It's a cover-up

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.

Kramfors in Germany: Before and after

Kathrin of Germany sent in these before-and-after photos of her Kramfors sofa revamped in a new cover from Bemz.

That's the before with the IKEA cover.

And here's the after shot with a new cover in A Paler Shade of Grey in Panama Cotton from Bemz. The new cover brings the room to new a level of sophistication and class, giving it a more urban look.

Here's what Kathrin had to say: My Kramfors in new covers - here it is. I'm very happy with the new sleeker look as I didn't like the pattern and the rather rustic look of the old covers anymore.

Well done Kathrin and Dankeschön Kathrin for sharing your lovely home with us!

Your home could be featured here too. Send a picture of your Bemz cover to blog [at] bemz [dot] com or upload it to our Facebook page.

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.

Revamped Lillberg rocks in Melbourne

Every Friday we try to feature one of the many, many photos sent in from our satisfied, or should we say proud, Bemz customers, right here on It's a Cover Up. We know all too well how daunting the decision making process can be when you're trying to decide on a colour or pattern for a whole sofa cover, based on a small fabric swatch. That's we try to get as many different styles, colours and patterns up on our list of testimonials as possible. Please take a look through them if you're looking for inspiration or ideas. Or if, like us, you simply love having a peek at other people's homes.

This one comes straight to us from Nelly of Australia. She went with a cover in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend for her Lillberg rocking chair and we think the result is fab.

Here’s what Nelly had to say: My new slip cover arrived today & I just have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I will definitely shop with you again!

We're happy that you're happy Nelly. Your new linen cover adds a relaxed elegance to your rocking chair and slots right in with the natural palette of the room. A job well done!

If you have a Bemz cover, why not inspire us? Send a photo to us at blog[at]bemz.com or upload it directly onto our Facebook page.

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.

Ekskog gets quality new life in Finland

This week's testimonial comes from Marika of Finland who chose a Bemz cover in Sand Beige Panama Cotton for her Ekeskog sofa, a discontinued Ikea model.

"Thanks again for the Ekeskog slip covers which we received this week," wrote Marika. "They gave new life to our old sofa! I'm specially amazed about the great quality in the fabric but also in the zippers! The original Ikea zippers of the Ekeskog sofa covers were of poor quality - two of them were broken after washing the covers. And then we found out that Ikea does not sell the Ekeskog sofa nor the covers anymore... We thought that we need to buy a new sofa as the covers could not be fixed. That's why I was happy to run into your company's webpage and to find out that you make the covers! Thanks to you and good luck to your great company! :)"

Thank you right back Marika for sharing your home with us. Your pictures will provide inspiration to all those like-minded, design savvy Ikea sofa owners looking for a smart way to upcycle their old favourites.

If you have a Bemz cover, why not share it too? Send it along to us at bemz [at] blog [dot] com or upload it directly to our Facebook page.

Colourful ways to lift the spirits

Colours can affect mood in many ways, so why not take this into account when decorating your home? Here are some easy and cost-effective tips for adding colour - using textiles - from the Bemz design team.

Bemz covers for Nikkala sofa in Sun Yellow Panama Cotton and Karlstad armchair in Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe

Identify the purpose of the room and choose the colour that will enhance the desired result: reds and yellows to activate and energise, greens and blues to relax and soothe.

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chairs, medium long skirt, in Rose Tegnér Melange. and for Nils chair in Black Classic Ruta, for Klappsta armchairs in Silver Grey Tegnér Melange, Rose Tegnér Melange

Bemz Daybed covers in Candy Pink & Absolute White Stockholm Stripe and Candy Pink Panama Cotton, with a mix of Bemz cushion covers and a Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair long in Sun Yellow

Ensure each day starts on a positive note by injecting a little year round sunshine into your kitchen with energising and warm Mandarin Orange or Sun Yellow chair covers from Bemz.

Bemz cover for Nils chair in Burnt Orange Tegnér Melange and Real Red Tegnér Melange

Or turn up the heat using textured fabrics, like Tegnér Melange. They’ll boost well-being, without sacrificing on style and sophistication.

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

Always opt for tranquil, soothing colours for the bedroom. Combine medium blues with lavenders and greens for optimum effect.

A bedskirt in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen paired with a Loose Fit bedspread in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen will create the perfect oasis required to keep your spirits up while mind and body are rested.

Contrasting pillow covers in Dusty Rose Gustavian Flowers, Chocolate Brown New Baroque and Tea Green Belgian Linen blend will strike the right balance and give the room a personal note.

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

Neutrals are synonymous with tranquillity. Vary textures as well as light and dark tones to optimise impact.

A Sand Beige sofa cover from Bemz combines comfort and class in one effortless brushstroke. Pair it with a plush rug, plenty of natural wood and cushion covers in True Blue and Dark Denim Blue and Cobalt Brera Rigato from Bemz for the requisite pop of colour to chase those dark clouds from your mind.

For more inspiration on how to use colour in your home, visit www.bemz.com.

Kivik, Henrik & Stockholm: Full home makeover in Toronto

On Fridays, we generally share one of the many photos sent in from our satisfied, or should we say proud, Bemz customers, who open the doors to their homes and inspire others.

This week's testimonial, our second this month from Canada, is a real before and after treat. Indeed, as you can see below, Julia of Canada pulled out all the stops in her recent full home makeover, giving her IKEA furniture new life in a variety of products from Bemz.

First, she upcycled her rather tired Kivik sofa in a new, luxurious Graphite Grey Chenille Textured Cotton cover from Bemz, adding a touch of contemporary chic and warm texture to the room. The colour looks great with Julia's gorgeous rug and makes her fab artwork pop.

Next, she gave her Stockholm easy chairs some love in Crimson Red Raffia Textured Cotton, adding a bright injection of colour to the room.

Then she tackled her dining area, revamping her Henrik chairs in Sand Beige Tegnér Melange. She also upgraded an Ängby Armchair, not shown in the photo, in a Zinc Grey Tegnér Melange.

Well done Julia. The results are fab, lifting your home to a whole new level of chic!

If you have a Bemz cover, share it! Send us a photo at blog[at]bemz.com or upload it onto our Facebook page.

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.

Karlstad story unfolds in Quebec

Caroline of Canada sent in this fab visual story of her sofa revamp with a Bemz cover. She went with a rich Fuchsia Tegnér Melange Textured Cotton for her Karlstad Sofa from IKEA.

First, here's what Caroline has to say: Here is my new Karlstad ! I'm in love with the colour and the quality of the fabric ! I'm not finished with my decorations, but the most attractive piece is my sofa thanks to Bemz ! * I bought the Karlstad mid century legs on Etsy. Thank you so much!

Thank you right back Caroline for sharing your wonderful story with us. We think your décor looks pretty good as is! So for those who are curious about how Caroline's story unfolded from start to finish - scroll down...

wait for it...

wait for it...

and ta da!

The final results are stunning. Nice artwork to boot! We appreciate the peak inside your home Caroline.

If you have a Bemz cover, why not share your story to inspire others? Send a photo along to us at bemz [at] blog [dot] com or upload it directly to our Facebook page.