How This Vintage Trend Completely Personalized Home Design (And How To Get The Look)

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Monograms and other similar insignia have long been a stylish way to personalize items both in design and fashion. They appear on everything from guest towels in fancy hotels and resorts to inside your very own home. A well-placed monogram can elevate a simple cushion or corner of a sheet, making them feel much more luxe and expensive. While they can often reflect a very traditional, old-money aesthetic, there are fun ways to bring monograms into your interior that fit in no matter your style through carefully-chosen textiles and accessories. 

The tradition of monogramming has a long history dating back to medieval artisans who often signed their work with just their initials. Britain's famous King Henry VIII had monograms all over his court, including items like coins and royal insignia that bore the letters of his family name. In the Victorian era, this popular trend filtered down into the general population, who began putting these personalized details everywhere they could, including luggage, linen, silverware, and dishware. 

While some may suggest that monograms may be going out of style, a beautiful monogram can be a perfect mix of graphic design and personality. Even better, how you use them and what they look like can very much be formed to fit your personal style, like using a sleek modern font versus a more traditional sans serif one. Or varying from more traditional horizontal layouts of large and small letters, and choosing overlapping and swooping letter forms.

Many homeowners will find themselves using monogrammed items at some point. Wedding celebrations, for instance, often feature decorative monograms on things like stationery, decorations, favors, and gifts. Tea towels, napkins, and guest towels are traditionally a great way to bring monograms into your home. Other fun places for them include mugs, napkin rings, and other dishware that add a personal touch to your table. Or, add some monogrammed throw pillows on sofas, chairs, or your bed. Monogrammed door mats are an elevated, functional, and inexpensive way to add charm to your front stoop, like this Clicked Craft Store Personalized Door Mat from Amazon. An inexpensive way to add monograms to any decorative item is to use a heat transfer vinyl suited for the surface.

Another great place for monograms and initials is on the wall. Many people incorporate large letters as part of their hanging décor. You can buy large wood or paperboard letters at craft and home stores. Or, you could also hunt down some fun vintage signage letters in places like flea markets, antique dealers, and salvage shops for a retro industrial vibe. Alternatively, pick up some Pooqla LED Letter Lights for a similar look. Large Hongma Wooden Letters, which can be finished in any way you desire, look stunning when combined with art on a perfect gallery wall or when placed on a shelf or mantle behind other items. You can also hang decorative wooden letters on your door, alone or as part of a wreath or swag to welcome guests. Finally, for a similar personalized feel, opt for a bespoke home logo instead of initials.