I have always been drawn to vintage linens. To me, they make things feel comfortable. The work that went into them is astonishing. In the 60s, every house we went to had doilies on every surface: lamp tables, dressers, sofa arms, and even toilet tanks. They were crocheted, tatted or embroidered and ironed crisply. Some were “sugared” and dried into ruffles. Sadly, you don’t see doilies in many people’s houses anymore. It’s an art that’s slipping away.
Vintage linens are one of the easiest, inexpensive and versatile things you can collect. There’s a multitude of vintage linens at just about every thrift store, antique mall, flea market and yard sale. They were well used and laundered often so don’t be deterred by stains, holes and tears. I think it adds charm, but if you don’t like things worn, no worries. Tea staining adds a nice patina and camouflages stains. Holes and tears can be embroidered over or just pieces of it can be used to create magical one-of-a-kind treasures.
Take a look at these creative, charming and fun ways to use or repurpose vintage linens. These examples were found on Pinterest, a great source of inspiration!
DISPLY THEM
I’m not talking about the way our Mother’s displayed them. I’m talking about making them a centerpiece. Put them in a bowl or jar. Just stack them. Or hang them from a ladder or repurposed crib rail.
FRAME THEM
You can easily put a doily or 2 in a frame and hang them on a wall or use it as a tray.
(You can use the right arrow on the pictures below to forward through some creative ways to display your favourites. Feel free to click on a picture for more information.)
STUFF THEM
You can still use them on your sofa, but instead of just laying them on the arms, try adding them to a pillow cover or making a pillow out of hankies, dishtowels or tablecloths.
CONNECT THEM
Stitch a few doilies together to make a unique and charming table runner.
COVER A TABLE
Not a fan of table runners? Feel free to add a few to a tablecloth or make a tablecloth out of a mix of vintage linens.
QUILT THEM
Vintage linens make the perfect addition to an existing quilt or make your own quilt that is just your style. Hankies are already squares, so it would be easy to sew them together. Sew a mixture of doilies together to make a beautiful throw.
LIGHT THEM UP
With a needle and thread or glue gun, you can turn a drab lamp shade into something wonderful.
HANG THEM
Curtains are a perfect way to display a large number of vintage linens. They can be used on your windows or as a unique shower curtain.
(You can use the right arrow on the pictures below to forward through some creative ways to display your favourites. Feel free to click on a picture for more information.)
BAG THEM
You can be as simple or elaborate as you like. They can be used as an embellishment on a purse or easily turned into a purse or bag for shopping, laundry or carryall.
(You can use the right arrow on the pictures below to forward through some creative ways to display your favourites. Feel free to click on a picture for more information.)
WEAR THEM
Incorporating vintage linens into your wardrobe is so easy! You can upcycle them into jewelry, hand warmers, and scarves. You can embellish a denim jacket or make a shirt, vest or skirt. There are infinite ways to make them wearable. Only your imagination can stop you!
(You can use the right arrow on the pictures below to forward through some creative ways to display your favourites. Feel free to click on a picture for more information.)
Make a sweet top out of vintage doilies.
REINVENT THEM
If you’re still not convinced that you can use vintage linens and doilies, take a look at just a few more creative ways to use them. From covering hangers and buttons, to making gift tags, jar covers and pincushions, there’s hundreds of ways to use these charming pieces of our past.
(You can use the right arrow on the pictures below to forward through some creative ways to display your favourites. Feel free to click on a picture for more information.)
Do you still use doilies and vintage linens? Tell us how! We’re always looking for new, creative ways to use these little treasures.
Very clever ideas!!
Thank you, Karen!
I love it- I have always loved doilies myself!
Thank you, Shelley. They are almost addictive, don’t you think?
My mind is going a million miles an hour! Great ideas. Dusting off my collection …
Thank you, Jax! As I get older I’m finding I want to surround myself with the things I love instead of keeping them tucked away and in drawers.
Love all your ideas. I too love old linens. I have used doilies in bread baskets, on cake plates, and even under vases. Love the idea of making them into curtains. I am going to have to try that one. Thanks for all your blogs & posts.
Ruth, thank you for always supporting us. We appreciate it! I’ve always used paper doilies in bread baskets and on cake plates, but I like your idea better!
I am drawn to vintage linens and doilies also. I still use them for decoration in my home… on tables, on the hutch, etc. ♥️ these ideas!!!Thank you!.
I love vintage linens and I cannot stand to put down something on a bare table. I use them all over the house. I cannot stand to put something on bare furniture. All I think about are scratches, water marks…what have you.
I have just started to get into vine vintage. Just didn’t know what to do with all the dollies I have collected. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me.
I worked in a little cottage that was modest but pretty. There were two large sofas in the centre of the lounge facing each other for conversation. The homeowner had sewn old doilies all over duvet inners and thrown them over the worn old rolled armed sofas. It was beautiful and ever so cozy. Her antique bed was given the same treatment. I have never forgotten the feeling of that home so inviting.