redefined: the doily

photo by: jadis1958 In the 18th and 19th centuries, sofas and chairs were very often durably constructed using labor intensive 8-way hand-tied springs and upholstered in mohair or horse hair. To protect them from greasy hair pomades and hard to clean hard-working hands, intricate lace doilies were placed at the head and arm rests.

And wooden case goods were often heirloom pieces, either as part of a dowry to newlyweds or as an inheritance; so, often crocheted doilies protected their finishes from anything that was placed on them—such as buffet services and dinner plates or perfumes and hair brushes.

Today, eco-friendly FLOR doily tiles reflect our appreciation for the delicate handiwork that created the original pieces of lacework.