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7 charming types of vintage linens you should never pass up

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If you’re like me and you love all types of vintage linens, then you’ll enjoy today’s post! You’ll see different linens and many ways to use them from a group of vintage-loving home bloggers.

Everyone is our group has a soft spot for all things vintage and we enjoy sharing how we use various vintage items in our homes. The group is hosted and organized by my lovely and talented friend Cindy at County Road 407. If you’re just coming over from Cindy’s, welcome! Don’t you love all of her charming ideas in her cozy home? Be sure to visit her if you haven’t already.

Today we’re talking about different types of vintage linens and sharing ideas for using them in your home. There are 6 creative bloggers you can visit and find some beautiful ideas. All of the links are at the bottom of the post and you won’t want to miss any of them.

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Different types of vintage linens and how to use them

1. Vintage Tablecloths

vintage block print tablecloth

Admittedly, I don’t use a tablecloth very often. When we have a large gathering and I have to use folding tables or push smaller tables together is about the only time I use them, or if we go on a picnic which isn’t very often either (I need to change that!).

But I’ve found some beautiful vintage block print tablecloths at estate sales! Another way to use them besides on a table is folded up at the bottom of the bed during the summer, or tossed across a chair, like I did below.

vintage block print tablecloth

2. Vintage Napkins

Before the days of the current just-throw-it-away mentality and paper everything, people used cloth napkins. We still use cloth napkins in our home and they’re so easy to take care of! The ones we use every day are more casual, but I also have some that are more formal with monograms and crocheted accents.

vintage linen napkin with velvet ribbon tie

Vintage cloth napkins really make a table sparkle. The vintage green damask napkin below was part of our spring table decorations a couple of years ago and went beautifully with all the spring colors and decor.

vintage napkins with white dishes and preserved boxwood wreath

3. Vintage Lace

vintage linen napkins on summer table

One type of vintage linen that I can definitely appreciate is vintage lace. It adds elegance and style to any table or space. The one pictured above was found at a rummage sale and I adore it.

4. Vintage Kitchen Towels

vintage scale with vintage yellow stripe tea towel

Another type of vintage linen that I love to collect is kitchen towels. They’re so colorful and fun. I don’t use most of mine for drying dishes but I really enjoy decorating with them.

vintage red and white linens

Fun places to use vintage kitchen linens are on trays, shelves, in bowls and pitchers, and hanging on the oven door.

red and white striped vintage kitchen towel with vintage silverware

5. Vintage Pillowcases

Vintage pillowcases make any bed look more cozy. You can find lace trimmed, monogrammed, and embroidered pillowcases. Guest bedrooms are a great place to use some vintage pillowcases because they make the bed look extra special.

6. Vintage Hand Towels

vintage monogrammed tea towel on painted table

Another type of vintage linen that I love to use around the house is vintage hand towels, especially monogrammed ones. There’s just something about a monogrammed item that makes it feel like a luxury item.

vintage monogrammed linen in bathroom

Hang them over a towel bar in the bathroom, on the edge of the sink, or draped over a tray in the bedroom.

dried hydrangeas on tray with vintage linens

I’ve even hung them on my old wooden ladder for a cozy cottage look.

vintage linens and textiles hanging on old ladder
vintage linen on old white wicker table

7. Vintage Handkerchiefs

vintage handkerchief with old postcards

A little vintage ladies’ handkerchief looks so sweet tucked into a drawer, box, or basket.

vintage fishing creel with dried lavender and vintage handkerchief

The colors on vintage hankies are so fun and vibrant and they make the most adorable decorations just about anywhere in your home.

vintage handkerchief on drying rack

Favorite sources for vintage linens

Different types of vintage linens can be found at various places and for a wide range of prices. Here are just a few places to find them:

  • Etsy – monogrammed and plain, there are tons of vintage linens. You can also find small etsy shops that will monogram newer items.
  • Chairish – there are all types of vintage and new items here. Some are pricey, but if you do a search and set it to sort from lowest to highest price ($ – $$$) then you can find some decent prices. Sign up for their email and you’ll receive a discount.
  • Food 52 – also pricey, but you can get a discount for signing up for their email too.
  • eBay – you can find everything under the sun here, including vintage linens.
  • And vintage linens are also found at estate sales, flea markets, yard sales, thrift shops, vintage markets, antique shops, and anywhere you can find used and vintage goods. See my tips for shopping at estate sales here: How to Shop Estate Sales Like a Pro

Next up with some wonderful ideas for using vintage linens is Debra at Common Ground. You’ll love her adorable Easter vignette with vintage linens!

Here are all of today’s posts, so be sure to visit everyone for some great ideas for using all types of vintage linens.

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9 Comments

  1. These are all such beautiful ideas, Angie! I love how you have all of them displayed and use
    them throughout the year too. They really help to make what would have been an ordinary
    event, extra special. Loving and pinning as always, CoCo

  2. You have me wanting to do more shopping for more more more vintage linens! All of your displays and ideas on how and where to use them are darling. I hadn’t thought of using a tablecloth over folding tables but that would be way nicer than the top that comes on it. Genius! Love your photos as well. Thank you for sharing and joining us this month. I think I pinned practically every photo.

  3. Thanks so much for sharing all these charming ideas!!! I have collected vintage linens for many
    years and I am always looking for ways to display them!! Your ideas are so lovely!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

  4. You have so many wonderful pieces. That crocheted (tatting?) tablecloth is so amazing, and I’m really loving those monogramed pieces. Gorgeous pics too, Angie. You’ve given me some great ideas and inspo!

  5. WOW! Angie! My love for vintage linens runs so deep and you just tugged on all my heartstrings with this post!! All of your ideas and pictures are so lovely. Each one is such a pretty piece of home decor and they can all be used is so many different ways. I love how you used a tablecloth on a chair…that’s genius!! Thanks so much for sharing your pretty collection!

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