PierPoint USA

The Hygiene of Sleep and Sheets

A common concern when entering a new lodging space is sleep quality. Asides from personal habits, the next most important factor is environment. Noise, light, temperature and the quality of the bed and bedding all come into play. How?

Providing blackout curtains to hide an early sunrise and sheers for those who want a sunshine wakeup call can also provide some temperature control.

Pillows are useful for customizing support while soft, breathable bedding with a layered assortment of covers allow a guest to fine tune their thermal comfort.

Even floor, wall and window coverings should be carefully considered for their ability to insulate and dampen sound.

Techtextil North America – Chicago for 2017, back to Atlanta for 2018

The 14th edition of Techtextil North America trade fair ran over June 20-22 with more than 150 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, 5 symposium sessions and over 20 expert industry presentations.

Techtextil North America – Outline

Like the major Frankfurt edition, the show vertically assembles the technical textiles industry from R&D through materials, production and treatment through to recycling. This year showcased a number of new participants.

A new addition was a series of talks in partnership with The Nonwovens Institute hosted throughout the event and open to all attendees. The Graduate Student Poster Program was present for the 4th year running, showcasing budding research in related fields.

Next year’s edition will be held May 22-24, 2018 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Natural Textiles – Luxury Meets Practicality

We return this month to discuss the other side of the question on whether synthetic or natural textiles are the better choice for your project. Although often used to make a statement, the push for “natural” – in this case the fibers –  is more than just a political stance.

Natural Textiles – Qualities & Uses

Natural textiles fibers have some innate qualities that may make them particularly preferable where they come into direct physical contact with the user. For example, wicking, insulation and breathability are particularly important when selecting bedlinens and bed dressings. Cotton and silk are particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies while hemp has excellent moisture dispersion and anti-microbial properties – excellent anywhere from institutional and to luxury hospitality conditions.

Manmade materials do not carry the same (metaphorical) weight of their journey from farm to user. Natural textiles are an agricultural product, overwhelmingly from small-scale enterprise in developing regions. Natural fibers are a renewable resource and can present and exceptionally tidy cradle-to-cradle loop when disposal is adequately planned for. Similar to synthetics, upcycling and recycling are also viable end of use options.

In choosing natural fibers, you are also putting yourself in the somewhat unique position of choosing what can be perceived as both the luxurious and responsible option. There is a certain cachet that comes from being able to proclaim that textiles used in your spaces are pure, natural, ethical, sustainable. “Sustainable” may also intersect with the fair trade and other ethical sourcing movements.

Many natural textiles fibers are also extremely practical. They can be good insulators, easy to clean, noise dampening and static resistant. Wool may even meet fire performance standards without chemical treatment. There are luxury properties using recycled, fire-rated and machine washable linens that are both beautiful, safe and cost effective all through their useful life.

The décor of a typical property is changed every 5 to 7 years on average. Classic design and material choices are always suitable and can even delay the need for costly updates. High quality natural textiles are inherently beautiful and are available in a range of colors, textures and styles varied enough to bring to life any vision you have. Check out our Area Rugs to spice up your property.