Back to Articles

The History and Modern Uses of Custom Linens

When someone hears the word "linens.” unless they're talking about wedding linens, they're usually unsure as to what context the word is being used. The word has become so universal that no one is quite sure where the word came from and what it means. Linens can also be considered an old fashioned term. Because of the confusion and misunderstandings surrounded by the term, many do not completely understand what to call certain things. Whether it is used for fashion, napkins, tablecloths, sheets, chair cover rental, wedding linens, towels, or drapes, linen is used all over.

One of the most popular uses for linens is for weddings. The bride and those putting together the wedding often sees wedding linens as incredibly important. The colors and kinds of the napkins used at a wedding are incredibly important; the colors need to match the other linens and colors used in the wedding for cohesiveness and beauty. Napkins aren't the only linens used during a wedding, however. Tablecloths have linen coverings as well chairs that are covered with chair cover rentals. There are different lengths of tablecloths available to fit your taste. If you're choosing to let a part of the table to be visible, a tablecloth that barely drapes over the edges of the table can be used. If you're going for a more elegant look, one can find linens for tablecloths that drop all the way down to the floor. Available in multiple colors as well, linens used for tablecloths can help unify the entire setting or make a certain table, such as the wedding party, stand out.

But what is linen anyway? Made from material called "flax fibers", linen is actually relatively pricey, especially when made in small quantities. Because of it's natural qualities, it is easily stronger and much more durable than other fibers such as cotton. Wedding linens generally are made out of cotton, silk or lamour. Linen is, however, relatively hard to grow, and that is what can make flax, and in turn, linen, so expensive. Linen's range, in terms of look and feel, is expansive. Linen can be incredibly stiff when need be, but can also be incredibly soft. This allows for the use of multiple textures to make the fabric more interesting. This gives linens use as wedding linens more ability as a design element. The color of the linens as a natural color comes in soft tones. To obtain a completely white type of linen, there is the possibility of damaging the fabric through heavy bleaching. If you are considering chair cover rentals, be sure to understand their color selection. Linen also has an incredible history. Some sources have linen use dating back thousand and thousand of years used in ancient civilizations. To make their mummies, the Egyptians used linen.

While Linens are often associated as wedding linens, they can also be used for more. Chair cover rentals are not just for weddings. Linens are often the tablecloth of choice for both table covers and chair covers during outdoor events. These outdoor events can be for a wedding, or for a baby shower. Often small corporate events can utilize chair cover rentals during their small outside gatherings. After a color is chosen and the choice of table and chair is considered and made, work begins. Each chair and table is covered with the type of desired material specified when you place your order. This can serve multiple purposes. For the design, covered chairs and tables can create a more elegant, sophisticated, and clean look. For actual purpose, because linens can be washed, they save the chairs and table from spills. This allows for more of an easier clean up, and assures that nothing is damaged.

While wedding linens are a major part of any wedding, from the tablecloths and napkins to the chair cover rentals, the whole selection process can be time consuming. Their use can add beauty and class to an indoor or outdoor wedding. Their use for corporate events can add a hint of sophistication and professionalism. Linen coverings have stood the test of time, and will play an important part of weddings, parties and special events for decades to come.