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(Updated July 24, 2025)

I love repurposing and decorating with vintage linens like the ones in this post. Someone put a lot of time and effort into their creation, and as a crafter and quilter, I certainly appreciate that!

Did you inherit vintage linens from your mother or grandmother?

I love the repurposing of and decorating with vintage linens. These vintage linens might be something someone in your family sewed and that you inherited. Or maybe you found these pretties at the thrift store or antique mall.

I have a picnic basket filled with vintage linens I’ve picked up here and there over the years. And I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with them. Currently, they are folded and hidden from sight. However, I plan to address that issue.

Thus began my online journey of searching for ideas in the repurposing and decorating with vintage linens. Some projects are more elaborate than I want to take on at this time. However, I am certainly interested in the easier projects.

Teapot = Pin Cushion:

A unique way to make a pin cushion is to use a thrift store teapot and put the pin cushion in the lid. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say the material holding the batting in the lid is glued down.

However it was made, it is a work of art in its own right. And it would make a perfect gift for the quilter or sewer in your circle.

Hankies = Quilt:

A relative may have left you a collection of vintage handkerchiefs, and they’re in a box somewhere, like mine are sitting in the picnic basket.

Consider getting them out and making a memorable quilt that will remind you of that person every day. If you don’t have the quilting skills, consider hiring someone to put it together for you. Even if someone else sews it, you still have a beautiful quilt filled with memories.

Vintage Hanky = Place Mat

Here’s another great idea using handkerchiefs. Find the prettiest ones that are similar in color. Then sew them into a delicate place mat for the table. This one was a Valentine’s Day project.

Feed Sacks = Upholstered Chair:

If you’re lucky enough to find old vintage feed sacks, there are lots of things you could do with them. Making a pillow cover is one of them.

However, if you have the knowledge and patience, you can upholster a piece of furniture.

Vintage Pillowcase = Nighties:

Aren’t these adorable? If you’re a sewer, you might think about fashioning a vintage bed sheet into a summer dress for a young girl to wear.

Vintage Hankies = Window Valance:

Another great way to use handkerchiefs is to create a window treatment. The one above is a valance. It’s unique and fun. Hankies are just the right size for this project.

Vintage Material = Suitcase Covers:

If you happen upon Depression-era fabrics that are large enough, you could cover suitcases with them.

I doubt you’d ever be unable to find your luggage in the airport after creating this project! However, you probably wouldn’t want to use them to travel with. They’re almosst too pretty for that.

Vintage Sheet = Shower Curtain:

This vintage sheet makes an adorable shower curtain. The flowers are colorful but not too busy, making them perfect for a feminine bathroom. Wouldn’t it be precious in a little girl’s room?

Vintage Hankies = Apron

Another way to utilize those vintage hankies is to create an apron from them. This one is layered and super cute.

Decorating With Vintage Linens:

There are numerous ways to incorporate vintage linens into your decor. Search for inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram.

Perhaps you’re one of those talented individuals who possess the skills to decorate on your own.

Pillows In A Picnic Basket:

If you find pillows made out of vintage fabric at the thrift store or antique mall, there are many ways to style them in your home.

Place them in a basket to display as a collection. Sit them atop a tall piece of furniture in an antique container of some sort.

Linens Displayed In A Creamer:

If you have smaller linens that you’re unsure how to display, fold them up and place them in a pretty teacup or an ironstone creamer.

I found this over at Angie’s blog, Postcards From The Ridge. She has written numerous posts about vintage and cottage styles, as well as accompanying projects.

Vintage Linens & Quilts On Display:

A great way to display and decorate with vintage linens is to arrange them on top of old school lockers. If you have small children or grandchildren, this might be a good place to show them off to keep them out of reach.

A Doily Centerpiece:

This photo was styled by Cindy at DIY Beautify. She has lots of beautiful things to see on her blog.

Outdoor Dining With Vintage Linens:

If you have a protected porch, a table can be a great place to showcase your vintage linens.

Dining on the Porch

Of course, a pretty vintage tablecloth can’t look any better than gracing a table where your family will dine.

This photo was, once again, by Angie of Postcards From The Ridge. She and these other ladies have beautiful homes and blogs.

Seasonal Repurposing & Decorating with Vintage Linens:

Seasonal Styling

Bring out certain linens seasonally: snowy white damask in winter, florals in spring, picnic checks in summer, and rich embroidery in autumn. Rotating them keeps your space feeling fresh and in sync with the rhythms of the year.

How To Launder Vintage Linens:

I took this to the Martha Stewart website. Because I think of her as the ultimate homemaker, and I appreciate her advice on matters of the home.

Pre-soak

If the pieces have been stored in the deepest corner of your linen closet for a while, give them a thorough bath in plain cold or tepid water to loosen set-in grime.

Replace the water when it becomes cloudy, and repeat the process until it remains clear.

Wash

Fill a tub with tepid water, mild laundry detergent, and a powdered oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean (refer to the product labels for the correct proportions to use). Wearing rubber gloves, gently slosh the linens around. Rinse well.

Treat

Martha Stewart Living home editor Lorna Aragon swears by Engleside Restoration Fabric Restorer to remove stubborn stains. Dissolve three scoops of powder per gallon of water, then soak the fabric for 6 to 8 hours. Remove and rinse.

Air-Dry

The sun has natural fabric-brightening powers. Lay your items flat on a towel outside (or in a sunny spot inside).

Store

To keep antique linens in mint condition, store them in a dry, dark cupboard on shelves that are painted or lined with acid-free paper. Oils on wood shelves can discolor them. Tuck sheets of acid-free paper in their folds, too.

(Washing instructions via Martha Stewart.)

Best Places To Find Vintage Linens:

You can typically find vintage linens and quilts at antique stores and flea markets. Sometimes you can get lucky at the thrift store or flea market.

Look for them on Etsy. I can often be found sitting in my chair drooling over some of these pretty vintage linens at an Etsy shop! This is one of the best places to look if you’re searching for something specific. Plus, you’re supporting a small business.

Don’t let stains deter you. If you can’t get the stains out, you can cut around the stains and still create something with what’s left over. Especially if there is lovely embroidery sewn on it.

Why Use Vintage Linens for Repurposing & Decorating?

Vintage linens carry whispers of the past. Of Sunday dinners, careful hands, and homemaking pride. Whether they’re family heirlooms or flea market finds, decorating with them creates a layered home, full of soul and story.

Creative Ideas for Vintage Linens:

Repurposing and decorating with vintage linens brings a sense of charm, nostalgia, and sustainability to your home, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. These treasured pieces—often embroidered by hand or adorned with delicate lace—can be used in imaginative ways that honor their history while giving them new life.

Here’s a cozy look at how to work vintage linens into your decor:

1. Tabletop Whimsy

Vintage doilies, embroidered napkins, and handkerchiefs can be layered on tabletops for a romantic, old-world effect. Try:

• A mix-and-match patchwork of small linens as a runner.
• Using vintage handkerchiefs as dainty placemats.
• Layering lace-edged pieces over solid cloths for depth and texture.

2. Curtains and Valances

Soft, faded linens can become ethereal window treatments. Hang a row of embroidered tea towels or a panel of sheer lace across a small window for a delicate farmhouse look. You can even sew a row of vintage hankies together for a whimsical kitchen valance.

3. Pillows and Slipcovers

Turn embroidered pillowcases or damask napkins into decorative pillows. A monogrammed linen napkin makes a perfect front panel for a throw pillow. Larger pieces, like old tablecloths, can become charming slipcovers for chairs or cushions.

4. Wall Art with Story

Frame a beautifully stitched piece or display an heirloom table runner on a wall like textile art. Group smaller items—like vintage lace collars or crocheted pieces—in a gallery of shadowboxes for a meaningful and personal focal point.

5. Baskets, Drawers & Shelves

Line drawers, shelves, or woven baskets with vintage linens for a classic look. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that adds softness and vintage charm to storage spaces—especially in the kitchen, bathroom, or craft room.

6. Handmade Projects

Repurpose worn or stained linens into:

• Lavender sachets or potpourri pillows.
• Quilted table runners or placemats.
• Reusable gift wrap or bread basket liners.

Even small salvaged pieces can be incorporated into a patchwork apron or stitched into greeting cards for special occasions.

Have fun displaying vintage linens. They were made with loving hands and should be decorated with caring hearts.