Collecting Vintage Linens


© Barbara Nicholson Bell
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May 22, 2004


Once you have purchased the item, and have brought it home, look closely in good (natural)light for stains. Cotton and linen may be soaked in hot water with a little dishwashing soap, carefully rubbing the stained part with a soft brush, wrung gently by hand, and laid flat to dry. If you intend to iron the piece, it's best to do so while it is still damp, using a hot iron ("cotton" or "linen" setting). Use bleach only on all-white pieces, as many older dyes are not colorfast with today's bleach products. Some of the "oxygen" type cleaning products may take out more stubborn stains. Be very careful with loose stitches, old repairs which might be of a different fabric, etc.

Wool pieces should be soaked carefully in cold water and Woolite (following directions), and laid flat to dry and "blocked". Better yet, ask your dry cleaning establishment to clean it for you, taking care to do so without strong chemicals.

What can you do with your precious linens? As mentioned above, there are many ways to display and use your collection. A pair of delicate hankies can be made into a small baby's pillow (decorative use only). A tablecloth with an odd number of matching napkins can be turned into café curtains or a bench cushion and matching pillows. A pair of crocheted ladies' gloves could be framed in a shadowbox with a vintage postcard, a tiny sprig of silk flowers, and an opened antique fan or an old dance card. Babies' clothing will fit many antique dolls, to be displayed out of reach of children. Damask table linens can still be used as originally intended, if you are careful to treat new stains immediately. Dresser scarves, freshly starched and pressed, will perk up any Victorian-style bedroom. A mismatched set of doilies can be the backdrop for your teacup collection or family photos.

Using your imagination, and some loving attention to their care, you'll find collecting vintage linens to be very rewarding, and fun!

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
8.   Dec 5, 2004 10:34 AM
I am a hopeless case with vintage linens. I have a huge collection of tablecloths, doilies, scarves, old blankets, 1950s and 60s bath and hand towels, kitchen towels, gloves and misc linens. And I don ...

-- posted by desertblue
7.   Jul 8, 2004 8:54 AM
In response to message posted by Tery01:

Thanks, Tery, and Carol! I still use dresser scarves - saves on dusting - a ...

-- posted by bici
6.   Jul 7, 2004 8:49 AM
In response to message posted by CarolWallace:

Hi Barbara,

I LOVE antiques. I have some vintage linen napkins tha ...

-- posted by Tery01
5.   Jun 5, 2004 1:15 PM
In response to message posted by jerrib:
I'm with you, Jerri - probably because I did know a bit about the woman whose l ...

-- posted by CarolWallace
4.   Jun 4, 2004 7:39 PM
Hi Barbara,

I particularly like the printed fabric tablecloths from the 50s. I remember them from my childhood and now also admire them for the designs. I love the ones with floral patterns.

And ...

-- posted by Fort_Spunky



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