Linen is one of the earliest types of cloth. In ancient Egypt it was used as a symbol of wealth and frequently as currency. A linen thread was initially used to determine a direct line, which resulted in the English word “line” And linen was favored for centuries as a canvas for good oil paintings due to its strength and endurance.
Not just beautiful, durable and easy to maintain, linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant, making it a renewable resource too. And despite its historical origins, it’s still remarkably popular in today’s designs.
Let’s see some modern uses for this age-old cloth.
Rollande Vachon proprietor of Moutarde Décor
Upholstery. Linen makes an superb upholstery cloth, since it does not pill or stretch. It resists wear from abrasion as well as dirt and stains. It’s stronger than cotton and has natural antistatic qualities without needing harsh chemicals. The only real con: Pure linen wrinkles.
Richard Bubnowski Design LLC
Draperies. Linen, like lace, comes with an aristocratic elegance when used for draperies. It can be dry-cleaned or washed and will look good for years. Linen cloth has a high all-natural luster; the pure colour ranges from ivory and ecru to tan and grey. Heavy bleaching ends in pure linen. It’s antiallergic properties, making it a beneficial all-natural fiber alternative. Linen works wonderfully for drapery panels, as air permeates it, providing airflow and privacy.
Kitchens & Baths, Linda Burkhardt
Bedding. Bed linens made from pure lace feel soft and natural. The more they are washed, the organic and soft they look and texture — the natural wrinkled look a part of their allure. While linen shrinks little when it’s fall dried, excessive drying is not advised. The cloth works well year-round, keeping us warm in winter and cool in summer.
Headboards upholstered with lace create a clean, simple and minimalist appearance. Linen offers a gender-neutral style which has mass appeal.
Sroka Design, Inc..
Wallpaper created out of lace adds a layer of texture into any layout motif.
Terra Firma Home
Tablecloths made from linen have long been favored for formal tables. Today’s lifestyles frequently involve a more casual, relaxed style, and linen can be used for this purpose, also. The cloth has a comfortable, organic appearance when left in its natural colour and not ironed.
Peter A. Sellar – Architectural Photographer
Napkins made from linen have been used as the 18th century. Historically, they weren’t laundered after every use. Instead they had been saved inside a napkin ring which identified the consumer.
Linen napkins are lint free and get softer with washing machine. Make sure the cloth is damp before ironing and avoid constant creasing in precisely the exact same region, as this will tend to split the lace threads, creating wear stains.
Peter A. Sellar – Architectural Photographer
Placemats made from linen not just protect the finish to the table, but include design flair to any table setting.