From the elegance of Belgian lace pillow cases to the quirky designs of 1950s table cloths, vintage linens are in high demand for the summer of 2020.
The fine craftsmanship and luxurious fabrics of vintage linens bring an ambience to the home that cannot be accomplished by their modern day counterparts. When you add to that their historic value and nostalgic appeal it is easy to see why they have once again found a loyal following.
Determining the value of vintage linens depends on five factors, origin, size, age, aesthetic appeal and, perhaps most importantly, condition.
French, Italian, Belgian and English linens are often the most highly valued. To the other end of the scale will be the post-1930s imports from China, which are of minimal value. Whatever the country of origin, lace examples are always of greater value than those that are crocheted. American made pieces with historical connection, like the Civil War or the Great Depression are seeing substantial pricing. Origin does not always take the form of an historic event or a physical location. Origin may be a memory in the mind of the buyer who finds themselves drawn to a 1930s quilt because their grandma had one, or a mid-1950s floral table cloth like they picnicked on as a child. Sentimentality can make an item of greater value, to the right buyer.
As a rule of thumb the larger the piece the greater the value. Over-sized napkins measuring 3-4 feet and large handkerchiefs are a good find as are large coverlets and sheets that will fit a queen- or king-size bed. There are, however, cases where bigger is not better. Tablecloths are a good example of this. In the homes of the past it was common to find very large dining tables and the cloths made to fit these will be of lesser value than those suited to a modern table.
As with anything we buy for our homes, the appearance of a piece you are considering for purchase is of major importance. If you love pastel colors and geometric prints watch for linens from the Art Deco period. The dark colors and heavy fabrics that work so well in a BoHo setting can be found in pieces from the Victorian era. And if you are looking for bright colors and whimsical designs the linens of the 1950s may be to your taste.
Condition is a number one concern. Inspect the pieces you are considering for purchase very carefully as even the tiniest of holes will send the value plummeting. It was not uncommon for ladies to mend their linens, so look closely for signs or repair. Many times the family has packed away dry goods from grandma’s estate in a basement or attic making dry rot a common problem. Always (gently) test the integrity of the fabric before you buy. Stacks of ironed and neatly folded linens can be deceptive. Separate them and look at each one. A few minutes of your time will help you avoid making purchases that are full of “mouse nibbles!”
The easiest way to shop for vintage and antique lines is online or at your local antique shop. But for those of you who are more adventurous, consider shopping where the dealers shop. Farm auctions, flea markets and estate sales are an excellent source for quality hand made linens. The problem here is you may have to buy a box full of miscellaneous dry goods to get the few pieces that you want. This can be a good thing! After you decide on the linens you want to keep, you can sell the rest online or in bulk to an antique shop. Many collectors finance their shopping “habit” by purchasing in bulk and reselling. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates. Linda is not taking clients at this time.
