Vintage handkerchiefs are amazing pieces with all the delicate details and stunning craftsmanship of a by gone era. And yes they are beautiful, but what to do with them now? I am here today to show a variety of ways you can use all the vintage handkerchiefs to decorate around your home in different ways.
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Inspiration on How to Decorate with Vintage Handkerchiefs
Recently I shared my collection of vintage handkerchiefs with yellow flower details. I picked up these five pretties at a thrift sale last fall. I have been using there hankies in my Spring decor, which I shared here {Spring Thrift Haul…} and here {Mantel Styling with Vintage Yellow Decor}.
Then…unbenowst to me I picked up a pack of six white delicate hankies. I thought it was just one, since it came wrapped in a cellophane package, and I didn’t want to open it. For a few dollars I wasn’t too concerned. I almost bought a few packages since there were several. I’m glad I didn’t, since now I have six of these pretty white embroidered hankies! Anyway, I don’t believe these are actually “vintage”, but they do have a vintage feel to them. I’m thinking they were left over from an event or a small business liquidation, either way, they are lovely.
Now, having vintage hankies on the brain, I paused the other day as I was rifling through my drawer and my eye rests on my wedding hankie. Oh my goodness! Why didn’t I ever think about decorating with this incredible piece with so much sentimental value?!?! Well, here we are. This was my something blue on our wedding day and now you will be seeing it around my home. Mind you, in a few days we will be celebrating 28 years of marriage. It’s about time I put this guy to use. Well, enough of that, please come in, and let’s talk about at ways to decorate with vintage handkerchiefs.
8 Unique Ways to Decorate with Vintage Handkerchiefs
Mantel Shelf Scarf
I recently shared our spring mantel where I used vintage handkerchiefs to line the mantel shelf. The dainty edges hanging over soften the display and add another layer of detail. Different colors and designs can be used for different holidays and seasons.
Garland Decor
Draping handkerchiefs on rope can be used as an impromptu garland. It can decorate a mirror, door archway, breakfront cabinet and so much more. If you want a permanent piece you can actually stitch the pieces together or for a semi permanent solution safety pins can be used to hold the handkerchiefs in place. I simply draped them, and they stay in place if you don’t have much movement around the garland.
Table Runner
Layering vintage linens down the center of a table creates the most amazing table runner. I’ve shared this technique here before {using vintage linen pieces to make a table runner}, and the layers of wonderful details creates a uniquely fabulous table topper and grounds any centerpiece in the most wonderful way.
Framed Art
Vintage Handkerchiefs have an endless array of styles, colors and details, which on their own are masterpieces. Framing them as proper artwork creates super interesting displays. A gallery wall with a variety of vintage handkerchiefs would be amazing. This technique is similar to the {framed doily art work DIY}.
Dough Bowl Liner
A dough bowl lined with these beautiful linens is pretty all on its own. Adding a collection of bits and pieces adds to the charm. I paired these dainty yellow flower hankies with a collection of vintage floral frogs to create a floral underlying motif. You could also add decor like moss balls, faux greenery or dried florals for an organic touch.
Linen Bouquet
This might be my favorite technique yet. Simply bunch handkerchiefs together to create a floral bouquet effect. Tucked in a vase creates a fun display or inserted in a hanging basket would be a charming surprise. This is super easy to assemble, and the linen corners create a petal effect in the loveliest of ways.
Simple Accent Piece
A strategically placed hankie sometimes is the perfect finishing touch to a decor vignette. One simple touch adds softness and a romantic feel to a decorative display. This is a great way to accentuate a motif or theme and add another player of texture.
Layered & Stacked
Just like one perfectly placed hankie can add a finishing touch so can a stack of special handkerchiefs. The layers of linens easily add texture, interest and movement to vignettes. This is a simple way to showcase a collection and add depth to a display.
Tips & Recommendations About Vintage Handkerchiefs
Where to find vintage handkerchiefs
Since these beautiful pieces are vintage and old, second hand sources are the ideal destination. I found my first pieces at a vintage market, but thrift stores and estate sales I believe are the best source for unique pieces at the best prices. Vintage markets and antique malls will also provide great quality and unique pieces, but they will garner a higher price point. There’s also online resources like Etsy, Mercari and Ebay, which also have a wide variety, but there are other factors to consider. Online sources probably will have an additional shipping cost, also the condition is based on pictures and written descriptions.
How much to pay for vintage hankies
Well to answer the question directly, it all depends. There’s a wide range depending on where you source them and the condition they are in. I found my first purchased hankies over a year ago at the Great Junk Hunt. I paid $8 each which I found to be reasonable, since I saw them for $12 and $15 in other booths. Then, fast forward a few months later when I found the lovely yellow flower collection for $3 each at a thrift store. Now you know why I scooped up five of them. I wanted to grab more, but I controlled myself to only a yellow family. I know I will find more in the wild and want to save more excitement for down the road. The recent package of 6 white hankies cost $3 for a set of 6, but keep in mind these are new and not vintage.
The proper way to care for vintage handkerchiefs
Regardless of how pretty and delicate a vintage handkerchief might be, we can’t lose sight of their intended purpose. With this in mind, they should be laundered when you bring them home. Even if they look clean I recommend washing them. I run mine on the delicate cycle in my washing machine using Woolite. You should also probably iron these beauties to create the best displays without creases. I am sometimes lax on this, but I know in theory they shine the best when properly pressed.
All the display ideas here for these beautiful vintage handkerchief pieces are not permanent. My preference is to be able to use and reuse all these pieces in different ways. For a more long term use, these fabulous linen pieces can be sewn as pillow covers, cafe curtains, window valance, table linens and more. On that note, I’ll be using some of these pretty pieces in an upcoming summer styling. If you would like to stay up to date with Master”pieces” of my Life and receive new content directly to your inbox you can sign up below.
Closing Thoughts
Do you share my obsession for vintage linens? Do you have a stash of old hankies somewhere? Well I hope this helps you pull them out and enjoy them around your home. A simple piece or a whole collection both add charm, coziness and character to home interiors.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Have you used vintage hankies for decor before? Please let me know your thoughts below in the comments. It was a pleasure having you here today. Au revoir!
Shopping the Vintage Handkerchief Decor Look
- Cotton Ladies’ Vintage Floral Handkerchiefs
- Vintage Floral Lace Handkerchiefs
- Colorful Ladies Hankies
- Pastel Embroidery Vintage Floral Handkerchiefs
- White Wedding Crocheted Handkerchief
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In his holy flirtation with the world, God occasionally drops a handkerchief. These handkerchiefs are called saints.”
Frederick Buechner