The single most important characteristic of a sheet is how it feels, says Charlie Hedin who founded a bed linen company based on his experiences as a sailor.

Creating the right atmosphere brings all senses into play. Nina Nørgaard makes mouth-blown glasses that feel soft on your lips and age graciously.

Smell can evoke an emotion or a memory. It affects the subconscious less directly than taste, but much more profoundly, says scent developer Lena Norling.