Row over designer cardboard box duvets

Bed linen designed to look like cardboard boxes on a pavement has been slammed by a charity for exploiting the homeless.

The cardboard box-like duvet covers and sheets resembling paving stones are aimed at affluent customers in Stockholm, Sweden.

Designers say they are supposed to make people think about the plight of the homeless as they bed down for a night in luxury.

But local charity Stockholm Stadsmissionen - which aims to help homeless people in the city - said the designs were in poor taste.

"Those who give money to the homeless, they get a good feeling in their body. But to lie down in these sheets. I don't think that feeling is particularly pleasant," said spokeswoman Yvonne Borg.

At the city's trendy NK store - which sells the £75 duvet covers - spokesman Jorgen Eriksson said: "You don't buy it to sleep soundly at night. You buy it to show awareness."

Designers Snurk - who call the duvet Design With Conscience - say a small part of the profits will go to a homelessness charity.