Collecting Chic Chenille Bedspreads Take stock of your linen closet and you just might find an old chenille bedspread or two tucked away. They may even still be on the beds, particularly if there's a summer cottage in your family. These cozy old favorites have become hot collectibles. In good condition, twin-size vintage chenille bedspreads are selling for $100 and up. Christina Lynn Whited, owner of CoCo:Chenille (www.cocochenille.com), has been selling vintage chenille bedspreads for the last 10 years. "The perennial favorite is the floral pattern in pastel colors," says Whited. Chenille, the French word for caterpillar, refers to the tufted-cotton textiles that were first hand-stitched in the late 1800s. Once machine-made versions became available in the 1930s, chenille bedspreads enjoyed widespread popularity through the 1950s. Here, Whited shares the tips on buying vintage chenille: Pattern: Although florals and dotted-swiss-looking hobnail are the most prevalent patterns, one of the most sought-after patterns is the peacock, which often features a pair of the colorfully plumed birds. Made in full-size spreads in the 1950s, those in superb condition today cost $300 or more. For other vintage spreads, expect to pay $100 to $125 for twin spreads in good condition, $145 or more for full-size versions. Color: Vibrant colors are highly collectible now. Whited recently sold a bright red hobnail spread from the 1950s. You can find good values for vintage chenille spreads in odd colors, such such as the dusty pinks, peach tones, apricots, and oranges of the 1930s, and the avocados and golds of the 1960s. Size: Be wary if you see queen- or king-size chenille bedspreads labeled "vintage," as these bed sizes were not common until after the heyday of chenille. Whited says full-size vintage spreads fit on queen-size mattresses with the addition of a dust ruffle. Care: Chenille is easy care--just pop it in the washer and dryer. For Whited's tips about washing chenille and removing stains, see the CoCo:Chenille web site (www.cocochenille.com) and search under "care." Condition: Stained or threadbare chenille bedspreads have little value as collectibles, but new items made from vintage chenille are very popular. |
| * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Please feel free to email me. I check it daily and will make every effort to reply in a timely fashion. Call me directly, at 908-638-4426, alternate number if busy: 908-638-9066, to place your order. I am available 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. EST. Please call during those hours only. CoCo:Chenille, Inc. 76 Main Street High Bridge, New Jersey 08829 Telephone: (908)638-4426 or (908)638-9066 Email: christina@cocochenille.com. Use a subject line that includes the word "chenille". Emails with no subject or without the word "chenille," will be deleted as SPAM. Web: www.cocochenille.com I will not make your email address available to anyone else and will maintain your privacy. Copyright 2008 / CoCo:Chenille, Inc./Christina Lynn Whited |