Sleep like a queen: which bed linen would Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette & Co. have chosen?

Cleopatra (69-30 BC) - Egyptian seductress

Known for her legendary beauty and luxurious lifestyle, Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt. She bathed in donkey's milk to care for her skin and surrounded herself with the finest fabrics of the Orient. Her palace in Alexandria was a place of opulence. Her bedchamber was furnished with gilded furniture, exotic fragrances and ornate carvings.

Cleopatra would have opted for bed linen made from the finest linen and decorated with golden embroidery. Ideal for the hot desert climate, Egyptian linen was considered the softest and coolest material for the bedroom of its time. Soft silk blankets and sumptuous cushions filled with rare herbs would have been the ideal complement to Cleopatra's bedroom furnishings.

Marie Antoinette (1755 to 1793) - Queen of opulence

The French queen was notorious for her lavish lifestyle. Her preference for fine materials was reflected in her bedroom in Versailles. It was a work of art made of gold, brocade and crystal. She became a fashion icon of her time, due in particular to her penchant for luxury and extravagance.

Marie Antoinette would have opted for embroidered silk bed linen in delicate pastel colours such as pink, sky blue or gold. French manufacturers were already supplying exquisite fabrics with floral patterns and elaborate embroidery at the time. Pillows with rose petals would have been a royal addition for a restful night's sleep.

Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary (1837 to 1898) - The Empress of Beauty

Empress Sissi was almost obsessed with her appearance and physical fitness. She slept on particularly hard mattresses in order to maintain perfect posture. She spent hours caring for her hair with elaborate rituals. Her closeness to nature was also reflected in the way Sissi used to live.

Simple but luxurious, Sissi would have opted for cotton satin in pure white. Exquisite long-staple cotton and the soft lustre would have met her high standards. She would also have chosen high-quality pillows made from down feathers to improve the quality of her sleep.

Suiko (554 to 628) - Japan's first empress

Empress Suiko was an important ruler of Japan who championed the introduction of Buddhism and the modernisation of the country. She lived in a traditional-style palace surrounded by fine art and harmonious aesthetics.

Suiko would have opted for minimalist but elegant bed linen. Japanese bed linen in her time was made from hand-woven cotton dyed with natural vegetable dyes. The pillows were often filled with buckwheat hulls, which provided ergonomic support and a good night's sleep.

Isabella I of Castile (1451 to 1504) - The power-conscious queen

The Spanish queen who completed the Reconquista and promoted the discovery of America was a strong and determined ruler. Although she achieved great wealth, she lived a comparatively ascetic life.

Isabella would have favoured damask bed linen. It would probably have been in royal purple and gold. These fabrics were not only luxurious, but also symbolised power and wealth. Damask is cooling and breathable. It would therefore have been perfect for the Castilian summer heat.

Margaret I of Denmark (1353 to 1412) - Scandinavian strategist

Margaret I was one of the most powerful women in the medieval world. She pursued a clever diplomatic policy and united Denmark, Norway and Sweden under her rule. Despite her power, Margaret I was rather pragmatic and did not live lavishly.

Margarethe would have opted for linen bed linen. In the Scandinavian winters, bed linen made of tightly woven linen with a sheepskin blanket would have been the ideal choice. It was also common to embellish coarse linen blankets with embroidery, which was very decorative.

Catherine II (1729 to 1796) - Tsarina of the Enlightenment

A passionate lover of art, Catherine the Great modernised Russia. Her palaces were lavishly and luxuriously furnished and her personal style blended Russian tradition with European sophistication.

Catherine would have opted for velvet bed linen with gold embroidery. Velvet was a symbol of power and opulence. Russian aristocrats loved to decorate their bedrooms with sumptuous fabrics. For the ultimate in comfort, her pillows would have been filled with the finest down.

Maria Theresa (1717 to 1780) - imperial matriarch

The Habsburgs' only female ruler led an austere but luxurious life. Her court was characterised by elegance, but she also attached great importance to functionality.

Maria Theresa would have opted for gold and cream-coloured brocade or damask bed linen. Damask is not only elegant, but also hard-wearing. On cold nights, a finely woven cashmere blanket would have provided cosy warmth.

Elizabeth I of England (1533 to 1603) - Iron Queen

Known for her astute diplomacy and iconic style, Elizabeth I was one of the most powerful monarchs in history. She favoured opulent clothing and sumptuous palace decorations.

To maximise her royal sleeping comfort, the lover of fine fabrics would have chosen silk bed linen. Duvets made of velvet would also have been luxurious and regal at the same time.

Raziah (1205 to 1240) - rebellious ruler

Raziah was the only female sultan of Delhi to break with tradition. Although her reign was short-lived, it was ground-breaking for the time in India.

Raziah would have chosen cotton bed linen with ornate oriental patterns. The softness and breathability of Indian cotton were already world-famous at the time. For a blend of comfort and elegance, she would have used ornate silk blankets.

Zenobia of Palmyra (240 to 274) - Queen of the Orient

Zenobia was one of the most outstanding rulers of antiquity. She allowed Palmyra to flourish, extended her empire as far as Egypt and courageously opposed the Roman Empire. She was considered one of the most charismatic queens of the Orient and was known for her intelligence, beauty and military leadership.

Zenobia would probably have opted for the finest silk with elaborate embroidery. Luxurious linen cloths would have been ideal for the desert climate. Zenobia of Palmyra would also have favoured bedspreads made of embroidered brocade with elaborate patterns.

Now it's up to you to ensure a royal night's sleep! Take a look around our online boutique and bed down in the same linen-, satin- or silk-fabrics as empresses and queens. Feel free to contact us using the contact form or by phone if you have any questions!