Linen-press

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An oak wood linen press from 1904. Linen Press MET DT184.jpg
An oak wood linen press from 1904.

Traditionally, a linen-press (or just press) is a cabinet, usually of woods such as oak, walnut, or mahogany, and designed for storing sheets, table-napkins, clothing, and other textiles. Such linen-presses were made chiefly in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and are now considered decorative examples of antique furniture. [1] Early versions were often simple, with some exhibiting carving characteristic of Jacobean designs. [1] Examples made during the 18th and 19th centuries often featured expensive veneers and intricate inlays, and were designed to occupy prominent places in early bedrooms as storage closets for clothing.

In modern houses, a linen press is often a built-in cabinet near a bedroom or bathroom, for easy access to fresh bed sheets and towels.

Analogous terms are laundry cupboard or linen cupboard.

In Ireland the term hot press describes an airing cupboard used for storing linen.

See also

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Closet Enclosed space used for storage, particularly that of clothes

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Linen Textile made from spun flax fiber

Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant.

Textile arts Arts and crafts that use plant, animal, or synthetic fibers to construct practical or decorative objects

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Pantry

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Cabinet (room)

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Cabinetry Box-shaped piece of furniture with doors

A cabinet is a case or cupboard with shelves and/or drawers for storing or displaying items. Some cabinets are stand alone while others are built in to a wall or are attached to it like a medicine cabinet. Cabinets are typically made of wood, coated steel, or synthetic materials. Commercial grade cabinets usually have a melamine-particleboard substrate and are covered in a high pressure decorative laminate, commonly referred to as Wilsonart or Formica.

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Casaquin

A casaquin is a short-length closely fitted coat worn by middle and upper-class women during the 18th century. The garment was popular in both France and Italy. A Casaquin was made from linen which was then covered by embroidery, silk and lace to decorate. The design was influenced by religious beliefs or events as well reflecting on stylistic features of the time or individual designers. Casaquins were worn by a range of females from working-class women for practical purposes to upper-class ladies for social or ceremonious occasions. The Casaquin even influenced women from the Netherlands during the 18th century to introduce their own version of a Casaquin called a "Kassekijntje".

References

  1. 1 2 Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Linen-Press"  . Encyclopædia Britannica . 16 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 727.