenever you have the opportunity.

Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers - Yellow Fiskis

Use Zinc Grey Belgian Linen Blend, Silver Grey Tegnér Melange, A Paler Shade of Grey Panama Cotton, or Graphite Grey Chenille to achieve a calm, cosy look that exudes easy elegance. Avoid patterns, both bolder and smaller versions.

Read more about the Monochromatic Trend on the Bemz website - plus get 10% off solid greys at Bemz until Thursday, October 18, 2012.

Bemz Basiq: lower pricing, more colours & free bag offer

Looking for an instant and inexpensive way to make your home more summery? Celebrate summer with a Bemz Basiq slipcover and receive a fab free summer bag in Kaleido Blue/Blue by Viola Gråsten from the Bemz Designers Collection.

This popular alternative from Bemz for the budget conscious is now available in two new cool summery colours – Zinc Grey and Sand Beige – as well as the Unbleached original. Bemz Basiq is perfect for bringing summer into your home and adding a fresh, natural look without breaking your budget.

This lower priced alternative for the more popular discontinued Ikea sofas and armchairs has a looser more relaxed fit cover with no piping, and the zippers are replaced with ties for a more natural look. Machine washable, Bemz Basiq in resilient 100% cotton is perfect for summer cottages and kids’ rooms, and a great budget option for summer-ising your apartment.

Buying a Bemz Basiq slipcover is the inexpensive way to give your sofa or armchair a second chance and an easy-going look of understated elegance. Suitable for some of the Ekeskog, Göteborg, Karlanda, Nikkala and Tomelilla models.

If you like this look find more inspiration at our Scandinavian Country Lifestyle.

And remember, buy any Bemz Basiq from right now until July 1, 2012 and you'll receive a fab free summer bag in designer fabric from Bemz. Happy Shopping!

Top 10 at Bemz - discontinued and discounted

At Bemz, we offer covers for over 20 models of Ikea sofas and within each of those models there are any number of styles: two seat sofas, three seat sofas, corner sofas, modular sofas, chaise longues and sofa beds. And that's just the sofas! We also sell covers for over 15 models of Ikea armchairs, a dozen or so models of footstools, dining-room chairs, day bed covers, cushion covers, bed skirts, bed frames... Phew! 

But this is not about an exhaustive list of what we sell. This is about what you, the great majority of our customers buy. What are the top 10 products sold, by model, at Bemz? To stay true to a top 10 list, we will countdown from number ten:

(drumroll please)

Number 10: The Ektorp armchair

Even though you can still get covers for this comfy number at the giant furniture retailer, it comes in as the tenth favourite product for Bemz customers. The Ektorp armchair is available in made-to-measure and shabby chic inspired Loose Fit Country styles.

Join the Prime Minister of Great Britain and get in at number 10 with your Ektorp cover.

Number 9: The Nikkala three seater sofa

The Nikkala is a discontinued model from Ikea. At Bemz, covers are available as regular, made-to-measure fit, in our exclusive Loose Fit Country style and as low cost Basiq fabric for our number nine spot, the Nikkala. Nikkala is also a town situated in Norrbotten, the most northerly region of Sweden.

Nine means long-lasting and harmonious. Perfect! One Number nine Nikkala cover, please.

Number 8: The Ektorp two seater sofa

The two seat Ektorp sofa, available from Bemz in made-to-measure and Loose Fit Country styles, ranks eighth on our top 10 list. Ektorp is a commuter town located outside Sweden's capital city, Stockholm, also home to Bemz. Yay!

Good fortune and prosperity go hand-in-hand with number eight. Better order your Ektorp two seater cover today.

Number 7: The Tomelilla three seater sofa

The Tomelilla is also a discontinued model from Ikea but its namesake is situated at the very south of Sweden in the Skåne region. Covers for the Tomelilla three seater are also available as regular, made-to-measure fit, in our exclusive Loose Fit Country style and as low cost alternative Basiq.

Seven is a lucky number for relationships - better get your lucky Tomelilla cover.

Number 6: The Klippan two seater sofa

 

This is one of the most iconic and longest standing sofas Ikea has ever offered. It was launched back in 1979 and is still going strong. For some, that's reason enough to get a unique and personalised cover, in made-to-measure or Loose Fit Urban style, from Bemz. Did you know that Klippan means cliff in Swedish?

Six is happiness! And good for business. If only you could order those as easily as your Klippan cover.

Number 5: Ekeskog three seater sofa

The Ekeskog is another discontinued line from Ikea with covers available as made-to-measure, Loose Fit Country style and in Basiq from Bemz. The town of Ekeskog is located between Sweden's two largest lakes: Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern.

Five is for the five elements. Oddly fabric is not one of them so complete the circle with an Ekeskog cover!

Number 4: The Ektorp three seater sofa

This is still a popular sofa at Ikea - one of many you can buy without any slipcover and save yourself a few clams to be put toward your stunning individual cover from Bemz, whether made-to-measure or Loose Fit Country style.

The number four represents solidity, calmness, and home, much like the Ektorp three seater sofa.

Number 3: Goteborg three seater sofa

Goteborg is Swedish for Gothenburg, the second largest city and home to Volvo. It is also a discontinued sofa model at Ikea with covers available in made-to-measure and Basiq.

Coincidentally, number three is associated with birth and your Goteborg will be a brand new baby with its new cover.

Number 2: Karlanda three seater sofa

The Karlanda is discontinued at Ikea but that doesn't mean you have to get rid of it. And many of you don't! This second most popular model's covers come in made-to-measure, the new Loose Fit Urban style and in Basiq. 

Lucky number two can be yours - get your Karlanda cover.

(one more time...drumroll please)

Number 1: The Ektorp two seat sofa bed

This item from the Ektorp collection, now discontinued at Ikea, is the most popular item among Bemz customers. With over 180 fabrics to choose from, you can rest assured that your much loved Ektorp sofa bed need not be kicked to the curb and better yet, look like no other Ektorp sofa bed in the world.

Are you number one? Yay! Get your Ektorp cover - and join our other number ones.

As a special celebration of spring and the renewal it brings, we are going to knock 10% off* your favourite model from our Top 10 list so you can make a renewal of your own. These discounts will be for one day only though. To take advantage of this promotion, all you need to do is 'like' our Facebook page so that you can stay tuned for the daily updates. The offers are going to crop up like spring flowers!

*promotion will run from April 18 through to April 28, 2012. Each promotion will be valid for one day only. Each of the top 10 products listed above will be discounted individually. To participate, 'like' our Facebook page, stay tuned and get ready to order your favourite from our top 10!

Romantic vintage chez Bemz: new Loose Fit designs

Bemz’s very own Loose Fit – Country Style slipcovers, a completely new design of cover available to fit IKEA furniture, were first introduced almost a year ago. Inspired by the Shabby Chic interior design trend, it combines a looser fit slipcover with the exclusive Rosendal Pure Washed Linen fabric, a pre-washed 100% pure linen.

By increasing the number of furniture models within the Loose Fit – Country Style range, we are making it easier than ever to introduce a touch of “romantic vintage” into your home, especially with the addition of our new Multi Fit chair cover which fits most standard size kitchen and dining chairs.

You can now get Loose Fit slipcovers from Bemz for the following models: the Ekeskog 3 seater sofa, sofa bed and armchair; the Stockholm (older model) 3 seater sofa, 2 seater sofa and armchair; the Ektorp chaise longue series (right armrest, left armrest and no armrests); and, the Jennylund armchair. Slipcovers from the Loose Fit range are already available for the Tomelilla series, the Nikkala sofa and the Henriksdal dining chair.

We've also added a new color to this collection: Lavender, a perfectly rich pastel, just in time for spring and summer.

To be true to the romantic vintage style of this range, we not only use beautiful 100% linen fabric and a looser fitting slipcovers, but we also cut the fabric by hand and use ties rather than zips (but to mention a few details!). All this and still machine washable!

Love Bemz but don't have IKEA chairs? Multi Fit's for you

Have no fear! Multi Fit is here! Now it's easier than ever to introduce a touch of romantic vintage into your home.

We’ve introduced a completely new cover, exclusive to Bemz, that makes Loose Fit - Country Style accessible to ALL types of kitchen and dining room chairs, even ones that aren't from IKEA! Our new Multi Fit chair cover is available in two sizes, 85 cm tall (33.5 inches) and 95 cm tall (37.5 inches), and fits most standard size kitchen and dining chairs*. 

Bemz’s very own Loose Fit – Country Style slipcovers, a completely new design of cover available to fit IKEA furniture, were first introduced almost a year ago. Inspired by the Shabby Chic interior design trend, it combines a looser fit slipcover with the exclusive Rosendal Pure Washed Linen fabric, a pre-washed 100% pure linen.

Give your chairs a Country Style makeover today! To sweeten the deal, you can get 10% off this new slipcover - but don't delay. Offer ends May 11.

*To ensure a good fit, check the measurements of your chair against the slipcover measurements available on our website.

Lisa Bengtsson - a designer revisited

Now that our lovely Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson has moved from up-and-coming to established, I think it's time for a revisit, and a little advice from our own in-house designers on how to best introduce her patterns into your home.

In February 2010, we were very happy to welcome her two designs, Baronessa and Sir Harald, into our designer range of slipcovers at Bemz.

Lisa Bengtsson, born in 1981 in the tiny town of Gnosjö (pop. <5,000!), graduated from the prestigious Berghs School of Communication in Stockholm in 2007 with a degree in graphic design. Being on the receiving end of several distinguished awards, including the 2008 Rising Star of the Year from Swedish design mag ELLE Interior, helped her meteoric journey into the limelight.

Lisa takes inspiration for her designs mostly from storytelling about individuals and how they lived their lives but also from friends and family. Read more about Lisa Bengtsson and her designs here.

And what about those fabrics? The dreamy oversized blooms of Baronessa are reminiscent of an English manor garden with its breathtaking flowerbeds, leaving us feeling all romantic and drunk on spring. That said however, you may feel that these larger-than-life patterns are not for the faint hearted but you'd be surprised how well they work, especially when paired with ideal mates.

According to our talented in-house designers, pairing Baronessa - Pink with Candy Pink, accentuated further by throwing trendy Daiquiri Green into the mix will give you vibrant, playful and contemporary look.

For a slightly more subtle effect, couple Baronessa - Green with other greens, such as the lovely, textured Tegnér Melange Bamboo Green.

You couldn't be more on trend with the patchwork look of Sir Harald - Multi. This modern take of a nostalgic era was actually inspired by Lisa’s ancestors. The pattern is as multi-faceted as the name suggests which allows it many possible matches. Our designers' favorite? Fuchsia to pick up the pink and purple tones.

Like what you see? Act fast: right now you can get 10% off any Lisa Bengtsson slipcover until May 2nd.

Desire to Inspire: using large patterned fabrics

Many of us stick to basic solids for big pieces of furniture and inject color and patterns using throw cushions and accessories. Beautiful fabrics however, like those in the Marimekko designer collection often use large patterns which may not achieve their full potential on throw cushions. Here's a small tutorial from our in-house designers on how to mix and match using large patterned fabrics.

This Unikko Red cover on a Klippan sofa paired with a Tomelilla armchair in Fandango Red shows how beautifully large-patterned fabrics can work together. The successful mix of these distinctly different patterns, both vibrant and imposing, comes down to using the same base color and working from a single palette; the cerise pink and reds in this instance. The white walls and monochromatic graphic details are the springboard to ensuring the right background is created for showcasing these fabrics in their full glory. The result? A chic, unique and playful living-room.

Large patterned fabrics can also work on dining-room chairs. Mixing and matching these breathtaking Marimekko fabrics injects style and color. In the photos above, our designers chose to use medium length skirt slipcovers with box pleats (available exclusively at Bemz) on Henriksdal chairs. The combination pictured left includes Pirput Parput - Pink/Red from Marimekko which is small in pattern yet intensive and vibrant in color. It counters the Fandango Light Grey beautifully, another Marimekko fabric, which is calmer both in color and pattern despite its large design. This kind of opposing yet complimentary pairing creates excitement and interest. And that feeling has been taken one step further by covering the Nils stools in other dynamic fabrics including Stockholm Stripe – Jet Black, Candy Pink and Sun Yellow. The picture right shows another possibility, combining different colours and patterns in one and the same room. The designers chose Pirput Parput- White/Black and Sun Yellow slipcovers, with matching accessories to bring a truly vernal feel to the room. 

The classic Marimekko flower, Unikko, is still one of the most popular patterns used today. Its more subdued, black variation is perfect as a simple, yet powerful key feature in creating the calm kitchen environment pictured left. The grey-beige in the flower, reminiscent of camouflage, blends wonderfully, accentuating the green mosaic and the toned-down wood. Contrary to what one might expect, these large blooms work as well on the small Henriksdal bar stool as on the more imposing Tomelilla armchair. The Unikko - Blue pictured right creates a focal point and sets the stage in an otherwise white room. 

And while we are on the topic: right now you can get 10% off all covers in any of our 18 Marimekko fabrics*: the vivid Unikko in Red, Black and Blue; the swirling Spinning; the effevescent Kirsikka in Turquoise and Grey/Black; the bubbly Pirput Parput in Pink/Red, Putty/White and White/Black; the classic Pienet Kivet in Black/White and Turquoise/Lime; the meandering Joonas in Black/White and Black/Blue; the delightful Praliini in Light Grey, Lime and Aqua; and, finally the arresting Fandango in Red and Light Grey.

*Offer valid up to and including February 28, 2011, on any sofa, armchair or dining chair cover in above Marimekko patterns. Discount already applied to online prices.