Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Kitchens are prone to messes—even the least clumsy among us have to admit to spending some time vacuuming up crumbs and blotting spills. It doesn’t make for the most practical atmosphere for an area rug, but who can deny the effortless chic that one can bring to the space? So we started searching for the best kitchen rugs we could find, looking beyond the standard woven fibers to discover floor coverings that combat the most stubborn stains, from coffee droplets to tomato paste. These mats also had to be comfortable underfoot—after all, most kitchen floors feature materials that are far from warm and cushy, like ceramic tile and vinyl—and padded enough to make logging long hours in front of the sink or stove less tiresome. With these boxes to check, here are our top contenders.

Our Favorites

• Heymat x Sight Unseen Kitchen Mat
• Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Runner
• Morrow Soft Goods Runner
• Porte + Hall Innerweave Doormat
• Ruggable x Morris & Co. Washable Rug
• House of Noa Nama Standing Mat 
• Tumble Washable Cushioned Rug
• Armadillo Kalahari Woven Rug
• Beija Flor Mediterranean Vinyl Floor Mat

Heymat x Sight Unseen Kitchen Mat

Sight Unseen Kitchen Mat, Heymat ($195)

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Dimensions: 2-by-3 feet | Material: Nylon | Washing machine–friendly: Yes

Why we chose it: Contemporary color-blocking that won’t slip or slide.  

Tired of your mat magically moving from corner to corner every day? Try this line designed in collaboration with Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov of Sight Unseen; its rubberized bottom refuses to budge. Dubbed the Iconic Women Collection, the emerald, peach, and lilac styles are an ode to furniture designs by female designers throughout history. Looks aside, our deputy editor, Julie Vadnal, can confirm that this one is soothingly soft underfoot and easy to take care of. Unlike her previous rug, which had been prone to staining no matter how hard she scrubbed, Heymat’s is safe to throw in the wash (as long as water temps are kept to 60 degrees and bleach-free detergent is used). In fact, doing so two to four times a year can actually extend its lifetime, according to the brand. Regular vacuuming also helps.

Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Runner

Chris Loves Julia Jules Terracotta Rug, Loloi ($27 was $59)

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Dimensions: 2.3-by-3.9 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Washing machine–friendly: No

Why we chose it: Classic vintage-inspired design without the antique price tag. 

Domino readers are already big fans of Chris Loves Julia, but the popular DIY blog gave us even more to love when it collaborated with cult-favorite rug brand Loloi on this power-loomed polypropylene floor covering. Synthetic-fiber rugs may get a bad rep compared to their natural counterparts; this one is specifically engineered to be stain- and fade-resistant—in other words, it’s easier to clean and take care of, so you should be able to keep it around (and out of the landfill) for a long time. Plus if your dream kitchen sports a vintage style, give this look a try for way less than an antique rug (it’s still 64% off post–Amazon Prime Day). Putting it in an accident-prone, heavily trafficked room like the kitchen is a no-brainer.

Morrow Soft Goods Standard Mat and Runner

Lupe Kitchen Runner, Morrow Soft Goods ($189)

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Dimensions: 21-by-34 inches and 21-by-60 inches | Material: Cotton | Washing machine–friendly: Yes

Why we chose it: A two-for-one rug in chic, versatile colors. 

Not long ago, when we sat down with Morrow Soft Goods cofounder Stephanie Cleary, we were let in on a little secret: The brand’s bath mats are its number-one bestseller. Cleary found out when she saw that customers were grabbing the cotton styles in doubles to use as a makeshift kitchen runner. So when the California-based company dropped its summer lineup this year, it included a longer mat to more perfectly fit in between sinks and islands. There are just two patterns to choose from (for now): Alina, a geometric in cream and hazelnut, and Lupe, a broken check in similar shades. Our favorite touch is that they are machine washable; all you have to do is toss them in and run a gentle cycle with cold water. 

Porte + Hall Innerweave Doormat

The Innerweave Doormat in Natural Chevron, Porte + Hall ($98)

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Dimensions: 2-by-3 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Washing machine–friendly: No

Why we chose it: An under-$100, natural-looking rug that won’t shed or stain.

We’re big fans of jute, but if you’re worried about stray crumbs or drops of water from your dishwasher getting trapped in its braided fibers, we recommend sticking to synthetic materials that won’t balk at mold and mildew. Porte + Hall is newly on our radar, and we took immediately to the brand’s innerweave styles. The transitional chevron pattern would look right at home not only in a farmhouse or classic spaces but everywhere in between. That’s because it’s a neutral workhouse—if you don’t want your kitchen rug to be the focal point of the room, this mat is a winner. It provides textural warmth that goes with a range of decor schemes but in a hardy, durable format. Have a stain? Just rinse it out with cold water (or if it’s particularly tough, OxiClean should do the trick). Plus it won’t budge while you’re doing the dishes or cooking up a storm. Its proprietary backing, which the brand states is a latex material that won’t transfer or adhere to floors (even vinyl and wood), keeps it locked into place sans rug pad.

Ruggable x Morris & Co. Washable Rug

Morris & Co. Pimpernel Jade Rug, Ruggable ($229)

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Dimensions: 2.5-by-7 feet and 2.5-by-10 feet | Material: Polyester | Washing machine–friendly: Yes

Why we chose it: Low-maintenance, affordable styles by big-name designers.

It seems that Ruggable comes out with a new designer collaboration every month. Following its successful launch with Jonathan Adler, the brand announced partnerships with Iris Apfel and even Barbie. But we were most recently taken with the Morris & Co. offerings in a new-and-improved premium construction. You can now get the same florals that once adorned the walls of William Morris’s own home but in a thicker 7mm medium pile that’s three times as cushioning as the original classic and still machine washable and just as resistant to spills and stains. 

House of Noa Nama Standing Mat 

Coastal Nama Standing Mat, House of Noa ($139)

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Dimensions: 20-by-48 inches, 20-by-72 inches, 30-by-72 inches, 30-by-108 inches | Material: High-density foam | Washing machine–friendly: No

Why we chose it: Nautical stripes you won’t mind standing on for hours on end (seriously).  

People swear by these cloudlike floor mats, but their limited color range (read: black and brown) can leave much to be desired in the aesthetics department. This timeless stripe in a coastal blue, on the other hand, gives us nautical, lake-house-vacation vibes in a simple hue combo that pairs well with everything from raw wood doors to painted cabinets. Though we’re also fans of the offset stripe in a warm terracotta. But no joke, all of the reviews are legit: The comfort is nothing to scoff at. We’re talking about a mat made with nearly an inch of high-density foam, the same material featured in our favorite mattresses and sofa brands.  

Tumble Washable Cushioned Rug

Sedona Washable Rug, Tumble ($139)

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Dimensions: 2.5-by-7 feet | Material: Polyester | Washing machine–friendly: Yes

Why we chose it: Spillproof and machine washable? Yes, please. 

Tumble’s spillproof promise may seem like a stretch—especially considering its low-pile construction and range of patterns offering a lovely textile touch and feel—but it’s the real deal. Knock over a cup of water and the liquid instantly beads at the surface, much like a rain jacket, making cleanup a breeze. And you can toss the rug right in the washing machine to sanitize away sauces or juices from raw meats. Another genius feature: It ships folded rather than rolled with a plush, puzzlelike pad that comes in multiple pieces numbered with removable stickers for easy assembly. Simply line up the edges and press together before tucking each corner into the rug’s underside pockets.

Armadillo Kalahari Woven Rug

Kalahari Nook Rug, Armadillo ($285 was $570)

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Dimensions: 2.7-by-4 feet | Material: Jute | Washing machine–friendly: No

Why we chose it: Naturally durable. 

The most popular natural-fiber rugs are made from sisal, wool, and/or jute. Designers favor the latter for hallways, entryways, and, yes, kitchens, because the material can withstand tons of foot traffic thanks to its tightly woven format. Armadillo’s Kalahari blends jute and wool for a tough yet soft feel. Cofounder of the sustainability-minded Australian brand, Sally Pottharst, tells us its a no-brainer if you’re looking to add visual and physical warmth to a kitchen setting. “A rug made from natural fibers feels incredibly luxurious underfoot and will wear in, not out, over time, making it ideal for modern family living,” she adds.  

Beija Flor Mediterranean Vinyl Floor Mat

Mediterranean Vinyl Kitchen Floor Mat, Beja Flor ($114)

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Dimensions: 6-by-2 feet | Material: Vinyl | Washing machine–friendly: No

Why we chose it: Pretty yet practical Mediterranean tile without the install cost. 

Like the hand-painted tile that lines kitchen floors in Spain, Greece, and France, this colorful vinyl mat feels like a vacation but is a lot easier on your feet. Designed by Maya Kunyevsky with crystal-clear patterns inspired by traditional motifs, it’s also much lower on the maintenance scale: These pretty squares will never crack, and if your whisking gets out of hand, simply wash the runner down with soap and hot water. The only potential downside? The mat arrives at your door rolled up and may take some time to lay completely flat. Retailer Food52 suggests applying heat by either placing the floor covering in front of a window with a lot of direct sunlight or taking a blow-dryer to creased edges. 

More Kitchen Rugs We Like

Hay Stripes & Stripes Organic Cotton Rug, Design Within Reach ($68 was $85)

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Hawkins New York Essential Floor Mat, Schoolhouse ($48)

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2-by-4 Chester Eco Cotton Rug, Hook & Loom ($32)

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3.11-by-6 Gambit Washable Rug, Revival ($199)

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2-by-3 Gingham Rug, Serena & Lily ($88 was $98)

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2-by-3 Buckman Flat-Weave Rug, Rejuvenation ($99)

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How We Chose These Products

We’ve seen plenty of kitchens that feature lovely old-world runners (the Armenian finds in this California kitchen, designed by Abbie Naber, and the vintage pieces that dot Shea McGee’s projects quickly come to mind). But placing an expensive, not to mention delicate, handmade fiber rug—many vintage pieces, for example, are a blend of wool and silk—can be a pretty big risk, especially if you find yourself cooking and baking on a regular basis or have kids and pets. Here, we rounded up floor coverings beyond the typical rug that are a mix of good design, comfort, durability, and worry-free maintenance.

Our Shopping Checklist

Size Options

Most kitchen rugs (though not all) can be defined as runners—they’re longer than they are wide, making them ideal for those narrow distances between the sink or stove and island. They’re also great for smaller rental kitchens. Typically 2 feet wide, runners can range from as short as 4 feet to as long as 14 feet. Stylistically, choose one that allows a couple of inches of your floor to peep through on either side for a better visual fit.

Fibers and Materials

For worry-free maintenance in high-traffic areas (i.e., the kitchen), stick to durable natural fibers such as jute and wool, or synthetic ones like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. The latter hold dye well and are affordable and resistant to daily wear and tear, stains, and even mold and mildew. For instances where a soft textural element in the kitchen isn’t practical (think: kids and pets), there are vinyl, foam, and rubber mat alternatives worth considering, too. Or just stick to the ones you can toss in the wash.

Pile Types 

Choose low-pile or flat-weave constructions—they’re less likely to hold onto crumbs, grime, and germs. The pile of a rug is determined by the height of its knots (like carpet, rugs are made through a series of loops that can be hooked or tufted by hand, but more often than not by machine). Shag rugs, for instance, feature piles at least an inch or higher. In comparison, rugs with low piles are often a quarter of an inch or smaller. 

Color and Pattern

Designers tend to favor multicolored rugs—they better hide stains, even those from past spills, while simultaneously bringing life to a sometimes utilitarian space. If timelessness is a concern, stick to classic options rather than of-the-moment styles like diamond or zigzag patterns. 

Ask Domino

Q: Where should I place a kitchen rug?  

Most designers plop a kitchen rug right in front of the sink, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only spot you can place this product. Our advice is to think carefully about where you stand the most. Perhaps in front of the stove, or at a certain spot near the counter where you do all your chopping and dicing? Your kitchen rug can tie the room together, but it can also save your arches from aching. 

Q: How often should I wash a kitchen rug? 

As soon as it starts looking dirty! It’s always a good idea to pick up right after a mess happens—we break out a vacuum once a week at minimum. If you notice your rug looking a little worse for wear, consider a deeper clean, whether that’s a spin in the washing machine or a trip to the cleaners. This will also depend on the material you opted for, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

The Last Word

Given the kinds of messes kitchens are susceptible to, you may be wondering why anyone would put a woven floor covering in there to begin with. But in our opinion, the best kitchen rugs are as easy on the eyes as they are on the feet, featuring durable and easy-to-clean materials that you won’t mind standing on for long periods of time. 

The post Our List of the Best Kitchen Rugs Includes a Vintage-Looking Runner That’s on Sale for $27 appeared first on domino.

Earlier this year, a few months after our first HTH x Domino collection debuted, I was sitting at chief creative officer Kate Berry’s dining room table among a pile of fabric strips. Berry was literally piecing together the initial color combo of what would become just one of the four brand-new styles in our stripe-filled collaboration, which launches today. 

Arriving just in time for outdoor entertaining, the latest assortment—shot on location on Shelter Island in New York—spans tablecloths, table runners, napkins, placemats, tea towels, tissue box covers, and pillows (petite and standard), ranging from $38 to $325. And like the first collection, it’s the bold, saturated shades that give these designs the Domino stamp. 

“I am in love with the gorgeous color combinations that Kate and I dreamed up for this collection,” Heather Taylor says. “They each feel like a fresh take on summer classics.” And, indeed, they have warm weather baked into their design DNA: tomato and blue, lemon and sand, emerald and sky, and navy and blue. Pleated and scalloped trim abound, as do mini, midi, and maxi stripes. Berry notes that while certain shades are punchy, they are always paired with a softer hue that keeps things grounded. “There’s a balance,” she says. “For example, the yellow adds a pop of color, but the sand blends in with other neutrals.” Below, get a primer on how we’d style each option and a look at the fresh drop.

Tomato and Blue

This duo is a perennial favorite color combination of Domino editors. For a dinner party, go playful and casual with a cascade of matching heirloom tomatoes as your centerpiece, Sabre flatware, and Helen Levi’s rainbow splatter dishes. Or follow Taylor’s lead: “Swapping out my older tea towels for these summery colorways will freshen up my kitchen for the season ahead,” she says.

HTH x Domino Mini Stripe Tomato & Blue Napkins, Heather Taylor Home ($92)

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HTH x Domino Tomato & Blue Tea Towel, Heather Taylor Home ($38)

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HTH x Domino Tomato & Blue Petite Pillow, Heather Taylor Home ($125)

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HTH x Domino Tomato & Blue Placemat, Heather Taylor Home ($52)

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Lemon and Sand

“The yellow and sand runner with the scalloped edge is a forever piece,” Taylor says. “It’s so chic and happy.” Berry adds that the pinkish color balances the citron in just the right way without going too beach club. Set peachy pinwheel plates on top for another take on stripes (as long as you vary the scale, you can never have enough).

HTH x Domino Lemon & Sand Runner, Heather Taylor Home ($325)

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HTH x Domino Lemon & Sand Napkins, Heather Taylor Home ($92)

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HTH x Domino Wide Stripe Lemon & Sand Pillow, Heather Taylor Home ($156)

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HTH x Domino Lemon & Sand Tissue Box Cover, Heather Taylor Home ($45)

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Navy and Blue

“Blues are neutrals to me,” Berry states. This tonal pair lays a cool monochrome foundation that’s timeless yet of the moment. Pair it with some tomato and blue pieces—they actually share the same mid-blue tone—and add Georg Jensen Berandotte cutlery to instantly elevate basic barbecue fare.

HTH x Domino Navy & Blue Placemat, Heather Taylor Home ($52)

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HTH x Domino Navy & Blue Petite Pillow, Heather Taylor Home ($125)

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HTH x Domino Navy & Blue Tablecloth, Large, Heather Taylor Home ($298)

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HTH x Domino Medium Stripe Navy & Blue Napkins, Heather Taylor Home ($92)

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Emerald and Sky

Taylor envisions leaving the emerald and sky runner on her outdoor table all summer long. While you can’t go wrong with green on green, add some hits of unexpected lilac—the actual flowers count!—and your afternoon oysters will never look better.

HTH x Domino Emerald & Sky Tea Towel, Heather Taylor Home ($38)

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HTH x Domino Emerald & Sky Runner, Heather Taylor Home ($218)

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The post We Just Added 28 New Products to Our Stripy Collab With Heather Taylor Home appeared first on domino.

Is it just us or does it seem nearly impossible to find the perfect decorative piece to go in the empty spot above a bed? More often than not, we will either leave the wall blank or decked with a print we’ve had for longer than we would care to remember or admit. That all changes here. As the 11 style-focused spaces ahead prove, even the most mundane or expected elements can instantly transform your bedroom.

Keep the Frames, Ditch the Art

Designing a gallery wall can be a pretty intimidating process. One way to go about it? Forgo the art and opt for a gridded display of frames instead. We’re taking major pointers from this Paris apartment, which proves that something as simple as pairing an eclectic array of antique frames with an alluring shade of wall paint can really go a long way.

Pin Up a Favorite Textile

As far as DIYs go, this trick—which involves tacking up a piece of fabric with your choice of nails or pushpins—is one that requires almost no skill but looks thoughtfully curated. Not sure what type of fabric to casually mount on your wall? Start by shopping your linen closet for scraps or browse Etsy for antique and vintage offcuts. 

Fill Up a Shelf

No room for a nightstand, no problem. Screw a simple pinewood shelf into the wall à la designer Eliza Gran’s Ghent, New York, home and suddenly you’ve got a nearby surface that can hold a lot of weight, including fresh florals and a pitcher. 

Hang Smaller Works Off to the Side

In a small bedroom like the one in this London pied-à-terre, a large work of art over the headboard can feel overwhelming, so here’s a thought: You don’t have to match the wall’s scale or even hang something in the center of the space. These portraits turn out to be more attention grabbing because they’re off-center.

Devise a Gallery Theme

The landscape oil paintings scattered around the bed frame in designer Melissa Colgan’s Washington, D.C., home is her way of maximizing her collection (and her budget). “You get the look of a giant landscape but for less,” she says. By grouping like works together, the area doesn’t feel overstyled, even with so much going on.

Lean Objects on a Ledge

A 6- to 12-inch bump-out can serve as both a headboard as well as a rotating art display. Rather than put a permanent nail hole in your wall, you can lean works, and you also have plenty of room to prop up plants and taper candles, too.

Plug in a Giant Wall Light…

The low 6-foot ceilings and short windows in Christine Espinal’s bedroom sound like a recipe for a cave, but the spatial designer overcompensated with a large Ariette 1 wall light sculpture by Tobia Scarpa, so there’s no way it could ever feel dungeon-y. 

…Or a Neon Sign

Graphic designer Timothy Goodman also traded in the idea of a traditional nightstand lamp for an over-the-bed neon light. Seeing the cords hanging down from the fixture only adds to his studio apartment’s industrial vibes (it’s located in a former hat factory that was built in 1891).  

Explore the 3D

If a swatch of fabric skews too casual for you but you want to add some texture to your wall, consider fiber art. (Psst: The Citizenry has a handful of zen options crafted from cotton thread.) A small colorful rug has a similar effect. 

Float It Over Window Treatments

To solve for the two skinny windows that flank either side of her bed, Sarah Sherman Samuel decided to wrap the entire corner of her space with fabric using a mounted track. And, yes, she was still able to display art. The sculptural LRNCE mirror that looks like it’s attached directly to the fabric is actually suspended from ceiling-mounted hooks. 

Forage for Dried Flora

Victoria Adesanmi lives in Hollywood, but by the looks of her limewash walls (painted in Dune Shack by Portola Paints) and the dried palm frond hanging over her headboard, you’d think she was in Tulum.

The post 11 Clever Ways to Fill the Empty Space Above Your Bed appeared first on domino.

There’s a time and place for hidden storage. But when it comes to cute sun hats, we say: Keep them where the people can see them. Whether layered on a Shaker peg rail, hung on the wall as art, or wedged into a toppling tower, there’s something about a bountiful hat moment that brings a sense of warmth to interiors. It says “I vacation on the Côte d’Azur and frequent the local farmers’ market.” 

Of course, hats shouldn’t just be for show—you’re going to want to wear them, too. There’s no shortage of cute options out there, so it just comes down to knowing what you want. Does it need to be washable and packable, have a tie, or be absolutely massive? Our guide has you covered on all fronts, even down to hanging mechanisms. And while you’re being responsible and protecting your skin, you should probably peruse our sunscreen guide.

Au Naturel

We strongly feel that Nancy Meyers, Ina Garten, and Oprah Winfrey would all approve of these neutral sun hats. Perfect for gardening, going on a light walk, or doing absolutely nothing at all, they’ll instantly catapult you to coastal grandma status.

Moldeable Crocheted Straw Hat, Sensi Studio ($106 was $178)

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Holiday Canvas Bucket Hat, Lack of Color ($100)

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Bucket Hat With Ties, J.Crew ($25 was $50)

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Paloma Raffia Sun Hat, Lack of Color ($150)

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Exclusive Ember Netted Cotton Sun Hat, Oas ($95)

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Woven Straw Hat, Cos ($89)

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Personality-Filled Colors

Summer is the time to make a statement, and no one article does that quite like a colorful sun hat. Find the hue that speaks to you most—whether its Creamsicle, baby blue, or sunny yellow—and get ready for the compliments to start coming your way. 

Shore Bucket Hat, Lack of Color ($99)

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Terry Bucket Hat, H&M Home ($17)

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Striped Crocheted Organic Cotton Bucket Hat, Ganni ($70 was $118)

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Le Bob Embellished Frayed Cotton-Twill Bucket Hat, Jacquemus ($115)

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Shoreline Bucket Hat, Free People ($38)

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Cotton Chino Bucket Hat, Polo Ralph Lauren ($55)

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Sporty Chic

Sometimes you just need to throw on a cute baseball hat and run errands. The pedestrian style can often end up taking away from your outfit, but not these. Our favorite is Kule’s with its embroidered tennis racket, but the mermaid is a close second.

The Tennis Kap, Kule ($58)

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Beach Mermaid Hat, Fishwife ($28)

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Snoopy Tennis Washed Dad Hat, Urban Outfitters ($29)

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Baseball Hat, Clare V. ($60)

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Washed Critter Hat, J.Crew ($30 was $50)

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Wordmark Dad Hat, Museum of Peace and Quiet ($55)

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Style Them Front and Center

Cute sun hats, when not accessorizing your noggin, look good tossed just about anywhere around the house—side chairs, entryway tables, atop busy bookshelves, etc. But if you’re looking for a more intentional spot to show off your prized topper, then consider a few of our favorite hat-hanging systems, below.

Talia Customizable Hook Set, Urban Outfitters ($69)

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Half Moon 5 Hook Rack, Rejuvenation ($255)

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Maple Peg Rail, Schoolhouse ($84)

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Wall-mounted Metal Rack, H&M Home ($32)

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The post 18 Cute Sun Hats That Look Just as Good on Your Wall as They Do on Your Head appeared first on domino.

First things first: Congratulations, you made it through (an extraordinarily difficult) winter. Finally the sun has stopped setting just after your last bite of lunch and you can take one last good look at that down puffer coat, because spring is here. And design-wise, at least, the future has never looked so bright. 

Now that we’ve set our clocks forward an hour for daylight savings and have made it to March 19 (the official first day of spring), we’re ready for all the outdoorsy things: picnics in the park, backyard barbecues, and alfresco workouts. Here are the items we’ll have with us all season long.

For Picnics in the Park

Restaurants are cool, but spring is for sitting on a blanket on a grassy field and eating a perfect sandwich. While that’s enjoyable even empty-handed, a puffy roll-up blanket, insulated lunch box, and basket that transforms into a table will up your game.

Puffy Picnic Blanket, Baggu ($70)

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Igloo Tag Along Too 11 Quart Hard Sided Cooler, Target ($50)

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Small Plastic Cutting Board, Fredericks & Mae ($40)

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Handcrafted Straw Bucket Hat, Nordstrom ($19 was $45)

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Insulated Lunch Bag, Calpak ($48)

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Sun Jelly Sandals, Clare V. ($35)

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Mediterranean Turkish Towel, Huckberry ($24 was $45)

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Folding Picnic Basket & Table, Food52 ($180)

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For Outdoor Workouts

The gym won’t be necessary for those glorious not-too-hot, not-too-cold months. Rather than walking on the treadmill, activities like pickleball, outdoor yoga, and power walks with ankle weights will help you make the most of the weather.

Mono 20-Oz. Thermal Bottle by Hay, Nordstrom ($40)

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Printed Scoop-Back Bra, Tory Sport ($98)

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Slim Running Fanny Pack, Nike ($22 was $25)

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Gardiner’s Bay Pickle Ball Paddle, Tangerine ($85)

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Bala Bangles, Amazon ($55)

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Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, Salt & Stone ($22)

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Warrior Mat, Alo ($128)

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Beige Gel-1130 Sneakers, Asics ($100)

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For Backyard Barbecues

Whether you’re the grill master of the house or you’re on table-setting duty, these accessories will keep the good times rolling. When the sun goes down, turn on a portable lamp. When the mosquitoes come out, light citronella incense. And when guests get thirsty, make another batch of margaritas in a tall enamel pitcher.

Eureka Ignite 2-Burner Camp Stove, REI ($125)

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Walnut Grill Tools, Williams Sonoma ($60)

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Large Hanging Outdoor Citronella Mosquito Coil, Crate & Barrel ($40)

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore, Amazon ($190)

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Misty Blossom Side Plate, Xenia Taler ($11)

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Portable LED Lantern, Schoolhouse ($269)

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Citronelle Scented Candle , Diptyque ($74)

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3 Pint Jug, Falcon ($53)

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The post Picnic Season Is Almost Upon Us—Here Are 24 Essentials for Spending Spring Outside appeared first on domino.

They say a rug ties a room together, but we’d argue that a quilt does the job even better. Stitched patterns over block-printed florals and graphic grids in punchy palettes draw the eye in so much so that, as far as we’re concerned, it doesn’t really matter what else is going on. 

And they don’t only belong draped over a bed or piled high with other soft throws for chilly nights. One thing’s for certain: The handmade quilts from brands like Studio Ford and Thompson Street Studio (seen in the feature image) are true works of art. If you’re on the hunt for wall decor, you might want to consider hanging one of our picks for an even bolder statement. 

Color-Drench It

Sometimes a stitched grid is all the pattern you need. While Hawkins New York’s is more of an investment, H&M’s $111 option will get you the same vibe for a fraction of the price.

Leni Gauze Cotton Duo Taupe Queen Quilt, Article ($299)

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Simple Linen Quilt, Hawkins New York ($425)

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Kantha-Stitched Nevina Quilt, Anthropologie ($248)

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Everyday Linen Quilt, Parachute Home ($299)

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European Linen Quilt, Quince ($140)

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Quilted Bedspread, H&M Home ($111)

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Go Bold or Go Home

Not for the timid decorator, eye-catching textiles are the best way to create a room with real personality. If you ask us, Kotn’s high-contrast quilt is a great place to start.

Quilted Comforter, Kotn ($250)

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Amalfi Quilt, Serena & Lily ($278 was $378)

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Otti Quilt, Studio Ford ($528 was $660)

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Tile Quilt, Thompson Street Studio ($700)

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Anika Coverlet, Shoppe Amber Interiors ($420)

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Remnant Patchwork Quilt, GreenRow ($399)

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Put It in Neutral

If switching from a duvet to a quilt already feels like a big move, why not ease into it with a more muted palette? From the earth tones in Coyuchi’s design to the pale beige colorway in Schoolhouse’s popular Stillwater style, there’s a whole world of quiet quilts out there.

Robles Handstitched Organic Quilt, Coyuchi ($368)

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Patched Check Hand Woven Cotton Quilt, Toast ($480)

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Reversible Linen Quilt, Brooklinen ($287 was $359)

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Stillwater Floral Quilt, Schoolhouse ($299)

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The post We Found the 16 Best Grandma-Chic Quilts appeared first on domino.

Installing a sconce always involves a sacrifice. If you want it hardwired, you’ll need an electrician, and if you’re just mounting it, a dangling cord isn’t always pretty. But when you take electricity out of the equation altogether, you’re looking at the easiest installation of all time. Meet: the wall candle sconce. They might call to mind old estates like the one we fell in love with in Saltburn, or perhaps a moody castle from Game of Thrones, and that’s exactly why we’re into them. There’s something comforting about illuminating your home by striking a match instead of shouting at Alexa to dim the lights.

While you can absolutely go vintage (this $12 option from Chairish might be the best deal we’ve ever seen), plenty of our favorite brands, from CB2 to H&M Home, are offering their takes on the candle sconce. If you’re intrigued but have no idea where you’d hang one, we suggest purchasing a pair to flank a fireplace, cabinet, bed frame, or piece of art—or integrating a single one into a gallery wall. 

And because going through expensive tapers isn’t ideal, we suggest buying these editor-approved Amazon ones in bulk. That way, it won’t feel like lighting your candle sconces is only for special occasions. 

Our Favorite Candle Wall Sconces

Fredericks & Mae Taper Candleholder Wall Sconce

Fredericks & Mae Taper Candleholder Wall Sconce, Food52 ($46)

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Delicate iron just thicker than a strand of spaghetti allows this dainty sconce to squeeze in just about anywhere. 

CB2 Forde Brass Wall Sconce Taper Candleholder

Forde Brass Wall Sconce Taper Candleholder, CB2 ($23 was $30)

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This understated solid brass holder also takes up very little wall space, letting the taper itself shine (literally). It’s currently on sale, saving you $7. Just be sure to use dripless candles. 

H&M Home Metal Wall Sconce

Metal Wall Sconce, H&M Home ($18)

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In classic H&M Home fashion, this mirrored stainless steel holder is just $18. The arches at both ends add a soft, elegant touch.

Audo Copenhagen Clip Wall Candleholder

Clip Wall Candleholder, Audo Copenhagen ($31 was $45)

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This design isn’t limited to tapers; it holds wider pillar candles, too. We’re mesmerized by the drip tray’s floating effect. 

Vintage Gold Rope 5 Candleholder Wall Sconce

Vintage Gold Rope 5 Candleholder Wall Sconce, Chairish ($12 was $25)

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This vintage sconce offers a lot of look for just $12. Whimsical looped rope brass and scalloped drip trays make it bold enough to design an entire wall around.  

Sir Madam Quarterfold Wall Candle Sconce

Quaterfold Wall Candle Sconce, Brooke & Lou ($85)

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This envelope-like holder is compelling even without a candle in it. The flame reflects onto the brass-plated steel sheeting, making the glow even brighter.  

Latitude Run Star Sconces (Set of 2)

Latitude Run Star Sconces (Set of 2), Wayfair ($110 was $92)

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We’re loving the Southwestern cowboy vibes of this iron set of two. They bring double the fun. 

Audo Copenhagen Flambeau Wall Candleholder

Flambeau Wall Candleholder, 2 Modern ($112 was $160)

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Irregular panels in either polished or bronzed brass add a contemporary, sculptural element to a wall. 

Vintage Brass and Iron Grotto Wall Candelabra

Brass and Iron Grotto Wall Candelabra, Chairish ($55 was $115)

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We’re digging the mix of iron and brass in this beachy pick. At 52% off, it’s worth making space for.

Mercer 41 Candle Sconce

Mercer 41 Candle Sconce, Wayfair ($55 was $115)

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The simple curved column shape of this brass holder will never go out of style. Plus it’s currently 45% off. 

Frama Round Ornament Candleholder

Round Ornament Candleholder, Goodee ($290)

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Like the name indicates, this hefty holder is truly an ornament for your wall. It’s ideal for integrating into a gallery wall, as the circular shape breaks up a bunch of rectangular frames. 

Vintage Modernist Iron & Glass Candle Sconce From Danish Ferro Art

Vintage Modernist Iron & Glass Candle Sconce From Danish Ferro Art, 1st Dibs ($297 was $370)

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Made in Denmark in the 1970s, this sconce has likely seen quite a few walls. Welded amber and amber glass isn’t a combination we see too often, making it extra-special. 

The post Moody Candle Wall Sconces Deliver More Romance Than a Lightbulb Ever Could appeared first on domino.

There are good reasons that we’re obsessed with linen sheets: They’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter; they’re moisture wicking; and they get softer with each wash—plus they’re twice as strong as cotton sheets, hypoallergenic, dirt- and lint-resistant, and eco-friendly (since flax, the crop linen is made from, requires little water and few pesticides to grow and is renewable). The best linen sheets have an almost indescribable tactile feel and embody a laid-back aesthetic. After all, people have been using the material for bedding since the time of ancient Egypt. 

But why are linen sheets generally more expensive than cotton ones? And how do you know which bedding brand is the right one to invest in? Read on for answers to these and any other questions you’ve ever had about linen—plus the best picks, from a swoon-worthy budget option to sets finished in chic colors and patterns.

Our Favorites

• Best overall: The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set
• Best budget: DAPU Linen Sheet Set
• Best organic: Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets
• Best lightweight linen: Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set
• Best heavyweight linen: Linoto Linen Sheet Set
• Best colors: Bed Threads Flax Linen Sheet Set
• Best lived-in feel: Cultiver Linen Sheets
• Best splurge: Matteo Vintage Linen Sheet Set

Best Overall: The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set

Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set, Queen, The Citizenry ($299)

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The first thing we noticed when unboxing the Citizenry’s stonewashed linen sheet set was the softness. Made in Portugal from French linen, the fine texture is one that makes you keep coming back for more (ideal when it comes to the place where you sleep). These linen sheets clock in at 160 grams per square meter (GSM), lighter than what’s considered medium weight, and what the brand considers optimum for life span and comfort. We’d compare the feel of sleeping on them to that breezy summer linen shirt you pop on when you need a little extra coverage but still want things to be breathable.

There’s more to love about the Citizenry’s sheets: The brand discloses the specific family-run mill they work with and its location, so there’s no guesswork when considering worker conditions. Each piece is Oeko-Tex certified. The sheets shed less after laundering than other linen we’ve encountered, and the muted color palette is easy to mix and match. It also offers free shipping within the continental U.S.

Sizing ranges from full to California king, and the fitted sheet is 15 inches deep, which generously wraps around tall mattresses. Set prices (which includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases) range from $289 to $339, and this puts the brand in the sweet spot between entry level and higher end where linen is concerned. 

Best Budget: DAPU Linen Sheet Set

DAPU Linen Sheet Set, Queen, Amazon ($137 was $150)

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Yes, fine linen is expensive, but there are high-quality and long-lasting picks out there if you’re on a budget or want to test out the feel before splurging. DAPU’s linen set is one of those options. The flax is sourced from France, and the sheets are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and processed using nontoxic and natural dyes. They’re also stonewashed (exactly what it sounds like) for supreme softness and will only continue to get more supple with each wash. The material looks to have an excellent drape, similar to some of the pricier brands. And as with all linen, it has excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties to make sure you stay comfortable all night.

Each set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases and in a range of colors and sizes. DAPU’s collection is an excellent way to sample great linen at a friendly price point—and comes recommended with more than 2,000 positive reviews. With that, we’d even suggest getting two colors so you can curate your bedscape—perhaps natural linen and olive green.

Best Organic: Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets

Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets, Queen, Coyuchi ($558)

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If you’re looking for a heavier-weight linen from a company that’s completely committed to sustainability, check out Coyuchi’s organic relaxed linen sheets, another designer favorite. In fact, we first spotted these in Athena Calderone’s master bedroom and immediately went down the rabbit hole of the Northern California brand’s extensive literature on organic materials, including why it is GOTS and Fair Trade certified as well as Made Safe.

The organic linen bedding, however, is extra-special, as organic flax makes up only 1% of the crop’s already small market, according to the brand. The flax is sourced from the Saint-Pierre-le-Viger region of Normandy in northern France, and the sheets are woven in Portugal and have a heavier weight at 185 GSM. “We researched vintage linen to create an heirloom weight,” explains Whitney Thornburg, Coyuchi’s design director. 

And it shows. On our bed and against our skin, the material felt sturdy, soft, and comforting and had an elegance to it that draped beautifully. “It has a great natural look,” says interior designer Chiara de Rege, who favors Coyuchi’s linens for her more relaxed interiors.

Best Lightweight Linen: Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set

Linen Core Sheet Set, Queen, Brooklinen ($254)

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With its almost gauzelike feel, Brooklinen’s linen core sheet set is the perfect choice if you like “light” bedding. The 145-GSM fabric is stonewashed (which by now you know means it’ll be supersoft right out of the bag), and our set arrived in cotton cases with pretty envelope closures. Made from Belgian and French flax and washed and dyed in small batches, the sheets are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and grazed our skin in the most comfortable way due to their light weight. 

We particularly like the limited-edition caramel stripe colorway, a departure from solid colors that instantly elevates an otherwise neutral bedroom. We tried ours under three different duvets in ivory, beige, and dusty pink, and the thick taupe stripes looked equally regal under all, lending the flexibility to mix and match.

Available in four sizes, five core colors, and six limited-edition hues—including an oversize blue gingham print—and praised by thousands of happy customers, these sheets offer an airy update on a classic.

Best Heavyweight Linen: Linoto 100 Percent Linen Sheet Set

100 Percent Linen Sheet Set, Queen, Linoto ($429)

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When Jason Evege, the founder of Linoto, shared that the uniquely heavy weight of these ivory sheets reminds him of the heirloom linen that you’re more likely to find in Europe, we immediately got excited. Ours arrived in an uncharacteristically big box for bedsheets, and we were unprepared for the small workout of carrying it up the stairs. These sheets are heavy. Our set was neatly folded, laundered, pressed, wrapped in brown paper, and tied with twine—a service Linoto does for all its customers so you don’t have to wash your sheets before using them. “Linoto is wonderful for its high-quality selection,” says interior stylist and author Emily Henderson. 

The sheets are a weighty 210 GSM, made with flax sourced from Italy, and hand-finished in Westchester, New York. Sleeping in them was a luxurious and simultaneously therapeutic experience: They almost felt like a weighted blanket. Smooth and stiff—which Evege told us is common in new, high-quality linen—they wrinkled significantly less than lower GSM linen and hugged our bed, as well as our bodies, perfectly. While we did test these in the summer (and had no overheating issues), we couldn’t help but dream about how cozy and cocooning they’d feel in the wintertime. “Linen enthusiasts often love heavier weights,” says Evege. But he acknowledges that his customers live in all sorts of climates, and the brand also comes in lighter weights. 

Linoto offers a wide variety of colors, such as copper plum, a deep purple, and Malbec, a deep berry. And it carries an astonishing 10 sizes, from twin XL and Olympic queen to European king and split king. Plus a bonus: Our king sheet set came with four pillowcases instead of the typical two. 

Best Colors: Bed Threads 100 Percent Flax Linen Sheet Set

100 Percent Flax Linen Sheet Set, Queen, Bed Threads ($290)

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A favorite of Domino editors (and a winner in our Good Design Awards), Bed Threads’s linen sheet set is made from French flax and comes in 23 colorways, including a chic olive stripe and a pretty light pink called rosewater. Editors report these sheets get softer with each wash, drape and layer nicely, and are slightly thicker than a lot of the other popular brands—and the colors don’t fade either.

But the best part of Bed Threads’s offerings is that you can build a custom sheet set. The Build Your Own Bundle tool lets you play around with different pairings and shows you what the final set will look like with a 3D rotating mock-up. This isn’t a feature we’ve seen from other brands, and it allows anyone design minded to create something completely bespoke with ease. But like a lot of good things, there’s a downside, as so many options and possible combinations can make it hard to decide—or to stop shopping!

Best Lived-in Feel: Cultiver Linen Sheets

Linen Sheet Set with Pillowcases, Queen, Cultiver ($401)

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Cultiver has swiftly become one of our top go-tos for linen everything—table runners, robes, napkins, you name it. The Australian brand’s bedding is no exception; it was the best thing our style editor bought in 2022, and other editors have since invested. Products from Cultiver arrive fully packaged in cardboard (easy recycling), and sheet sets come in linen drawstring bags that are, honestly, a good way to wrap up host gifts. Supple and breathable straightaway, these sheets—made in Portugal and China from 100% Belgian and French flax—only soften as they are washed. 

Sizing ranges from twin to California king (there’s no full); some sizes are in and out of stock in different colors. But we love the extra-deep pockets that, when tested, generously fit around an 11.5-inch-tall king mattress with a 3-inch-tall mattress topper. When slept on, we found the fabric to gently graze or comfortably drape versus stiffly stay put or suffocate. Cool to the touch, it has kept us insulated throughout the night without things getting too steamy. Plus Cultiver’s production partners are Oeko-Tex certified.

Best Splurge: Matteo Vintage Linen Sheet Set

Vintage Linen Sheet Set, Queen, Matteo ($425 was $850)

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Matteo started when founder Matt Lenoci was strolling through a flea market in Europe and noticed vintage linen sheets for sale. When he went home to Los Angeles, he thought about how to re-create this luxury Stateside, and so the brand was born. Now top interior designers—from Jessica Helgerson to Colin King—cite Matteo’s linen offerings among their favorites. The brand, which had a partnership with Restoration Hardware, has become a cult favorite for those in the know (and those who prioritize good sleep). “Matteo is premium quality,” says King—think: comfy and lived-in.

When our bedding arrived, folded and in a cloth bag, we admired the feel: soft but textured and the perfect medium weight for any type of sleeper or weather. Matteo takes great care to achieve this. The high-quality flax is sourced from all over the world, and the linens are hand-cut and -sewn in the brand’s L.A. factory. When you purchase a sheet set, the size is pulled from inventory and then batch-dyed to maintain color consistency across the set. The sheets are washed multiple times, sometimes with abrasive agents like pumice stones, in order to break down the fibers for maximum color absorbency and an addictively sumptuous feel. Sleeping on the sheets is as great as everyone told us it would be, and when we woke, we felt as if we had just slept in a five-star hotel: rested, refreshed, and lucky. 

Available in six sizes (including twin XL and California king) and seven neutral hues (with more on the way before the end of the year), each set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases. The brand also offers variations on its vintage linen sheets (like ruffles and lace) and has coordinating duvets, shams, tablecloths, and even napkins. Trust us: Once you try Matteo, you’ll want to get your hands on every type of vintage linen it offers—it’s just that good. 

More Linen Sheet Sets We Love

Linen Oatmeal Stripe Sheet Set, Queen, Piglet In Bed ($337)

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Linen Margot Sheet Set, Queen, Sheet Society ($405)

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Heirloom Linen Sheet Set, Queen, Morrow Soft Goods ($349)

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LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set, Queen, Sijo ($266 was $295)

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Linen Sheet Set, Queen, CB2 ($259)

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How We Chose These Products

A good sheet set is to great sleep like good cookware is to great food—you need quality stuff to really get it right. Writer Sade Strehlke as well as Domino editors have thoughtfully tested the top linen sheets on the market to give you an honest opinion on the best sets. We took into account material quality, reviews, brand reputation, price point, and style—not to mention care. We’re always on the lookout for new or noteworthy products, and promise to update our list when something stands out.

Our Shopping Checklist

Weave

Linen sheets are made from the flax plant, which grows best along moving bodies of water such as rivers and streams, explains Logan Foley, managing editor of the Sleep Foundation. “The best-quality linen is said to come from Belgium, specifically along the River Lys,” says Foley. Irish and French linen are also highly prized, and China, too, is a major textile manufacturer and exporter. 

Once the crop is harvested, the flax plant fibers are spun into yarn, which is then woven into linen fabric. A lot of times, high-quality linen is harvested by hand, which adds to the price, as this can be a time-intensive process, says Foley. At the same time, however, flax requires little irrigation or water to grow and few pesticides, so it’s naturally more environmentally friendly than cotton. It’s also renewable (it can be replanted over and over again) and very strong due to the high tensile strength of the flax plant’s fibers, explains Dr. Erum Ilyas of Schweiger Dermatology Group. Linen fabric also absorbs 20% of its water weight before feeling damp, which means it’s a great option if you sleep hot, perspire at night, or live in a warm environment.

Unlike cotton sheets, linen doesn’t come in various weaves, such as percale, sateen, or flannel. “You can get linen from different places around the world, with different weights and characteristics, but for the most part they’re all of the same [weave],” says Foley. Indeed, the biggest difference we found between different linen materials was the quality of the flax, the craftsmanship, and the weight.

Thread Count

Weight, when talking about linen sheets, is akin to thread count when talking about cotton sheets. It’s a key—but not the only—metric to characterize the material. “Linen is a thicker and bulkier yarn; thus, it simply can’t have a high thread count,” says Ilyas.

Instead, linen is quantified by grams per square meter (GSM). And just as thread count is calculated by cutting 1 square inch of the fabric and counting the threads present, GSM is measured as the weight (in grams) of a square meter of the fabric. The heavier the weight, the denser and warmer the fabric will feel. The lighter the weight, the lighter and cooler it’ll feel. Most bedding experts agree that a good medium-weight linen is anything from 170 to 190 GSM, says Foley, which means that it weighs about 170 to 190 grams per square meter.

We tried linen sheets that had both lower and higher GSMs and were not disappointed. Ultimately, it’s about personal preference. Our only forewarning is that a lighter weight might not last as long, so if you do go for a lower GSM or a lightweight option, be very gentle with the bedding when laundering.

Care

Always read the care instructions to be sure, but generally linen sheets should be cared for the same way as all sheets: washing in cold or warm water and drying on a low heat setting or on a line. “I honestly toss them in the wash and the dryer,” says King. As with all textiles, you should also steer clear of fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which will coat your bedding with chemicals that can irritate your skin and break down the fabric’s integrity over time. Instead opt for dryer balls to speed up drying time. If you love laundry that has a slight scent once it’s done, you can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls. As for trying to iron out the creases that linen is known for, Henderson says don’t bother: “Linen is meant to have some character, so don’t worry about wrinkling.”

Ask Domino

Q: Are linen sheets scratchy? 

As mentioned above, the feel of linen is almost ineffable. “For some reason, it’s hard to describe,” says Henderson. “It’s soft but not silky and slightly rough, but in a textured way.”

True, pure linen sheets are not soft at first, but they do soften substantially with use, especially after a year or two. “They’re made in a way that ages well,” adds King. That’s why you hear of linen being passed down over generations: It’s incredibly durable and stable if cared for correctly.

Q: How long do linen sheets last? 

Linen sheets can last for years if cared for correctly. Our top recommendation is to always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before washing and drying, but we’d also suggest opting for dryer balls over other methods to help linen retain its fabric structure.  

The post The Best Linen Sheets Are the Epitome of Unfussy Luxury appeared first on domino.

There are plenty of good reasons to put a slipcover over a not-so-cute (or not-so-clean) sofa. Chief among them, it beats dropping thousands on a new one. The challenge is finding a slipcover that won’t look as bad as what you are trying to hide in the first place. And we’d be willing to bet you’re searching in the wrong places—because the best textiles for mending your sad sofa situation are probably already in your house. The best sofa slipcovers? Blankets.

Grab a bright sheet, a patterned coverlet, or a vintage handira and get to camouflaging. The tucking bit is optional; a peppy stripe or bold fringe appears especially effortless when loosely cloaked over the cushions. Here’s how to cover a sofa with throws in seven different ways.

Swaddle the Cushions in Mismatched Blankets

“It’s not me to have a white couch or a white anything,” Los Angeles–based streetwear designer Beth Birkett told us. So it’s no surprise that she dyed her family’s two RH Cloud sofas seafoam green, then swaddled the cushions in a rainbow of textiles. Rather than choose one look or the other, she left the base uncovered for a bright contrast.

Vintage African Kente Ewe Cloth, Etsy ($357)

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Nomad Throw Blanket, Sabahar ($120)

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Cover Just the Seat With a Wool Throw

You wouldn’t normally think of a crisp white sofa as kid-friendly, but Jenni Li and Hans Gissinger managed to make it so in their Brooklyn, home. Their trick: encasing the seat in a wool blanket. When juice inevitably spills, it can simply be dry-cleaned.

Glacier National Park Blanket by Pendleton, Backcountry ($239)

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Recycled Wool Blanket , The Tartan Blanket Co. ($132)

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Gift Wrap Each Section With Tablecloths or Quilts

At Bird Brooklyn founder Jennifer Mankins’s Shelter Island, New York, retreat, tablecloths are bedding, denim is wall insulation, and vintage kantha quilts are sofa upholstery. Each section is wrapped individually, almost as if they’re presents (and aren’t they?).

Shelburne Cotton Coverlet, Schoolhouse ($179 was $199)

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Indigo Hand-Dyed Cotton Tablecloth, Tensira ($325)

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Beach House Blanket, Serena & Lily ($100 was $228)

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Patched Check Hand Woven Cotton Quilt, Toast ($480)

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Drape Striped Blankets Over the Top

In the case of a classic pattern like stripes, scale is everything. Flea Market Fab founder Jennifer Harrison sewed two blankets with different takes on stripes together: a chunkier, blocklike print and one made up of thin lines. The variety lends some soul to the neutral arrangement.

100% Turkish Cotton Muslin Coverlet, Kafthan ($50)

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Cotton Pinstripe Blanket, Schoolhouse ($199)

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Cluster Block-Printed Botanical Bedspreads

​​Sean MacPherson and Rachelle Hruska’s fort–meets–surf shack in Montauk, New York, is overflowing with the Moroccan pillows and oversize blankets they’ve collected over time. A couple in subtle leaf and flower patterns—no ubiquitous palm leaf prints here—have ended up folded around their two daybeds.

Hand Block Floral Print Kantha Quilt , V Vedant Designs ($43)

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Canouan Bedspread, Soho Home ($578)

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Blue Moon Quilt, Celadon/Gray, Pyar & Co. ($265)

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Handcrafted Reversible Quilt, Pottery Barn ($149 was $249)

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Layer in Texture With Embellished Coverlets

Fashion designer Keren Craig went heavy on texture for the sofa in her reimagined farmhouse in upstate New York, loading up the backrests with a shiny tasseled Moroccan handira (known as a wedding blanket). An embroidered burgundy textile gives the celebratory pieces a down-to-earth spin. Cabin vibes but with a little glitz.

Vintage Moroccan Wedding Blanket, Berber Handira Tamizart ($980 was $1,225)

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Averill Cotton Quilt, Anthropologie ($208)

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Toss a Breezy Linen Sheet Over the Top

In the middle of Brigette Muller’s Brooklyn rental, an anything-but-boring beige sofa sets the tone for her French-inspired scene. In lieu of a stuffy slipcover, she chose a sheetlike option of breezy linen draped over her three-seater that looks as effortlessly chic as any Paris flat.

Vintage Linen Bed Cover, Parachute ($269)

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Vintage Wash European Linen Bed Cover, Quince ($130)

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Rainy Linen Throw, Blu Dot ($195)

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Linen Coverlet, DWR ($265)

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Ask Domino

Q: What size throw blankets work best to cover a sofa? 

The number and size of throw blankets you use will largely depend on the size of the sofa, so your first step is to measure. In order to make it look as integrated as possible, Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects, says to choose a blanket that is either large enough to cover the couch in its entirety or use smaller throws and wrap each cushion individually. 

Q: Are certain materials better than others? 

Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, says there are a few things to consider. First, aim for a material that feels soft and cozy—think: cashmere, wool, and cotton. Second, durability is key. Choose a material that can withstand wear and tear (wool and cotton also work here along with linen). And finally, make sure the material selected coordinates with your home’s aesthetic.

Q: How do you keep throw blankets from shifting around?

There are a few ways to keep these covers from slipping off your sofa. Kropovinsky recommends using blanket clips. These handy little metal fasteners help hold the throws in place over your couch’s arms. He adds that throw pillows can serve as weights to secure the fabric. Also, by simply folding the blanket in half before positioning it on the couch, the added width makes it snugger and less likely to shift.

The post How to Cover Your Sofa With Throws—Before You Buy Another Boring Slipcover appeared first on domino.

It seems like every other day there’s a new It candle. (Have you seen Hope’s Night Scented Candle or Piglet’s Country Garden?) To that we say: The more the merrier. According to Sylvana Kiss and Sasha Zinshtein—the creative couple behind Casa Ziki, a housewares and gift shop with storefronts in Brooklyn and Woodstock, New York—the candle market is crazily saturated right now. Keeping up with the trendiest sniffs is like chasing perfect sunsets, which makes choosing a signature scent (or even a few) for your home into a sport. We test heaps of candles, and our 24 top picks are below, including those that are a part of our permanent rotation and new-to-market favorites that we’re eyeing right now. Light ‘em up.

Our Favorites

• Best woodsy candle: Keap Wood Cabin
• Best floral candle: Diptyque Baies 
• Best earthy candle: D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain
• Best musky candle: Trudon Abd El Kader 
• Best fruit-forward candle: Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato
• Best fresh candle: Byredo Cotton Poplin

New Favorites 

As we said, there’s always a new candle debuting from beloved brands and newcomers. We stay on top of what’s out there, and here’s what we’re feeling right now. 

Petrichor Candle, 13 oz, Flamingo Estate ($115)

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Tepoztlán Candle, 8.5 oz, Nopalera ($48)

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Baies and Roses Duo Valentine’s Day Edition, 190g, Diptyque ($156)

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Byredo Choco Mascarpone Candle, 8.5 oz, Neiman Marcus ($94)

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Flamingo Estate just dropped its annual limited-edition candle, Petrichor. It’s oversize, equipped with two cotton wicks, and made from 100% vegetable wax. The scent is created by microbes in the soil interacting with warm water, with hints of myrrh, amber, vetiver, sage, and eucalyptus. The brand calls it an “invitation to wash away what no longer serves you.” Burn it for 85 hours and then reuse the recycled glass vessel elsewhere. Diptyque’s Baies scent might not be new, but these adorable heart-adorned mini vessels are—and they’re perfect for gifting to your special someone. Nopalera, a Chicana-owned body-care brand we love, just released three candles with reusable vessels (re: margaritas); we’re very into the copal and sandalwood notes of the Tepoztlán. Byredo, which you’ll see throughout this guide, just gave us Choco Mascarpone, full of roast coffee, floral jasmine, bitter chocolate, and patchouli.

Best Woodsy Candles

Keap Wood Cabin Candle, 7.4 oz, SHW ($55)

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Lucali & Joya “Al Forno” Scented Candle, 6.5 oz, Joya Studio ($48)

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Forest Sun Candle/Teacup, 6oz, M.Hainey by Mizu ($67)

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Piñon Soy Candle, 7.2 oz, P.F. Candle Co. ($24)

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Keap has somehow distilled the scent of our ideal setting—being parked next to a long-lingering fire, a warm beverage in hand—and ensconced it in wax. The Wood Cabin scent is a mélange of cedar, palo santo, and fireside embers, and you can almost hear it crackling. Other woodsy darlings: Joya Studio’s brick-oven-inspired collab with Brooklyn pizza haunt Lucali; P.F. Candle Co’s Southwest-inflected Piñon; and M.Hainey by Mizu’s Forest Sun, meant to evoke a stroll among trees. Stylist and market guru Cat Dash is crazy about all of Joya Studio’s candles. “The company does the coolest collaborations, and the candles are truly crafted in an artistic way,” she says. “The vessels are so special. Really, everything about them is special.” 

Best Floral Candles

Baies Candle, 190g, Diptyque ($74)

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Frama 1917 Candle, 170 g, Ssense ($85)

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Maison Louis Marie Kandili Candle, 8.5 oz, Jayson Home ($38)

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High Ceiling Resort Lobby Candle, 8 oz, Vacation ($34)

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Floral doesn’t have to mean punch-you-in-the-face begonias. Exhibit A: Diptyque’s Baies. Named for berries, it’s the lively rose accents here that really sing and make your space smell like the lobby of a five-star hotel. Vacation’s High Ceiling Resort Lobby candle takes that even more literally, inspired by exactly what it’s named for (with fresh-cut flowers and an ocean breeze fragrance). Danish darling Frama’s 1917 puts bergamot and lilac front and center, and perfume go-to Maison Louis Marie’s Kandili leans into jasmine, tuberose, and white lily. 

(Take note: No matter which scent you pick, be mindful that Diptyque candles can tunnel—when only the middle part of the candle melts—if not burned properly. It’s a good idea to actually read the instructions here.)

Best Earthy Candles

Big Sur After Rain Candle, 7 oz, D.S. & Durga ($70)

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Midnight Soak Candle, 8.3 oz, Audo Copenhagen ($85)

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Ginori Profumi Luchino Rain Rock Creek Scented Candle, Abask ($104)

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Sandstone Candle, 8 oz, Glossier ($45)

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Earthy is wide-ranging, and for good reason: to encompass both land and sea. The idea with this category is to evoke a fancy gym, one that might have a calming steam room and extremely fluffy towels. D.S. & Durga’s Big Sur After Rain is exactly what we want to burn to get that vibe, with its Cali coastal notes of rain, eucalyptus, and wet wood. More to love in this category includes Audo Copenhagen’s Midnight Soak; Rain Rock Creek from Ginori 1735 and Luke Edward Hall; and Glossier’s Sandstone.

Best Musky Candles

Trudon Abd El Kader Classic Candle, 9.5 oz, Ssense ($105)

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Slow Burn Candle, 8.5 oz, Boy Smells ($56)

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Byredo Sweet Grass Candle, 8.5 oz, Nordstrom ($94)

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Malin+Goetz Leather Candle, 9 oz, Amazon ($64)

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The French really seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to making candles, especially those of the musky persuasion. While there’s a lofty price tag attached to Trudon’s Abd El Kader, it’s still our favorite in this category—it has a superluxe scent and makes your space feel that way, too. The Normandy-based brand can trace its candle origins back to 1643, and the product looks as good as it smells, with a dark vessel and gold branding. Boy Smells makes seductive candles, and its collab with Kasey Musgraves is spicy, smoky goodness with incense, black pepper, and guaiac wood. The brand uses packaging that “provokes outdated ideas of gender and identity woven into the social fabric,” explains cofounder Matthew Herman. “We make nontraditional fragrances for modern, complex identities.” Burning Byredo’s Sweet Grass is like sage-ing your home, and Malin + Goetz’s aptly named Leather speaks for itself. 

Best Fruit-Forward Candles

Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle, 8 oz, Flamingo Estate ($58)

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Le Labo Verveine 32 Classic Candle, 8.6 oz, Nordstrom ($84)

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Loewe Orange Blossom Candle, 5.8 oz, Neiman Marcus ($110)

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Ralph Lauren Amalfi Coast Scented Candle, 9.3 oz, Nordstrom ($65)

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We all know the tomato is a fruit, but this is a tiny reminder that those trendy scented friends land here. Our favorite of the moment is Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom variety, a ripe juice bomb reminiscent of late-summer dinner parties. If your brain goes right to citrus in this space, make sure to add Loewe’s ribbed Orange Blossom to your cart, or Le Labo’s Verveine, an homage to verbena leaf and makrut lime. If you need to be transported directly to Italy in the dead of winter, give the fig- and cassis-laden Ralph Lauren Home Amalfi Coast a light. 

Best Fresh Candles

Byredo Cotton Poplin Candle, 8.5 oz, Nordstrom ($94)

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Voluspa French Linen Luxe Candle, 30 oz, Nordstrom ($68)

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Garden Party Clean Blossom Candle, 8 oz, Otherland ($40)

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01 “Taunt” Massage Candle, 9 oz, DedCool ($55)

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There’s just something about fresh laundry—starched shirts, fluffed linen—that offers a clean, crisp scent to your surroundings. Byredo’s Cotton Poplin borrows quite literally from that idea, mixing chamomile, cedar, and musk with a backbone of metallic iron. Voluspa’s French Linen calls to mind a just-made bed on a windows-open afternoon, and Otherland’s Clean Blossom goes all in on sheets drying on the line, maybe near a flower-laden bush. We’re big fans of DedCool’s detergent, and its Taunt scent comes in a candle, too. 

Our Shopping Checklist

Types of Wax

Not everyone can agree on which wax is best, so we’re breaking down the basics that you’re likely to come across in your search. 

• Paraffin may not score many sustainability points as a petroleum-based product, but it’s still tapped by candlemakers for its ability to hold scent and color. 
• Soy wax is hydrogenated soybean oil that has gained headway as a top alternative to paraffin. Herman notes Boy Smells candles, made mostly of beeswax and coconut wax, include trace amounts of organic soy wax to improve stability and more effectively diffuse fragrances. This wax also has a lower melting point than paraffin, elongating its burn time.  
• Beeswax is just as it sounds: a byproduct of honey bees used to build and fill their hives. It is naturally dripless (a high melting point translates to a slower, smokeless burn) and considered a renewable product. This is why our photo editor, Andie Diemer, is always on the lookout for candles that are 100 percent beeswax (and swears by bluecorn beeswax tapers).   
• Coconut wax may be new to the scene, but it’s already a featured blend in some of our favorite picks. While a bit on the pricey side, it does everything the above waxes do and more: It retains both color and fragrance and produces little soot. 

Ingredients and Scents

Candles don’t necessarily offer a nutritional-label level of detail on ingredients, but the bottom of the container sometimes includes clues to the makeup of your fiery friend. Not to set off any alarms, but you do breathe in what you burn; it’s why most experts we chatted with prefer natural ingredients over manmade ones, whether it’s the wick (stick to cotton, wood, or hemp) or the wax. We recommend avoiding plastics like resin and artificial fragrances whenever you can—for example, keep an eye out for words attached with -phthalates—and opt for essential or natural fragrance oils. 

Casa Ziki’s Kiss and Zinshtein have seen an uptick in additions like dried herbs and essences that conjure a place or lifestyle. “If a scent can trigger a memory for someone, that can be super-powerful,” they point out, listing Dancecandles as a prime example. 

Herman’s take? Be playful and try new things. “Every fragrance I have burned in my home or worn on my body has opened me up to new perspectives,” he says. “They are like looking through color lenses. I have tried things I thought I would not like but ended up loving.”

Burn Time

You don’t want a candle that burns so fast that it feels like you were barely able to enjoy it. How quickly your candle burns away is often described in hours, and this number can vary depending on all sorts of factors, whether it’s the wax type or weight, size of the container, number of wicks, even the length of it. For instance, a longer wick will produce a bigger flame, burning your candle faster (yes, this is why trimming is so important). 

Ask Domino

Q: When—and how often—should I trim a wick? 

You might be surprised to hear that there is 100% a wrong and right way to burn your candle, and according to Herman, it all starts with whether or not you’re trimming the wick. In order to ensure a clean, smoke-free burn, the experts all agree to shave off about a ¼ inch of your wick prior to each lighting. 

Q: Any other dos or don’ts of candle care I should keep in mind? 

The most important step in candle care is allowing the entire surface of wax to melt the first time it’s lit to prevent tunneling. In general there’s a sweet spot of time for this, hovering somewhere between two and three hours, though never any longer than four. Carbon can gather on your wick and force it to balloon up into a mushroomlike cap if you keep it lit too long, though it can even happen when a wick is too large and fails to burn at the same rate as your wax. Whenever this does happen, don’t panic: Just reach for your handy-dandy wick trimmer (or nail clippers; they complete the job just as well!). 

If taller or sculptural candles are starting to look a little wonky or misshapen compared to the first day you brought them home, it might be a result of where you’ve placed them, warn Kiss and Zinshtein. “Temperature and climate can have a huge effect on candles, so think twice before putting your brand-new twisty taper in your window or by a heater,” they explain. In fact, Cire Trudon specifically suggests keeping candles in a dry, temperate environment between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: Can (or should) you mix candle scents? 

This all depends on you and how sensitive your schnoz is. Kiss and Zinshtein have enjoyed  experimenting. “We typically try to stick with a ‘one scent per room’ rule, but we have also often surprised ourselves with mixing and matching,” the duo notes. “We haven’t found anything that clashes too badly, but at the end of the day just follow your nose!” Of course, if you’re looking to light more than one flame to relax during bath time or to create some ambience at the dinner table, you can never go wrong with an unscented option, particularly in the shape of a pillar or taper. 

How We Chose These Products 

After tapping the Casa Ziki crew, Boy Smells founders, and Dash on how they decide which candles they love best—they take all sorts of things into consideration, from original designs to nontoxic scents—our editors pooled together picks by scent, from woodsy to floral and everything in between.

The Last Word 

Scent is powerful, but it isn’t the only characteristic you should look out for in your search for the best candles. Whether you’re sensitive to strong smells or looking for a candle that doubles as a sculptural conversation starter, there are plenty of choices on the market to peruse—just keep wax types, natural ingredients, and original designs in mind.

The post Our Scent-by-Scent Guide to the Best Candles appeared first on domino.