Last month I was helping a friend compile her wedding registry when the topic of monogramming came up. To us, two women who prefer an understated sans serif script to prim calligraphy, the traditional monogram evokes a lost era of conspicuous spending and His and Hers linens. This led me on a search for the modern monogram, embroidered and printed in a distinctively contemporary typeface, and with a sense of subtlety. Here are 10 eye-opening discoveries: tableware, bedding, and household accessories that take a new approach to the bespoke.
Above: Arne Jacobsen’s fonts designed for the signage of the Aarhus City Hall decorates the Jacobsen Typeface Cups, available in every letter of the alphabet; they’re $14 each in black porcelain from Finnish Design Shop. It’s also available in the inverse, black type on white porcelain.
Above: The Marin Natural European Flax Napkin is $9.95 at Crate & Barrel.
Above: The An Hoa Monogram Napkins are available in a choice of fonts/styles and thread colors. Contact An Hoa for price and ordering information.
Above: The Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware Stackable Alphabet Mug; $4.99 each.
Above: The Lands’ Ends Supima Cotton Pillow Sham is $42.95.
Above: The Mason Oversized Linen Napkins come in a serif or sans serif embroidered monogram; $48 for a set of 4 at Pottery Barn.
Above: Sferra’s Modern Monogram Cocktail Napkins are made of Lithuanian fine linen, detailed with a black or brown embroidered initial; $25 for a set of four at J Brulee Home.
Above: Ceramicist Mae Mougin makes custom Porcelain Tableware with subtle monogramming in pale blue; contact Mougin for pricing and more information.
Above: The Sferra Cocktail Napkins come in a range of linen colors, thread colors, and monogram styles; $100 for a set of 4 at The Monogram Studio.
Above: The RH Monogrammed 802-Gram Turkish Towel can be monogrammed in tonal thread; prices start at $36.
Above: Nanz’s No. 1228 Doorknob has a minimalist profile and can be custom monogrammed; price available on request.
Above: London sculptor and designer Julian Sainsbury of John Julian Design creates Bespoke Monogrammed Plates.
Fans of stenciled lettering and typography, take a look at:
- 5 Favorites: Tables Transformed by Stencils
- Gift Guide: For the Typography Obsessed
- DIY Project: The Cutout Paper Wall Clock
N.B.: This post was originally published on May 13, 2015. We have updated it with new and additional product selections and current pricing.
