Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural Wabi Sabi Charm!

If you live with Belgian linen upholstery, clothing, bedding, towels, or linens, then you already know. Linen made in Europe is truly wondrous with slubby deliciousness, fine quality, and imperfect character. It’s not just pretty. When you understand linen’s distinctive qualities and production, it’s easy to fall more deeply in love! Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural Wabi Sabi Charm is part education and part inspiration for my favorite textile.

Belgian style in Hello Lovely Studio's living room with French fireplace, arched windows, and white oak flooring. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm! #Europeanfarmhouse #hellolovelystudio #europeancountry #livingroom #interiordesign #belgianlinen
Hello Lovely Studio…Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home.

Psst. At the end of this post, you can snag Belgian Flax Libeco pillow covers that will give you two looks in one fell swoop (and free shipping!).

Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural Wabi Sabi Charm!

Belgian linen yumminess lives in every room within our home and does so much more than provide texture and calm color. Belgian linen also keeps us comfortable, well groomed, and warm.

European country inspired serene kitchen with window seat by Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Similar chair set RIGHT HERE.

While I’m no expert on retting, scotching, hackling, and linen production, I am an eager student learning more about its charms as well as a cheerleader for living with linen’s timeless beauty, strength, and natural quality.

Belgian linen arm chair and antique silver accent table in my bedroom with rustic alder door. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #linenchair #slipcoveredchair #frenchcountry #belgianstyle #europeancountry
Hello Lovely Studio…Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home!

What is difference between Belgian Flax and Belgian Linen?

Let’s clarify the difference between Belgian Flax and Belgian Linen. Belgian Flax Linen is linen made outside of Europe from European flax, while Belgian Linen is made IN Europe from flax which has been grown as a plant IN Europe and woven into fabric IN Europe.

Rustic oak Belgian antique cupboard in European country styled living room by Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Hello Lovely Studio…Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home!

Western Europe offers the perfection climate and conditions for growing flax. In fact, Europe’s flax growing belt is “between Cannes, France and Amsterdam, Netherlands where climate and soil conditions are most optimal” (Barn and Willow).

Window seat with linen pillows in European country inspired serene kitchen. Hello Lovely Studio's Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Similar chairs HERE.

How is Belgian Linen Made?

Isn’t it a wonder how a little seed in a field becomes fiber, then yarn, then fabric!?!

Wabi Sabi Wonderful Belgian Linen

Neutral decor in a European country inspired kitchen with window seat by Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!

Hello, Lovely Flax

Why all the fuss about FLAX? Oh, this plant, friends! In certain seasons, these seeds are a staple of my diet! It begins life growing humbly in a field before it can be worn and adorned.

Window seat with linen pillows in European country inspired serene kitchen. Come see more of my home in Hello Lovely House Tour in July. #hellolovelystudio #timeless #tranquil #interiordesign #europeancountry #europeanfarmhouse #simpledecor #serenedecor

Here’s a particularly significant quality of the plant I learned about from Libeco: since flax loves Belgium’s climate, it requires no irrigation and can be grown organically without GMO’s, fertilizer, or crop protectors.

Far too often, we do not give a second thought to the origin of the fibers surrounding us in our home or the costs to the earth their growth and production entailed.

Hello Lovely Studio's serene white European farmhouse inspired kitchen. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!

Flax has it goin’ on, y’all. ALL parts of the flax plant can be used for production (the seeds are ground for oil paints, the pulp is used for banknotes, etc.) so no waste is created.

How is Linen Made From Flax?

When I stumbled on this demonstration of working with flax by hand, I more fully understood the potential for waste.

See what I mean? So many steps for the harvested flax before it becomes yarn and cloth!

Serene white modern French dining room with farm table, rustic wood candleholders, and succulent in rustic pot - Hello Lovely Studio. #allwhitedecor #modernfrench #diningroom
Serene and peaceful breakfast dining room with farm table and Swedish chairs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #diningroom #farmtable #frenchNordic #benjaminmoore #ashleygray

Belgian Linen’s Sign of Excellence: Masters of Linen® Club

When Belgian linen comes with this sign and registered mark…ooh la la. The tag identifies the fabric with a mark of supreme quality and excellence.

Hello Lovely Studio's living room with Belgian linen upholstered furniture, white oak flooring, and French stone fireplace in living room. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!

Club Masters of Linen promotes certified European textile companies (spinners, weavers and knitters) who opt for 100% European traceability and a desire to be differentiated with this high honor.

Massive Belgian sideboard in Hello Lovely Studio's living room. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Belgian linen slipcovered chair in my European country French inspired bedroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #linenchair #slipcovered #belgianlinen #hellolovelystudio #accentchair
DIY Chic French Script Stenciled Accent Wall in a bedroom by Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!

Hello, Lovely Belgian Linen…Your Sweetly Soft Texture Stole My Heart

Hello Lovely Studio's Belgian style living room. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio…Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home!
Belgian linen armchair in bedroom with Stikwood statement wall. Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!

Hello, Lovely Belgian Linen…Our Home is More Chic and Elegant Because of You

Breakfast room with round table and linen slipcovered chairs. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
European country inspired serene living room.Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio…Love Letter to Belgian Linen: Living With Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home!

Organic Lovely Belgian Linen…How Can You Be Pretty Yet Oh So Practical?

Dining room with European country style and farmhouse lantern. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Hello Lovely Studio's French country and European inspired bedroom. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen’s Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home! Photo: Hello Lovely Studio.

Beautiful Belgian Linen…Surely Sophisticated Simplicity is Woven Into Your Nature

Belgian linen covered counter stools in a Euro inspired kitchen by Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio
A great room, dining room, and kitchen decorated with Belgian linen accents by Hello Lovely Studio. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!

Mixing Upholstered Belgian Linen Pieces in a Dining Room

European country inspired serene dining room. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
European country inspired serene dining room. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Dining room with round table and easy, simple, serene European country decor. Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen's Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm!
Hello Lovely Studio
European country inspired serene dining room. Come see more of my home in Hello Lovely House Tour in July. #hellolovelystudio #timeless #tranquil #interiordesign #europeancountry #europeanfarmhouse #simpledecor #serenedecor

Linen Dining Chair Becomes My Bedroom’s Accent Chair

Come tour our French Nordic Coastal Cottage style home in the heartland. We completely renovated the whole house DIY style and decorated with a white, serene and undone look. The interiors are sprinkled liberally with Belgian Linen! Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #belgianlinen #frenchnordic #housetour
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio
Nordic French white bedroom with light grey, linen, and white. Stikwood on wall, alder doors, cottage style furniture, and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroom #frenchcountry #nordicfrench #stikwood #serene #romantic #whitebedroom
Hello Lovely Studio…Love Letter to Belgian Linen: The Loveliness of Living With Linen’s Natural, Wabi Sabi Charm as well as Photos of My Home!

Slipcovered Chaise Makes Napping a Pleasure

Rustic oak Belgian antique cupboard in European country styled living room by Hello Lovely Studio
Hello Lovely Studio

Nubby Linen Envelops Me in an Egg Chair

Come tour our French Nordic Coastal Cottage style home in the heartland. We completely renovated the whole house DIY style and decorated with a white, serene and undone look. The interiors are sprinkled liberally with Belgian Linen! Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #belgianlinen #frenchnordic #housetour
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio

Belgian Linen is Durable Enough for Our Breakfast Nook

Window seat with linen pillows in European country inspired serene kitchen. Come see more of my home in Hello Lovely House Tour in July. #hellolovelystudio #timeless #tranquil #interiordesign #europeancountry #europeanfarmhouse #simpledecor #serenedecor
Hello Lovely Studio
European country inspired serene kitchen with window seat. Come see more of my home in Hello Lovely House Tour in July. #hellolovelystudio #timeless #tranquil #interiordesign #europeancountry #europeanfarmhouse #simpledecor #serenedecor
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio

Belgian Linen in the Bath?

Yep. Though not pictured with my Turkish towel below, our everyday bath towels (RH) have a band of stonewashed Belgian linen. It’s not just for curtains!

Come tour our French Nordic Coastal Cottage style home in the heartland. We completely renovated the whole house DIY style and decorated with a white, serene and undone look. The interiors are sprinkled liberally with Belgian Linen! Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #belgianlinen #frenchnordic #housetour
Hello Lovely Studio

I chose a Belgian linen shower curtain similar to this one in our former Arizona home:

Ruffled Belgian Linen Single Shower Curtain
Ruffled Belgian Linen Shower Curtain, Wayfair…certainly practical indeed.

Belgian Linen Side Chair in the Studio

French Nordic style in my studio with white piano. French Farmhouse Decor & Lightening Up for Spring.
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio

More of those chairs from RH can be seen in the dining room.

European country inspired serene dining room. Come see more of my home in Hello Lovely House Tour in July. #hellolovelystudio #timeless #tranquil #interiordesign #europeancountry #europeanfarmhouse #simpledecor #serenedecor
Hello Lovely Studio

Perfect for Tone on Tone Spaces With a Timeless Tranquil Look

Come tour our French Nordic Coastal Cottage style home in the heartland. We completely renovated the whole house DIY style and decorated with a white, serene and undone look. The interiors are sprinkled liberally with Belgian Linen! Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #belgianlinen #frenchnordic #housetour
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio
Nordic French white bedroom with light grey, linen, and white. Stikwood on wall, alder doors, cottage style furniture, and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroom #frenchcountry #nordicfrench #stikwood #serene #romantic #whitebedroom
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly simple and serene indeed.

Belgian Linen is a Wabi Sabi Wonder

Because of the natural quality of Belgian linen, it is imperfectly beautiful and never flawless. There are numerous, very hands-on steps involved in production and crafting the cloth.

Maybe this is why I feel passionate about the material: the flaws have a story to tell – the history of the woven yarn whispers a tale too – and the hands and souls bringing the flax to life leave poetic imprints as well.

DIY Chic French Script Stenciled Accent Wall. Country French farmhouse style bedroom with French script stenciled wall by Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchscript #diy #stenciledwall
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly Euro inspired indeed.

I independently selected products in this post—some of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you buy from them, it won’t cost more while this blog may earn a commission.

Tap Images Below for Buying Info

Belgian Flax and Belgian Linen Finds for Home

Boheme Bon Vivant Deconstructed Upholstered Sleigh Headboard
Headboard Only is HERE
Classic Belgian Flax Linen Curtain, Cotton Lining, 50 x 84
Classic Belgian Flax Linen Curtain, Pottery Barn…certainly elegant indeed.
Belgian Flax Linen Bed Skirt with Side Pleats - Flax
Belgian Flax Linen Bed Skirt, Pottery Barn…certainly sophisticated indeed.
Belgian Flax Linen with Ties Duvet Cover & Sham - Mineral Blue
A beautiful pale blue linen option: Belgian Flax Linen Bedding (Mineral Blue), Pottery Barn
Linen apron. Washed linen apron for cooking gardening. Full Matcha green
Washed Linen Apron, MagicLinen on Etsy
Linen face mask bundle of 5. Washable face masks. Reusable
Linen Facemask Bundle of 5, MagicLinen on Etsy…in case you need this.
Belgian Flax Linen Ruffle Duvet Cover & Sham - White
Beautiful Belgian Flax Linen Ruffle Bedding, Pottery Barn…certainly lovely indeed
Double sided linen throw. Bed throw blanket in cinnamon/tan
Double Sided Linen Throw, MagicLinen on Etsy
Double sided linen throw. Bed throw blanket in cinnamon/tan image 1
tap image for buying info
Stone Washed Linen Solid Room Darkening Pinch Pleat Rod Pocket Tab Top Single Curtain Panel
Curtains, Pine Cone Hill
Bodhi Upholstered Bench, Bronze Finish
Bodhi Belgian Linen Bench (Bronze Finish)…in case you need a bedroom bench.
Bodhi Bench
Linen Upholstered Bodhi Bench…hello lovely indeed.
This living room with serene decor features Belgian linen curtains made custom by this Etsy shop.
Custom Curtains, CustomCurtainsBeyond on Etsy…certainly lovely indeed.
Bridget linen swivel club chair
Ivory Linen Bridget Swivel Chair…in case you admire a quality chair.
Blue Willow Linen/Cotton Twill Handcrafted Quilt, Full/Queen
Linen/Cotton Quilt in Flax…certainly sumptuous indeed.

Belgian Linen Would be Perfect in This Euro Inspired Dining Room

Find the details for this dining room mood board HERE.

HGTV Fixer Upper The Club House Dining Room Get the Look Mood Board - Hello Lovely Studio.
01: Wallpaper // 02: Mirror // 03: Buffet // 04: Chandelier // 05: Dining Chair // 06: Dining Table // 07: Stems // 08: Planter // 09: Vase Set // 10: Rug
Belgian Slope Arm Slipcovered Armchair
My exact chairs: Belgian Slope Arm Slipcovered Armchair, RH…also see similar HERE.

Two Looks & Free Shipping

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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2 Comments

  1. Sandy
    August 8, 2020 / 6:52 am

    I listened intently to the video about the growing, etc. etc. of linen. Who would have known it had such humble beginnings. I loved watching it and I love your blog.

    • Michele
      Author
      August 8, 2020 / 5:40 pm

      Same! I had no idea and now love this linen even more. Peace to you, friend and bon weekend.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing