Linen brings practical beauty to newly wed's homes
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from January 1987.
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A lifetime of dreams will become realities as you create a new home unit together, one that will symbolize your happiness to all those who share its warmth.
Whether your taste leans to luxurious formality or strong contemporary looks, think of linen as you gather the treasures for your new home.
This elegant fabric, a versatile favorite since the Egyptian Pharaohs, is in demand today for upholstery, drapery, wallcoverings, sheets, towels and all manner of table textiles. Available in a wide range of colors and textures, linen presents a patrician facade with multiple practical characteristics: High absorbency, durability, anti-static (dust repellent) and anti-allergenic qualities, sound and thermal insulation.
Pauline V. Delli-Carpini, Director of U.S. Operations for the International Linen Promotion Commission, sees the return to linen textiles for the home as "part of a growing demand by the American consumer for the quality and performance found in natural fibers. Linen yarns and finished products from Western Europe benefit from centuries of experience in the linen industries there.
"Also, the emphasis placed on quality in design reflects the rich artistic heritage and respect given to Western European craftsmen and designers and the products they create.”
Linen for the walls and windows
In first homes, bedrooms often do double duty as home offices, dens or libraries.
Guest rooms can be found in a living room sofabed. Walls covered with linen wallcoverings (woven or warp-lay), or upholstered in linen fabric, insulate multi-use rooms from extremes of noise and temperature. Available through interior designers and design departments of fine stores, linen wallcoverings come in a dazzling array of colors and restful naturals, in traditional and contemporary prints, stripes, solids, geometrics and velvets. The International Linen Promotion Commission, 200 Lexington Ave. #225, New York, NY 10016, offers detailed instructions on how to cover walls with linen by the staple method (To Staple Wallcoverings, 25c per copy).
At windows, sheer linen casements can provide privacy without sacrificingsunlight. Heavier linen draperies adapt gracefully to traditional or modern window treatments. Another option: Vertical blinds laminated with linen. The play of light on linen's rich texture is particularly attractive on the vertical slats.
Linen for bed and bath
The flax fiber used to make linen looks like bamboo under a microscope. Its hollow structure makes linen "wick" moisture more quickly than other fibers, which translates into wonderful sleeping comfort. on smooth, luxurious linen sheets. Some firms, such as New York-based Belgamer, even custom-design linen sheets to harmonize with bedroom decor. Linen sheets cost more, but they outlast other sheets to such a degree they are often called "heirlooms of the future."
In the bath, linen towels are absorbent, lint-free, and sanitary. The flax fiber is extremely smooth, so linen traps very little dirt and makes a poor breeding ground for germs.
Linen terry "friction" towels, popular in Europe for saunas, soothe sore muscles and polish complexions.
Linen towels can also be had in elegant damasks, huck weaves, and contemporary stripes and solids, trimmed with lace, cutwork or embroidery.
And unlike many synthetics, linen will not "pill" or gray with age, but grows softer and more lustrous with use.
Look for linen sheets, towels and table textiles at better department and specialty stores.
Linen and the pleasures of the table
With the rise of gourmet and regional cuisine, entertaining at home is "hot" again. And how tables are "dressed" is scrutinized as closely as the menu.
With the variety of linen table fashions available, you can tease the eye with style and color as you tease the palate with a balance of flavors.
Elegance, durability and ease of maintenance can be yours in table textiles of pure linen and linen/polyester blends. Stately linen damask can serve as a foil for the drama of special occasion menus. And brightly colored or handwoven linen mats and napkins can underline the fun of a brunch for two.
A special personal touch can be added to your table design with linen napkin sculptures. Ten easy folded designs are described in Fold a Pretty Napkin, 25¢ per copy from the International Linen Promotion Commission.
Each linen napkin sculpture gives a different look, from the formal Bishop's Hat to the tailored Double Diamonds and charming Candle, perfect for birthdays — and wedding anniversaries.
