The History of Monogrammed Décor

Monograms have been used for hundreds of years, beginning with the simplest initials and designs, and graduating to the 1- 2- and 3-letter monograms most commonly used today. Since the beginning, the gracefully designed letters were especially employed by royalty. A ruler’s initials were stamped or carved into coins, weapons and coats of arms. They were displayed for the masses to see, and used to proclaim the presence and wealth of the monogram owners. Artists used them, too, as signatures on paintings and sculptures, while craftsmen applied them to their creations such as furniture and hand tools.

Banners such as the Pineapple Flags are just one example of the way a single-letter monogram might have been used by aristocrats over the centuries. While this soft nylon flag uses a contemporary fabric and machine design, it closely resembles what might have been hung from the stone wall of an English baron’s castle four hundred years ago. But whether you’re of royal blood or not, you can hang this shield-shaped pineapple-adorned flag in your garden, next to your front door or above your fireplace. Available in all the letters of the alphabet, it will make a lovely addition to any part of your home.

A more colorful version of the historical banner is the Gablecrest Flag. A backfield of spring green is adorned with lovely flowers and leaves with multiple colors flowing in between. The monogram itself is fun and artistic, no matter what letter you use. Crafted in a rectangular shape from soft nylon, it can be hung in your parlor like a fine piece of art or you can let it fly high in your garden or front yard.

Holidays can get in on the monogram action, too, when you hang the Holiday Wreath Flag. The single-letter monogram is set in a rectangular flag fashioned out of a durable cloth that is weather-resistant. The monogram is surrounded by a colorful Christmas wreath that is decorated by a graceful bow. Holly berries in the wreath look cheerful against the white background that is adorned with a lovely mistletoe design. Constructed of nylon, this flag is not only weather-resistant, but it is fade-resistant, too, and will last for many holidays to come.

Monograms were often placed near the front entrance to a home—on a doorplate or flag—allowing the occupant to display his personal signature to all visitors. Today, you can do the same when you place the Traditional Coir Doormat Insert on your front porch or walkway. This mat is made from coconut fiber on a recycled rubber backing. That means it is eco-friendly as well as durable. Emblazoned with your initial that is surrounded by an elegant, aristocratic design, it will be a sign to your visitors that you have elegant taste as well as a clean home. After all, the woven natural coir is perfect at trapping dirt before it can be tracked into your home. That means it is functional as well as decorative, and you don’t have to be a king or queen to own one.

In fact, monogrammed doormats are no more expensive than other quality doormats, so you can afford to have more than one. That will allow you to change your porch décor as you like. For example, the Holiday Holly Coir Doormat Insert is perfect for the Christmas season. Embellished with holly leaves and berries in a jolly design, it features your single initial in the center of the woven natural coconut fiber coir. The Classic Block Coir Mat features a black background with gold floral design and lettering, and would look lovely for a home wedding or other special occasion. This particular doormat is so lovely, that you might want to use it inside your home. Place one at your front door entryway and another at the backdoor.

Over time, monograms became popular with people at all stations in life, and those people began to use their monograms on many types of household items as well as clothing. One fun option that is popular today is the Mailbox Covers. A magnetic backing makes the cover simple to install over a standard metal mailbox, although it can be used for other types of mailboxes, too. The unique designs and single-letter monograms add a touch of elegance to what is usually a simple utilitarian item.

These are only a few of the wonderful items that can be decorated with your single-letter monogram and placed in your front yard, on your porch, or inside your home. You might not be a wealthy king, prince or duke, but you will feel like one every time you pass by your yard flag or step on your monogrammed doormat. So accent your home with your monogram, and give yourself—as well as your friends and family—a sense of your own special history.