Antique Linens

We're so used to referring to sheets, tablecloths, and napkins as linens that we often forget the term is specific to a fiber -- that of the hardy flax plant. Today, our domestic fabrics are typically woven of cotton, but historically, linen yarn was more common due to its resilience and absorbency. European linens, particularly those of France, Belgium, and Ireland, have always been cherished. Their beauty and quality can be hard to duplicate with contemporary equivalents.

JUST THE FACTS

What to look for: Check hems for frays. Open the cloth and hold it up to the light, noting repairs. If evaluating a set, examine each piece. The closer you get to the bottom of the stack, the more likely you are to find stains.

Condition: If an item was stained before you purchased it, the stain probably won't come out. But if a guest spills red wine on your antique linen tomorrow, don't throw in the towel. Pat the stain with lemon and salt, or soak the cloth for a few days in a bucket of water with mild soap. Rinse gently without wringing, pressing to expel the water. Lay the cloth over a bush or grass and let the sun's rays naturally bleach it. Repeat the process as necessary.

Price range: Know exactly what you're buying. Sets sell for more than single items. A set of 24 napkins can go for $650. Add a matching tablecloth and the price can leap to $1,500. A torchon, the drying towel used for glassware and dishes, can fetch around $28. Bear in mind that antique napkins were larger to accommodate the full skirts of the 1800s. Similarly, antique sheets, which sell for $50 to $1,200, don't necessarily fit today's beds.

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