Ever since moving into our apartment, I’ve dreamt of owning linen everything. I absolutely love the look of it and think it creates a rustic, homey kind of atmosphere. I also love to host beautiful dinner parties for friends and family, minus the plastic tablecloths and disposable serving ware. Linen is one of my favorite materials because the entire flax plant can be woven into a fiber, which means that almost no waste is left over from the spinning and weaving process. Plus, it uses less water than cotton to grow, and is often grown with minimal to no pesticides. That’s why I got so excited when I found April Notes: They create home goods using sustainably sourced linen. I initially found them on the search for linen curtains, and wound up ordering some of their other linen products too. Here’s my full April Notes review!
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April Notes Review: The Linen Tablecloth, Napkins + Curtains I’m Obsessed With
First off, why linen?
When choosing my homewares, I always try to select the most sustainable fabrics and materials I can find. I’ve had my eye on linen for a while now – it’s a popular fabric choice in the sustainability movement, and for good reason.
According to The Cut, “Linen is a plant-based fabric made from the bast fibers of the flax plant, which is a naturally pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and regenerative crop…In most climates where flax grows, it requires no irrigation and can be grown with rainfall alone. The production of organic-linen fabrics doesn’t require significant chemical treatment or processing and produces little waste.”
I also loved the timeless aspect of linen – how it would stay beautiful no matter what throughout the years. Plus, there was the appeal of being able to wash it and reuse it for years to come. I didn’t want to purchase something that would inevitably end up in a landfill.
Sadly, many of the home goods we find in stores (especially items like curtains, aprons, + tablecloths) are made from polyester, aka plastic. Even before I went zero waste, I always found plastic tablecloths to be cringy, and I hated the way they smelled. After a while, they would get pretty gross too and you’d be forced to toss them out.
And most napkins people use today are disposable paper ones. These are often wrapped in plastic film too. I’ve saved SO much money switching over to a paper-free kitchen with cloth napkins. But linen napkins felt like the right move for when I had guests over, or it was a special occasion.
While I will say polyester aprons, tablecloths and curtains are certainly more affordable upfront, they aren’t in the long run. Most aren’t made to be durable, high quality pieces: They will need to be replaced, which eventually means you’ll be spending more money. I’d rather buy it once and have it for years (maybe even a lifetime!). So I thought of it as an investment and therefore I saved up for it.
Linen is also compostable – as long as you know for sure it’s 100% linen!
Not all linen is created equal…
Now, this being said, it does matter where a company gets their linen, and how it was grown. April Notes’ linen in particular is all certified to be free from artificial dyes and harsh chemicals.
They’re also committed to minimizing overproduction and textile waste, so their handmade pieces are all made on an on-demand basis. This ensures they only sew what’s needed, when needed.
Doing so helps April Notes maintain the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, while also ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for the artisans.
And, to go the extra mile, everything is shipped plastic free. My order came in a big cardboard box and the linens themselves were packaged in a corn-based packaging that is biodegradable and compostable.
They also offer more than the products I bought! Be sure to check out their website to see for yourself, but they also bath, bedding, blankets and throws too!
My experience with April Notes
Okay, so now that you get why I wanted to choose linen home goods, let’s get personal and focus on my individual experience with this brand. Here’s my full April Notes review!
What did you try?
I tried a few of their items (which I purchased with my own money, by the way. Nothing was gifted or sponsored – though I’d be thrilled to be!). I tried their tablecloth, napkin sets, apron, and rod pocket curtains.
Mind you, I ordered various different colors of these items:
- Sunset rose linen napkins (aka a pretty dusty pink color) + Moss green linen napkins
- Beige linen tablecloth + moss green linen tablecloth
- Moss green linen curtains + beige linen curtains
- Moss green linen apron
I didn’t have any of these items prior to ordering, so I had to stock up! It was my goal to be able to interchange some of these items and play with the colors/mix and match with them. I felt like this would give me good versatility when having people over and hosting.
What did you think?
Now here’s the part you’re most curious about: My thoughts. I’ve divided this section based on the individual products I tried! Feel free to skip to which ever product most interests you.
Honestly, I have so many good things to say! The quality of these pieces is without a doubt, impeccable. These are not some cheap, run of the mill items.
Curtains
I’m in love with the curtains I ordered from April Notes. I get so many compliments on these, and they really do a good job of pulling the whole room together.
For the living room, I put up the beige ones. I had to measure out the windows exactly and wound up getting the 54 x 63” (137 x 160 cm) size – I wanted it to be flowy, but not TOO long where it was on the floor.
There are two windows in the living room, and one of them has a shoe rack underneath it, so it was important that the curtain didn’t collide too much with this.
I like to change up the colors/vibe of the bedroom depending on the season and holiday, so I felt like beige was a smart choice that would go with anything I did. And boy was I right – these curtains haven’t looked out of place once!
For the bedroom, I got the moss green color with 54 x 72” (137 x 183 cm) dimensions. I wanted it to be a little bit longer here, seeing as there was nothing in its way.
Both of these were the rod pocket design. I wanted something simple I could slip on and off without much fuss. They weren’t hard to put on at all!
For the bedroom, I eventually decided to take some twine and tie it onto the curtains in the center. It was a bit too dark in the room with the curtains up, and this alleviated that a bit.
FYI, my bed sheets are not from April Notes, but Bed Threads – I will be doing a separate review on that soon!
I’m very happy with these curtains and they are super low maintenance. They are machine washable too, as long as I wash it on delicate with liquid detergent in cold water. But honestly, I’ve just been spot cleaning/vacuuming them lightly on occasion.
Rating: 9.5/10
Tablecloth
I got two tablecloth colors, beige and moss green, in the size 60 x 60” (152 x 152 cm). My table is from Inside Weather (I did a whole review on that too, if you’re interested) and it’s rectangular. So I needed something that would fit its shape.
I will say, the size I chose covers the table, but it’s a BIT snug on the ends. Aka, the short sides. It juuuust barely covers it. In the future, I may get a slightly longer table cloth cut, but it doesn’t really bother me too much.
I love how I can create a different atmosphere for guests simply by changing the tablecloth. I’m big on pink and feel both the moss green and the beige work well with pink accents, like napkins, tablerunners, etc.
I love using real flowers as a centerpiece, or even scattering dried flowers on the tablecloth to create a stunning look. Also, I love beeswax votive candles and tapered candles. I use upcycled glass jars to hold the votives and vintage candle holders I found on Etsy for the tapered ones.
There are so many ways to transform a tablescape into a delightful, dreamy atmosphere. I love being a hostess and inviting loved ones into my home is one way I show my affection. Starting off with a beautiful linen tablecloth like April Notes is a good starting board for all kinds of fun!
Rating: 9/10
Napkins
I LOVE the April Notes napkins – they are so soft and very pretty. I get so many compliments on these, and some of my friends are almost afraid to use them. But I reassure them, it’s fine – whatever stains get on them will come out.
I got the napkins in moss green and sunset rose. Honestly, I’m kind of obsessed with the sunset rose colored ones – I’m thinking about getting a tablecloth in this color eventually. But for now, this will do.
I like how I can mix and match with these color combos. Here are a few ways I’ve done this:
- Green moss napkins with beige tablecloth (earthy and rustic)
- Sunset rose napkins with beige tablecloth (so sweet and romantic)
- Sunset rose napkins with green moss tablecloth (SO pretty paired with other pink accents, like a pink floral centerpiece and table runner).
Steve and I just recently celebrated the day he proposed to me. It’s 2/12, right around the corner from Valentine’s Day, so I thought it would be cute to pair the pink napkins with the beige tablecloth I have from April Notes. It was definitely a winning combo!
To make the tablescape extra special, I used dried rose petals, votive candles and taper candles to enhance the romantic atmosphere. Pair that with a bunch of pretty reusable plates, glasses and utensils – and you’ve got yourself an eco, romantic dinner for two.
Rating: 10/10
Apron
I also got their linen apron in the green moss color, because I desperately needed an apron. And I thought, why not make it extra cute and match with my other linens?
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, as I’m the main cook in our household. Honestly, I don’t mind it at all! I LOVE cooking and baking – it’s how I express my love, and I must admit, I’m darn good at it too. My friends and family love my meals and sometimes even ask me to make certain signature dishes (like my strawberry loaf cake or blueberry muffins!).
But…being in the kitchen a lot, and cooking mostly from scratch, does take a toll. Aka, my clothes tend to take a beating. So getting an apron was a must! No one wants flour or grease splatters on their favorite shirt, after all.
This linen apron is very soft and I think it’s quite flattering to my form. It ties around the waist in the front and around my neck. I think it looks really cute and I love the green color! I’m thinking about getting a pink one too eventually, because why not?
It’s so easy to wash too – I just toss it in the wash with the other linens on delicate with cold water and liquid detergent. My go-to is typically Clean Cult’s liquid detergent.
Some people may dislike the wrinkles that naturally form in linen – but I think it adds character! I don’t bother to iron this apron, but you totally could if you know the wrinkly look will annoy you. Truthfully though, I don’t see the point considering it’ll just get thrown in the wash after one use.
Rating: 10/10
Overall thoughts: I’m in love
I mean that: I am seriously in love with April Notes’ linen home goods. Nothing disappointed me.
If I had to come up with a few critiques though, it would be this:
- Not cheap. It is pricy – so not the most accessible option around. But, you get what you pay for.
- Wrinkles – if you don’t like that natural wrinkly look that makes linen look rustic, it may not be for you. I personally love it. And while you can iron it for less wrinkles, I don’t typically bother. Also, for the tablecloth at least, letting it sit out for a few hours usually helps diminish the wrinkles.
- Takes a while to deliver. Because everything is made to order, and by hand, do NOT expect next day shipping. But I’m okay with that! I honestly think more people need to be patient and could learn a thing or two from slower shipping methods (it’s better for the environment too).
These are small, almost insignificant “critiques” I can easily, and willingly, look past. I would purchase from this brand again in a heart beat (though, I would certainly have to save up for it)…
I whole heartedly recommend giving this brand a go if you’re on the market for some new home goods and are looking into giving linen a try! You won’t regret it.
What did you think of my April Notes review? Let me know in the comments below!
For more sustainable home goods, check out my Sabai Design review, Avocado Mattress review, or Caraway cookware review!
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