Photograph by Franck Schmitt
There’s a certain poetry to French linens — the way an armoire opens to reveal rows of neatly folded sheets, hand-stitched napkins and timeworn torchons, each piece holding the rhythm of daily life and the touch of generations past….
In France, the tradition of collecting and caring for household linens is a common activity in many families and a noticeable part of decorative culture. From antique monogrammed sheets passed down through generations to quilted Provençal boutis that once warmed farmhouse beds, these textiles are not only a beautiful additions to any home, but reflect a slower, more intentional way of living.
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Renowned for their durability, breathability and high level of craftsmanship, it’s not uncommon to find 19th century French linens still in use today. Whether made of linen, cotton, silk or hemp, these fabrics were designed not just to last — but to improve with age, often becoming softer with years of use and love.
Today, curating your own French-inspired linen closet can be as simple or elaborate as you like. With such a wide array of applications and styles — it’s easy to build a collection that is both beautiful and deeply personal. Here are our suggestions for what to look for, how to layer and use your pieces and how to store them in a timeless French style.
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1. Bedding
The bedrock of any linen collection are sheets and duvet covers in linen or crisp cotton. Linen is particularly prized for its breathability and soft texture, making it ideal for both summer and winter use. Perfect for a French country look, seek out older pieces with ladder-stitched hems or hand-embroidered initials, which add a nostalgic detail to your nightly routine.
For a chic bedroom ambiance, cotton sheets provide a smooth finish, while silk or métis (a linen-cotton blend) is wonderfully soft. Consider mixing white bedding with subtly dyed sheets and pillow cases in blush, taupe, or slate blue.
Pro Tip: Look out for large top sheets, and let the fabric drape fluidly, pooling ever so slightly at the corners of the bed for a layered, relaxed aesthetic.
2. Quilts and Throws
No French bed — or living room — is complete without a throw. The quilted cotton boutis of southern France, traditionally made in Marseille and the surrounding region, make particularly treasured heirlooms. Layed over the end of a bed or draped across a settee, they make for practical and eye catching additions to your home, their lightweight feel perfect for layering year-round.
Another essential is the couverture, a thicker, often handwoven blanket that offers both warmth and texture. Made from a variety of materials — wool, linen, or even cotton — these blankets are perfect for colder months or for adding a rich, heavy layer to the bed.
3. Table Cloths
Linen tablecloths are staples of the French home, where even simple meals are made more special by a well-dressed table. Look for vintage damask cloths with delicate embroidered motifs, or opt for rustic handwoven linens with a stripe detail — common in Basque and Alsatian designs. Died fabrics are also popular choices. A dusty green or faded indigo can add character to your tablescape instantly.
White and ivory remain timeless choices. Large, plain linen cloths set the tone for relaxed lunches outdoors, while those looking for something more detailed, will like the delicately embroidered antique tablecloths sourced by Frisson Maison. This thoughtful brand is known for their exceptional finds and creating small-batch table linens that blend French heritage with contemporary tastes. Their Ange collection, stitched with soft floral motifs, brings a quiet romance to the table — ideal for special occasions or simply elevating the everyday.
Pro Tip: When it comes to antique textiles, don’t shy away from pieces with a slight patina; they carry the charm of long use and lively conversation.
4. Table Runners
Ideal for more casual meals, runners provide structure and softness to tables without full coverage. Use one lengthwise under a line of candles, pottery, or fresh garden clippings. Striped French ticking cloths or linen blends are especially applicable here, and wash well. They’re also easy to swap in for special occasions or rotate with the seasons: heavier textures in winter, finer weaves in summer.
by Frisson Maison
5. Napkins and Table Sets
A drawer of neatly pressed cloth napkins is a quiet luxury — and a distinctly French one. In traditional households, families often had napkins monogrammed for each member, reused throughout the week as a mark of both practicality and elegance. Today, it’s more common to find mix and match sets of embroidered antique napkins, or simpler, modern sets in soft linen or cotton. Whites and neutrals remain classic choices, but a set in faded rose, sage, or ochre can brighten everyday meals. Fold them loosely or tie with twine for a casual yet thoughtfully arranged table.
In addition to napkins, placemats make a wonderful addition to a table setting. Look for those made from thick cotton or linen fabric, often found with subtle, handwoven textures or simple stripes. They add both a layer of protection and an extra touch of warmth to your table.
6. Tea Towels
Known as torchons, French tea towels often become collector’s items in themselves. Woven in linen or métis, you’ll commonly find these at French markets and brocantes, featuring red, green or blue stripes, monograms, or regional logos from past old hotels and bakeries.
These items are sturdy, and can still be used daily for drying dishes, covering warm bread, or wrapping bouquets as hostess gifts. Their durability makes them as practical as they are pretty — and they age beautifully with use.
7. Armoires
To store your collection of French linens, there’s no better option that a dedicated armoire or linen closet. Traditionally, these pieces of furniture would be handed down along with the linens they contained, but today they can often be found at antiques fairs, in brocantes or online.
To protect and care for the linens, traditionally shelves would be lined with fabric and sachets of lavender would be tucked between layers to deter moths and scent the linen. Whether you use an antique armoire, a dedicated shelf, or a basket system, the key is visibility and care. Roll quilts loosely, stack napkins by colour or texture, and refold large pieces regularly to avoid wear along creases.
Pro Tip: Linen should breathe, so avoid plastic containers — and embrace the simple joy of opening a well-scented, thoughtfully arranged cupboard.
