Decorating With Antiques: Luxurious Linens

It was a startlingly beautiful, albeit rather hot Sunday morning in Arles, in the South of France. My wife, Becky, and I were wandering through the local farmer’s market when we happened upon the antique linens vendor. Uh-oh. You should know that I am unabashedly reduced to tears by the beauty, creativity and handwork of old linens. So while my wife waited (more or less patiently), I sorted through pile after pile of pillowcases, sheets, napkins, curtains and tablecloths. And there it was: a massive, almost unused, heavy linen sheet. It was oatmeal colored, a bit nubby and rustic, and with a beautifully executed large monogram of our initials intertwined. Even Becky agreed that this purchase was meant to be.

Bedding

Many folks don’t think of using antique and vintage linens as bedding. However, once you’ve taken a look at the quality and beauty of these fine old things, it’s hard not to get pulled in. To me very little that’s new out there can compare, and my sheet from Arles is a great example. I can’t resist the heavy weight of the linen (which should last for decades) and the beautiful handmade monogram, evoking the romance of the past. What’s not to love?


This bed has a fantastic mix of old linens, inviting you to snuggle in them for a lovely afternoon nap. And don’t you love the headboard made from a fireplace mantel?

By the way, just for the sake of clarity, let’s define some terms. Linen has been woven for more than 4,000 years in Egypt, so it’s one of the oldest-known fabrics — it even appears in the Bible! Linen is made from the flax plant and is one of the most durable natural fabrics you can find, becoming softer with every wash. People who know about such things say that Queen Elizabeth II is still sleeping on Queen Victoria’s linen sheets.

Since the 18th century, cotton has replaced linen in many fabrics, including chintz, toile and table damask. Yet the collective term “linens” is still used generically to describe a whole group of woven and even knitted bed, bath, table and kitchen textiles that traditionally were made from linen, but now could be made from various materials. For the purposes of this ideabook, I use the term in that generic sense.


In this very evocative Swedish bedroom, decorated by Jo Lee, a wonderful old embroidered and appliqued pillow has been paired with a gauzy duvet cover, reproducing the bygone feeling of old Scandinavia.


Here some delicate old shams and pillowcases — probably English — stack against one another, creating a plump and comfortable look in a farmhouse-style bedroom.

I have some similar antique English pillow shams that have lasted for years and years. Their longevity is due to the fact that we never lie against them; the handwork is way too delicate for that. They are really for looks and ambience, not sleeping.

As a result, they need only very occasional washing (maybe every couple of years). I soak them in Biz and then machine wash and dry them on delicate. If the linens are extra delicate, they should be washed by hand. Any needed repairs should be done right away. (“A stitch in time … ”) Many cities have professionals who can be called on to do any difficult restoration work.


One of the fun things about decorating with old linens is the great variety available. This vintage French look makes use of old, nubby French linens and smooth, soft cotton, with all the pieces leaning in a relaxed way against the dark wood of an old Gothic revival–looking headboard.


The generous and lavish mix of linens in this elegant bedroom is the secret to its comfortable, ensconcing feeling. The various linens used — not only on the bed but on the windows, upholstery, decorative pillow and even the throw — all work together to create a feeling that says, “Come in and relax.”

One of the delightful things about decorating with linens is that because they all get along very well, you can mix them with complete abandon. All white creates a fantastic look, but printed, striped, checked, embroidered and monogrammed linens will all work together to create a look that is unique to you.


Upholstery

The decorative potential for linens is certainly not limited to bedding and the bedroom. The cushion and bolsters on this very handsome reproduction daybed are upholstered in old linen, creating just the cozy place to ruminate in front of the living room fireplace.


This farmhouse-style living room sports a pair of stylish chairs upholstered in antique linen. I think the only way I could sacrifice my old French sheet to the upholsterer is if it got torn or damaged. Then I’d be delighted to find this new use for it.


A headboard upholstered in antique linen is another thoughtful repurposing for damaged linens.


Curtains

When used on windows, antique linens bring another layer of texture to a room. Here vintage linen was repurposed as a café curtain in a bathroom.


These diaphanous curtains hung from twigs, and the rustic French linen runner on the dining table, make me want to linger over breakfast or lunch in this airy dining room.


Whether antique, vintage or simply emulating the look, lacy linens at a window (or, like here, in a doorway) add great charm.

I find it harder nowadays to locate decent lace curtains, but lace tablecloths from antiques stores are a great substitute. I had a really fantastic antique lace tablecloth that had seen better days, but I couldn’t get rid of it — it was too special. So, out came the scissors and the sewing machine, and voilà! — café curtains in our bedroom, of a quality and type that would otherwise be unobtainable.


Table Linens

Antique table linens are one of my favorite vestiges of a more elegant and civilized past. To me there is nothing more hospitable than serving dinner to friends on a pristine, creamy white damask tablecloth, with each place setting sporting a huge linen napkin elegantly embroidered with an old monogram.

This photograph certainly evokes what I’m talking about. My wife says I must have been an English lord in a former life.


But you don’t have to live in Downton Abbey to enjoy beautiful table linens. They can be formal, but they can also be much more casual. Here a white antique tablecloth underpins a much less formal mix of autumn-colored linens and china.


In this emphatically Swedish-style living and dining room, there is a sense of elegance, but somehow it’s accomplished in a very relaxed fashion. I love the abundant use of linens here — not only on the table but on the chairs and settees, at the windows and even in the antique hemp area rug.

Decorating with antique and vintage linens brings something uniquely comfortable not only to the body but to the eye. Their colors, patterns, textures and “hand” create a beautiful environment, make us feel relaxed and help insulate us from the hard edges of our increasingly hectic world.

More: Decorating With Antiques: The Magic of Ceramics

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