Vintage fabrics continue to interest many people. These beautiful materials are finding their way into homes with both traditional and modern decor. Design professionals truly appreciate the value of the authentic items and well made replicas. Collectors often scour the Internet seeking good buys on inspirational patterns developed from decades ago. Home decor of many kinds feature copies of the most popular things, while the expensive originals also make their way into lucky homes.
Collectibles vary depending upon the decade. From the years after WWII until 1950 or 1960, American designers created fabrics that not only caught the public eye, but told something about the times. Sailors coming home may have been the first to carry island themed merchandise to the mainland. Today, it is important to know whether or not you are paying for vintage or replica pieces. Truly old school methods are no longer used, but it is still possible to buy Hawaiian barkcloth placemats, or other similar home decor through Internet auctions. If you want the look of the real deal without the price, you can still have it buying online.
To begin the process of collecting lovely fabrics inspired by Hawaii and its tropical beauty, it is good to know something about how the unique bark cloth was first made. Then, it is most important to identify the main categories of print themes. Understanding the pricing structure for originals versus newly made is helpful. Knowing what key design and construction points to see or feel will help buyers to make better decisions. There is nothing wrong with the beautiful newly crafted items, but it is not good to pay premium prices for something if it is not original to the design decade it represents.
When bark was first used to make cloth, it was made by harvesting bark from the Tapa tree. This bark was beaten until the fibers could be made into sheets of material which were then used to make a kind of textile. The historical process produced textured items with a nubby feel similar to linen. Eventually, cotton weaves took the place of the historic material, and it comprises the majority of items today.
A huge price difference exists between the authentic and the modern simulations. Collectors know that the exquisite beauty of these pieces make them highly desirable and they price them properly. But thanks to textile technology, anyone can buy the new versions and enjoy decorating their homes in tropical island style. The place mats made in lovely patterns honor the Hawaiian traditions, and are priced so that everyone might have them.
To know the various design decades and themes will help homeowners to focus on what they truly like. From 1920 through about 1940, floral themes on solid, dark backgrounds were very popular in American decor. Tropical flowers took the place of roses and other flowers typical of the mainland around the time that World War 11 soldiers began to bring home island souvenirs. Around 1950, geometric designs featuring space ships and other technical drawings were used and reflected the fascination with emerging scientific exploration. These patterns are known as atomic, while those that featured the sleek triangular designs of Scandinavian furniture became known as boomerang. It is still possible to purchase any of these four main categories, including tropical floral, atomic, boomerang and Las Vegas cloth. The latter features gold Lurex threads woven into the abstract designs.
The harder to find themes will cost more money. The original material, when sold, is often done so on an auction basis. This is one way to have some certainty that it is authentic vintage.
When bark cloth place mats are used, they update decor with a hint of nostalgia and longing for the islands. Seeking authentic versions can be fun, but enjoying reproductions allows for exploring all the available styles.
Collectibles vary depending upon the decade. From the years after WWII until 1950 or 1960, American designers created fabrics that not only caught the public eye, but told something about the times. Sailors coming home may have been the first to carry island themed merchandise to the mainland. Today, it is important to know whether or not you are paying for vintage or replica pieces. Truly old school methods are no longer used, but it is still possible to buy Hawaiian barkcloth placemats, or other similar home decor through Internet auctions. If you want the look of the real deal without the price, you can still have it buying online.
To begin the process of collecting lovely fabrics inspired by Hawaii and its tropical beauty, it is good to know something about how the unique bark cloth was first made. Then, it is most important to identify the main categories of print themes. Understanding the pricing structure for originals versus newly made is helpful. Knowing what key design and construction points to see or feel will help buyers to make better decisions. There is nothing wrong with the beautiful newly crafted items, but it is not good to pay premium prices for something if it is not original to the design decade it represents.
When bark was first used to make cloth, it was made by harvesting bark from the Tapa tree. This bark was beaten until the fibers could be made into sheets of material which were then used to make a kind of textile. The historical process produced textured items with a nubby feel similar to linen. Eventually, cotton weaves took the place of the historic material, and it comprises the majority of items today.
A huge price difference exists between the authentic and the modern simulations. Collectors know that the exquisite beauty of these pieces make them highly desirable and they price them properly. But thanks to textile technology, anyone can buy the new versions and enjoy decorating their homes in tropical island style. The place mats made in lovely patterns honor the Hawaiian traditions, and are priced so that everyone might have them.
To know the various design decades and themes will help homeowners to focus on what they truly like. From 1920 through about 1940, floral themes on solid, dark backgrounds were very popular in American decor. Tropical flowers took the place of roses and other flowers typical of the mainland around the time that World War 11 soldiers began to bring home island souvenirs. Around 1950, geometric designs featuring space ships and other technical drawings were used and reflected the fascination with emerging scientific exploration. These patterns are known as atomic, while those that featured the sleek triangular designs of Scandinavian furniture became known as boomerang. It is still possible to purchase any of these four main categories, including tropical floral, atomic, boomerang and Las Vegas cloth. The latter features gold Lurex threads woven into the abstract designs.
The harder to find themes will cost more money. The original material, when sold, is often done so on an auction basis. This is one way to have some certainty that it is authentic vintage.
When bark cloth place mats are used, they update decor with a hint of nostalgia and longing for the islands. Seeking authentic versions can be fun, but enjoying reproductions allows for exploring all the available styles.
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