While we often eat at a table covered with a beautiful tablecloth, rarely do we think about the history behind the piece of fabric. But there is currently great demand among collectors for vintage tablecloths. During the Victorian era, linen and tapestry fashion was very dark and somber. Crimsons, gold, and browns adorned fabric samples. Later, bright color schemes were made popular with chemical dyes created in Germany. Magenta, violet, pink, blue, and peacock green remained in high demand until the Aesthetic Movement in 1899 changed the perception of good taste in art and dull, flat colors took over. In the 1920s, kitchen textiles became more adventurous and less formal. Floral prints began to dominate. As time progressed, fashions continued to shift and various designs would come and go. View our wide selection of reproductions featuring vintage tablecloths and learn more.

While bolster cushions are now used for decorative purposes, that was not always the case. They originated in the Far East and were originally called a 'bamboo wife'. The pillows would be constructed of bamboo by a wife for the husband to carry with him on his travels. It provided something to sleep with and something to remember home by. Richly embroidered bolsters were a sign of wealth for the Greeks. The Egyptians spent lavish amounts of detail, attention, and money on the pillows buried with their dead. Browse our catalog of vintage bolster cushions and discover more of the history behind the scatter cushions so often taken for granted.

Corsets have been used throughout history to cinch the torso and make the waist appear smaller and to support the breasts and make them look fuller. 'Payre of bodies', as early corsets were called, later became known as stays. By the mid 16th century, women were wearing corsets more and more. Victorian corsets were longer than stays, ending several inches below the waist and exaggerated womanly curves. Find out more within our selection of patent reprints.