I Love Linen Closets

I love linen closets. I vividly remember the linen closet in my childhood home. It was in the upstairs  hall and had many shelves. A lovely aroma escaped when the door was opened.  I loved how all the towels and sheets were perfectly folded and piled on top of each other. My current home is nearly 100 years old and has only three closets. Needless to say, I can not spare one whole closet for linens.But that is what dreaming if for, right?

This closet is before my time but it still reminds me of my Mom's closet. I love how the towels and sheets are tied with a ribbon. So pretty. Check out the sliding drawers on the bottom.

                                               (Women's Home Companion,1942)
                                                     

While doing research for this post I found it difficult to find any real history of the linen closet. I did however find some history in paintings. In 1661 Dutch artist, Pieter de Hooch, painted "a Woman With Her Maid." After the artist had children the theme of his paintings revolved around domestic lines. It is safe to say that linens were important in the 1660s based on the care taken in this painting. The stand alone "linen closet" is quite impressive.

                                            "A Woman With Her Maid" by Pieter de Hooch, 1661

In 1906 the linen closet returns in art once again.  The artist, Carl Larsson, one of my favorite painters, choose to paint his wife Karin by their linen cupboard.

                                           "Karin By The Linen Cupboard" by Carl Larsson, 1906


The oldest photo I was able to locate was on the NYC Museum web site. 

                                                       Museum of the City of New York

In 1925, this upscale NYC apartment had shelf liners to enhance the linen closet. Notice all the linen is tied with ribbon.


    My perfect linen closet would house  Bella Notte bedding 

                                                                        Belle Notte

                                               in several different colors

Bella Notte

and styles. They would be folded with perfection
and tied with a pretty ribbon......

 Belle Notte

and placed next to my towels 

                                 and handmade blankets ......

                  

and carefully placed between shelf dividers. 

Domino Magazine

How about really doing it right and have breathable shelves to prevent moisture build up. These shelves are said to be made of rope. This incredible closet is from a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

                                                         Frank Lloyd Wright House

In my linen closet, beautiful shelf liners and edging would be an essential.

                                                                   Martha Stewart


     Vintage lace will work fine for the liner and edging and shades of pink only helps.

                                                                   source unknown

I would love to showcase some pretty vintage linens tied with lace.

                                                                 source unknown
                                                                    


For my perfect linen closet, cedar walls are required. Not only would there be shelf edging added to the closet but tags would be placed as well to keep everything organized.

                                                              Country Living Magazine

The last requirement in my dream linen closet would be the placement of several lavender sachets.  Each night while lying on the newly changed linen the sweet and calming scent would gently induce you into the most peaceful nights sleep.

Hope you enjoyed your visit.


I am linking this post to
My Romantic Home
and
French Country Cottage
and
Southern In My Heart
and
How Sweet the Sound