It's a cover-up

Vote for your favourite design in Bemz Design Award

In September 2013 Bemz launched Bemz Design Award, the first European textile design contest to find tomorrow's most talented textile designers.

Over 200 entries have been received from four different countries, and three student finalists from each country have been chosen by an expert panel of judges. The in total 12 finalists now has the chance to win Bemz Design Award 2014. The winning creations will be available for purchase around the world as sofa covers, curtains, cushion covers, chair covers and bedroom products, alongside the hundreds of home textile products already available at Bemz.

Now it's your turn to have your say with the Bemz People's Choice: Pick your favourite design from each country and enter to win a one-of-a-kind designer bed make-over (pictured, RRP £780) from Bemz!

Vote now and support the designers of the future! Voting ends February 28th, 2014.

The picture below shows just a few examples of the shortlisted students designs. See all 12 contributions here. 

By voting you will also be entered to win one-of-a-kind designer bed make-over (pictured below) from Bemz. 

Bemz + Littlephant: Launch March 2014!

Exciting news! Bemz customers have yet another reason to smile. We're now stepping up design for the whole family with fab new products for kids and an exciting collaboration with the Swedish design company Littlephant.

In the first of many steps, Bemz is rolling out two new fun-meets-functional solutions for all members of the family, from big to small - bean bag covers and as well as multipurpose mattress and mattress topper covers.

We're also teaming up with Littlephant, a colourful world of characters, products and textiles created by the brilliant designer and illustrator Camilla Lundsten.

For the first time ever, customers will be able to purchase Littlephant fabrics as readymade sofa covers, chair covers, bed skirts, bedspreads and more, not only for kids’ rooms but for any room in the home.

Bemz products in Littlephant fabrics will definitely put a smile on your face. They will also give you the opportunity to add the very latest in contemporary Scandinavian design to your décor.

As with everything Bemz,  products made with Littlephant textiles are 100% natural and machine washable, carrying the same Bemz high quality guarantee.

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

Bemz’s new products for kids from big to small – mattress and mattress topper covers, and beanbag covers, are available from tomorrow, November 21, 2013.

The ready-made interior textile products in Littlephant textiles will be available at Bemz.com starting March 2014.

Stay tuned for more information on Bemz's new products for kids next week, plus lots more decorating tips, ideas and trend reports on stylish and inspirational rooms for all members of the family right here on 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.

 

Lose yourself in linen

Bemz cover for Tomelilla sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed linen

There's nothing more relaxing than cool, crumpled linen.

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

Elegant and durable, linen only gets better with age.

Bemz daybed cover in Deep Navy Blue Belgian Linen Blend, Bemz cushion covers in Zinc Grey, Charcoal Grey, Black Classic Ruta and Graphite Grey Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair medium long, Loose Fit, in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Take cues from the rugged landscape and white washed wooden houses of Scandinavia to transform your home into a relaxing, casual summer retreat with covers in 100% pure washed linen or a lovely linen blend.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, long, in Cobalt Brera Rigato, design Designers Guild

Linens transform any room into a treasure trove of texture. Use tranquil base colours to create a calm, contemplative space.


Bemz cover for Nikkala sofa in Sand Beige Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Pällbo stool in Unbleached Belgian Linen

Layer your linens in enduring colour combinations such as Silver Grey, Unbleached and Soft White.

Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Lavender from Bemz

Florö bed frame in Soft White Belgian Linen from Bemz

A palette of old-fashioned lavender, white and pretty summer florals creates a haven of tranquility.

Bemz cover for Söderhamn Sofa in Crocus Brero Lino

Bemz cover for Nils chairs in Ivy Brera Lino

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

Add a splash of colour to lift the spirits and revitalise your space. And don't forget personal touches - used sparingly to maintain a pared down scandi-chic - like old treasures from flea markets, a collection of shells or your favourite ceramic bowl.

Bemz bed skirt, Loose Fit Urban style, in Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Bemz bed skirt in Cobalt Brera Rigato by Designers Guild, and Bemz cushion covers in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend and Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill

Forget the stress of the day and let yourself be lulled to sleep in swathes of luxurious white linen and plenty of soft pillows for a soothing ambience.

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

For more inspiration on how to make your world more lovely with linens visit Bemz.com. And check out our recently expanded range of linen products for the home.

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

Thanks to Bemz’s expanded collaboration with Designers Guild, you are now able to purchase any of Bemz’s interior textile products in pure linen, from sofa covers to cushion covers to bedspreads, and everything in between. Designers Guild’s fashionable prewashed 100% Brera linens is now also available across the complete range of Bemz ready-made home textile products – an exclusive at Bemz!

Credits: Elle Decoration, June 2013
All photos from Bemz

Top tips for a super family summer with lovely linens

Nothing says summer quite like linen. It is light, airy and perfect for hot, humid days.

Bemz cover for Nils stool in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Just as a linen shirt can put you at ease in the heat of summer, linen touches in the home have the same cool, calming effect on your family.

Bemz cover for Ektorp sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Cobalt Brera Quadretto, design Designers Guild

According to Bemz in-house designer Katarina Wiklund, Summer 2013 is all about relaxed linen in timeless stripes and checks, which sit beautifully alongside muted solids like Soft White, Sand Beige and Deep Navy Blue.

Bemz cover for Nikkala sofa in Sand Beige Belgian Linen Blend

"Don’t be put off bright and breezy colours because you have little fingers around," Katarina stresses. "One of the best things about linen covers from Bemz is that they are stain resistant and machine-washable. Twice as strong and durable as cotton, linen covers from Bemz get more beautiful and softer over time. And perhaps even more important to families, this fresh summer-friendly fabric is eco-friendly, non-allergenic and a natural insect-repellent!”

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa, Loose Fit Urban style, in Lapis Brera Largo and Bemz cushion covers in assorted Designers Guild linen fabrics

Katarina’s top five tips for keeping the family cool and comfy this summer - inside and out - without sacrificing on style are to:

1. Treat your sofa to a Bemz cover in chic, laidback Brera linen by Designers Guild, so you can enjoy yourself without having to fret over melted ice-cream or paw stains as your children and furry friends romp around.

Bemz Multi Fit armchair cover Tie Arm Classic and Bemz cover for Karlstad sofa in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Ektorp sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

2. Move your favourite old armchair in a Bemz Multi Fit cover in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen outside to watch your children play.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair medium long, Loose Fit, in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Via Country Living

3. Host a dreamy summer al fresco dinner party for family and friends around a long wooden table surrounded by Henriksdal chairs in crisp linen covers from Bemz.

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

Bemz curtains in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

4. Add flowing linen curtains that billow in the breeze. Although whites and creams are obvious choices, muted pastels are also great for that chilled summer look. For extra drama, keep the curtains longer than the length of the window so excess fabric can bunch on the floor. In August, Bemz will be launching a brand new line of curtains, offering made-to-measure up to six metres long!

Florö bed frame in Soft White Belgian Linen from Bemz

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

5. Swap winter for summer bedding in Absolute White linen from Bemz to help you and your loved ones sleep comfortably on hot summer nights. And while you are at it, add a matching linen bed skirt and headboard cover from Bemz, to create a versatile, coordinated look for tiny tots, teens and up.

Bemz daybed cover in Deep Navy Blue Belgian Linen Blend, Bemz cushion covers in Zinc Grey, Charcoal Grey, Black Classic Ruta and Graphite Grey Belgian Linen Blend

For more inspiration on how to get your home ready for summer using lovely linens visit Bemz.com

All photos from Bemz with exception of one from Country Living. See captions for more information.

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.

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.

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.

Prêt-à-porter: Home updates for the savvy fashionista

Just like fashion, home décor trends are constantly evolving. And just like your wardrobe, your home may need an occasional update to keep it looking fresh and inviting. Spring 2013 is no exception.

So, listen up all you savvy fashionistas out there – you’ll be happy to hear that it doesn't take an entire room makeover to brighten up your place. In fact, bringing the catwalk into your home is as easy as going from flats to heels. The most cost effective way of staying on-trend – without sacrificing your wardrobe budget – is by varying the textiles in your home.

Which of the following hot trends for 2013 gets you going?

1) Bright accents: Love super bright accessories in bold orange or canary yellow such as a cheeky yellow clutch by Kate Spade from her Spring 2013 collection? Then pack a punch with a dash of Sun Yellow or Mandarin Orange with a cover from Bemz on a daybed or cushion.

Daybed in Black&White Coconut Grove by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection.
Cushions in Sun Yellow and Soft White also from Bemz.

2) Neon: Do you light up at the thought of Kurt Geiger’s neon Starheel and the Supers collection? Then make your home glow with a Fiskis cushion in neon orange, pink or yellow from the Bemz Artist Series cushion series.

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

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

3) Floral prints: Want to flaunt floral with Charlotte Ronson's Floral Print dress? Then your home will bloom with a sofa or armchair cover in floral prints by Lisa Bengtsson for the Bemz Designer collection. Or how about big & bright blooms by Designers Guild from Bemz?

Bemz cover for Barkaby armchair in Green Baronessa by Lisa Bengtsson.

Klippan sofa in Fuchsia Flamingo Park by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection

4) Landscapes: Digital prints of flora and fauna are turning heads this season and similar photo fracture prints were spotted at Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013. Cultivate your wild side with Rose Dellen or Silver Grey Vallsta digitally printed cushions from Bemz.

Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers - Rose Dellenand Silver Grey Valsta

5) Black & white geometric and optical plays: are making statements on everything from rags to bags. Express this on a chair or bed with a cover from Bemz.

Klappsta armchair in a Dusty Rose Houndstooth cover from Bemz

6) Simply chic:If you love a sleek fitted jacquard suit from Burburry Prorsum. Then cover a chair or footstool in Viola Gråsten’s Kaleido print from Bemz.

Nils Chair cover from Bemz in Viola Gråsten Kaleido BrownPlum

For more information on how you can bring the hottest fashion trends into your home, visit www.bemz.com.

Photo credits: All photos featuring sofa and slipcovers from Bemz. Other photo credits in order of appearance: Vogue, Swide, Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Vintage Traffic, Red Carpet Fashion Awards,Vogue UK, The Fuji Files, WSGN, Louis Vuitton, Harper's Bazaar Australia.

Same room, six different ways

It’s something we talk about quite a lot at Bemz; that the easiest way to make a big change in the design of your rooms is through the use of textiles. This set of pictures from the latest Ikea Catalogue is a super example of how you can create completely different looks by simply changing the fabrics.

As you can see, even with the same basic furniture a room can be transformed to look to look stylish, elegant, bohemian, shabby chic, contemporary and so on.

It’s hard to believe that this is even the same space.  So inspiring!

So, if you’re interested in giving your room an instant easy makeover this autumn without the headache of a full-on renovation or cracking open a can of paint, try a new slipcover from Bemz. Our covers are available in over 180 different colours and patterns for Ikea sofas, armchairs, daybeds, chairs,cushions. You can also purchase fabrics per metre and more.

All photos from Ikea Catalogue 2013