We often refer to sheets and pillowcases as "bed linens," even though today's products are usually made of cotton or a blend. This terminology dates back to a past era when linen was the pre-eminent utility textile for household use, as well as undergarments. Linen was readily available, strong, washable, and became softer with use.
Sheets and pillowcases in the 18th century were made of plain white or unbleached hand-woven linen, finished with narrow hand-stitched hems. Most women purchased the linen fabric as yardage and stitched their sheets and pillowcases by hand in the home. Although bed linens were not embroidered or patterned in the 18th century, many women marked their bed linens with the family's initials and a number to help identify the set when it was sent out for laundry. Although customers today have many options of color and pattern in their sheets, quality in 18th-century bedding was evident in the exquisite smoothness and fine texture of the best linen textiles.
Keep in mind that beds were important status symbols in the 18th century. The finest beds had tall posts and a framework from which expensive curtains were hung. The curtains could be closed to hold in warmth, prevent drafts, and give additional privacy. Even more important, the many yards of expensive textiles proclaimed the wealth of the owner. Although the sheets and pillowcases were plain white, bed curtains and counterpanes (called "bedspreads" today) were made of a variety of fabrics, patterns, and colors: silk damasks, printed cotton chintzes, fine worsteds, and geometric woven linens.
The Foundation's collection of period textiles serve as the inspiration for many of the products we offer today.