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By the 1880's terminology began to be more consistent and one will find that the term "Linen Sham" was used for pillow covers (pillowcases) with a secure closure. The closure were usually mother of pearl buttons but could also be a folded over flap rather like an envelope. Then there were the "Pillowcase or Pillow Slip", these are usually open at one or both ends. They are closed with either ribbons or ties. Then finally there is the "Layover Sham" this is pillow cover without a back and often very ornate and would be laid over the pillow itself as a form of decoration – often a spectacular monogram would be the central feature.

Metis is another term that one often finds when in France sourcing linen sheets, pillowcases and napkins and also to be found in the merchandising catalogues of the turn of the century. The term Metis means that the fabric is a mix - normally of equal measures of cotton and linen.

Monograms were added to reflect either the initials of the husband or that of the lady of the house. These were embroidered as part of a dowry - a legacy of linens passed down from family to family or newly created to mark a marriage in the offing. The monograms may well have been embroidered by the betrothed lady herself or have been ordered from an "embroidery house" where they would be commissioned for the family or an occasion. Bed linens would often have corn or grapes within the designs to evoke traditional emblems of fertility and prosperity and hope. The emphasis always was to create a sense of beauty, elegance and style in a room where one will start and end each day.

Take a look at the other pages of this web site to find Monogrammed Sheets, Napkins and Tablecloths.