Friday, February 08, 2008

A Passion for Porthault




It can start with a handkerchief, or a cocktail napkin or two, and before you know it- you've been bitten by the Porthault bug. At least that's how it began with me. I'm absolutely smitten with any and all Porthault prints- clovers, millefleurs, lips- it doesn't matter because I love them all. Now I know that some of you linen purists out there won't understand this, and that's okay. Every linen closet should have plain white sheets and towels. But what's wrong with having a little fun? At least that's the excuse that I use every time I hit the Porthault store. I've got the hankies, the cocktail napkins, the china, and even a wastebasket, and as God is my witness- I will own a set of Porthault sheets someday soon!!!

But, in the meantime, I can just daydream by looking at these beautiful beds adorned with my dream linen.


Todd Romano rescued this paisley print from the Porthault archives for his guest bedroom. In my opinion, it's the perfect Porthault print for a man. (Image from House & Garden)


Rita Konig obviously likes it too, although she chose a more muted pattern (image via Domino)


The resourceful Deeda Blair used her trousseau Porthault sheets to create bed curtains (House Beautiful, 9/2001)


Harry Slatkin chose crisp, clean blue and white for his bedding (photo courtesy of House & Garden)


Diana Vreeland's floral print Porthault sheets don't really clash with the other prints in the room- they just add to the vibrancy of it.

35 comments:

  1. Oh, I love Porthault too! My mother in law decorated her NYC apartment master bedroom with the white and pink hearts design sheets against dark grey walls-it was beautful!

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  2. All this pattern is a lively way to start the day! So pretty.

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  3. Dear God. These are the sheets I dream of. Ever since I saw the Duchess of Windsor's D. Porthault sheets and table linens at Sotheby's, I have coveted anything by this company. The prints are sublimely beautiful, evanescent. Thanks for a morning lift!!!

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  4. Linda-That sounds absolutely beautiful!!

    Patricia- Glad you like them!

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  5. I agree - I love the fun prints and colors too but somehow haven't been brave enough to veer beyond plain white! Of course I'll graduate to color first and hopefully then onto something as beautiful as portault quality!

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  6. Aesthete- I'm with you! The sheets are the ultimate, at least for me. I recently bought a travel pillow, so that's another step on my way to the sheets!

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  7. I like how you found such chic examples -- each of these rooms show Porthault used in the freshest way. Especially love what Romano did!

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  8. Courtney- I LOVE that Romano chose the paisley print. Now that is a fun, chic print!

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  9. I have always loved that Todd Romano room! Fun post Jennifer!

    ~Kate

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  10. Kate- Me too! Actually, I want his whole house. :)

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  11. The Deeda Blair bed is beautiful beyond description. Part of that is because of the sunlight, but also the lightness of the fabric and the winsomely pretty pattern. So gorgeous.

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  12. Aesthete- Yes, the lightness of the fabric is perfect for bed curtains. To me, it's a very feminine, French looking bedroom.

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  13. I have always loved the look of Porthault. So classic and timeless. Their linens are truly in a league of their own.

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  14. I think I accidentally deleted a reply I was working on! I feel like such a ditz sometimes! I was basically praising your current post along with all your photos of design history. I love it. Keep it up.
    As for a French bedroom, I just posted about it yesterday. Check it out:
    http://eclecticentertaining.blogspot.com/2008/02/ebay-today-french-bed.html

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  15. They are such classics. They always make me think of my mother and her sisters, all three had the best taste and all three had that pattern somewhere in the bedroom, either a little kleenex box, or a jewelry tray or neck rolls - it's been a staple in their lives. Thanks for the memories!!!!

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  16. I agree with A.Lament - that's my favorite picture along with Rita's. I love that sconce in the picture. Isn't it gorgeous?

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  17. Anonymous1:42 PM

    Porthault actually used to sell their printed fabrics by the yard and I bet that is what is in Deeda Blairs bedroom. They were recently bought and stopped selling fabric by the yard so everyone keep their fingers crossed that nothing else changes!!!! They stopped doing crib bedding a few years ago which I find particularly devastating since I desperately want a porthault bumper/skirt/flat sheet for my baby on the way. How insane does it sound to make those out of a much loved porthault duvet I have? It seems completely logical to me but I have all those hormones making me crazy . . .

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  18. Porthault... I just like saying it. One day, I shall win the lottery and place my order. And I'm a white or ivory sheets guy, too ... .

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  19. Eclectic- I'll go check your post now!

    Joni- That whole bedroom is divine!

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  20. Anon- I knew they did away with the trays, but didn't know that about the crib bedding. That's devastating! And I did not know they did away their fabric line- oh no! That's terrible! I LOVED their fabric- so many great prints. I'm really steamed now.

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  21. Easy- Based on what Anon just told us, I think we might need to speed up our order and place it sooner rather than later! ;)

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  22. The floral prints might be a bit too girly for me, but I love the paisley that Romano has used. I wouldn't mind his whole apartment either!

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  23. I have loved Porthault for years. Ever since Bob Denning introduced me to their products over forty years ago. He always used to carry their handkerchiefs.

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  24. Doc- Oh yes, I always have a Porthault handkerchief in my purse. I think there are a lot of us in the club ;)

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  25. The Porthault is so beautiful, and every photo you have posted shows how well it can enhance a room! (Although, I must confess I am not fond of the last room.)

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  26. Katie- That bedroom could only belong to DV! I could do bits and pieces, but perhaps not the whole thing!

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  27. Anonymous4:45 PM

    Wow! These pictures are so beautiful! I love Porthault sheets! I live in New York City and they just recently opened a store on Park Ave.
    To Anon - When I went into the store, they actually said that I could special order anything I wanted in any of the patterns or colors. They were so nice and accommodating.
    My two favorite products (besides the sheets, of course!) are the beach towels, which are perfect for a mid-twenties professional like me, and the nightgowns are so feminine and beautiful. I have one in the pink heart pattern with lace down the side and it makes me feel so pretty!
    To Peak of Chic - I love all your posts. Thank you so much for posting these beautiful linens!

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  28. NYC- Thank goodness! I was getting quite upset thinking I couldn't order the fabric. I do love their nightgowns, although I don't own any of those. However, perhaps that will be my next purchase! After the sheets, of course!

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  29. Anonymous5:08 PM

    Hmmm... not sure if you can order the fabric on its own. I didn't ask that question. But they did say that I could special order any of the products in whatever pattern or color I wanted. So I am sure the crib bedding and whatever else one would want made would be possible. Or that's the impression I got!
    Great blog! Thanks!

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  30. NYC- Oh, I see. I was getting ahead of myself! ;)

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  31. These prints remind me of Aunt who just loved Porhault. She was so well mannered, lovely and feminine. I think of her every time I see their patterns.
    xx-Gina

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  32. Porthault reminds me of my Florida childhood. Thank you for featuring them!

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  33. Anonymous8:04 AM

    Did Porthault ever just use the "made in France" tag? I have acquired some napkins that look like Porthault, but just say "made in France.
    Thanks!

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  34. Anonymous8:06 AM

    Does anyone know how one goes about identifying vintage porthault patterns? I have acquired some napkins and breakfast tea sets and would like to be able to identify them.
    Thanks!

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  35. Anonymous10:55 AM

    I have VINTAGE Porthault fabric..in as new condition approximately 8 feet wide and 16 feet long..accompanied by 6 ruffled shams with the labels in side. 4 are in very fine vintage condition-2 are not but they all match the absolutely pristine never used fabric. The pattern is one of the first Porthalult used to make linens after a contessa had her nightwear in this pattern and wanted sheets. I don't know the name but the pattern is a very pale light yellow covered with tiny flowers. Anyone interested..contact me at francoferrandi555@hotmail,com

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