Monograms are a Southern tradition, adorning everything from your first baby blanket to the napkins on your first formal dining table. As Reese Witherspoon once famously said, “My rule is, if it’s not moving, monogram it!”
Does that mean anything goes when it comes to monograms? According to the experts, it kinda does. “My philosophy is to monogram what you love! There really aren’t any hard-and-fast rules when it comes to monograms,” says Jane Scott Hodges, Founder and CEO of New Orleans linen purveyor Leontine Linens.
That being said, the monogram experts do have some general rules of thumb to offer if you’re looking for guidance. Here are a few tips to ensure your home looks beautifully appointed and personalized, but not overdone.
Start With the Right Order
First things first, the “correct” monogram is simply the monogram you like. But, if you want to go the traditional route, Lindsey Johnson, co-founder of Weezie Towels, explains that a classic monogram consists of the first initial appearing first, the last initial appearing second, and the middle initial appearing third in the sequence — with the letter in the middle typically being more significant than the other two.
“But if all of the letters are the same size, we recommend ordering it as first initial, middle initial, and last initial,” she adds.
Often, couples get tripped up when there are two sets of initials to consider. “For a couple, we recommend monogramming the first initial, last initial, and first initial, with the middle letter being larger than the other two,” explains Lindsey. “You can also embroider the wife’s initials alone! Another option is embroidering the first initial of the shared last name.”
Monogram Bedding: Balance is Key
A monogram on a bed makes a statement. For newlyweds, putting those initials front and center in the bedroom feels romantic. But for a sophisticated look, it should be done in an understated way — which involves embracing balance.
“Try a design with European squares and a 12-inch appliqué monogram,” says Jane. “For balance, I suggest pairing that with a duvet or blanket cover featuring simple bands and binding to match.” The result is a bold, timeless monogram on a sham that perfectly contrasts the more subdued, hotel-worthy bedding.
Kim Tegland, owner of Little Prissy Missy, shares a similar sentiment about choosing a more demure monogram for the bedroom. “My style leans pretty traditional with a Southern influence, so I like to keep bedroom monograms straightforward,” she says.
Kim often does an elegant monogram on a folded top sheet and a matching monogram on the pillowcases. “Pillowcases are a given, whether monogrammed traditionally or horizontal to the opening. I have even stitched out vertically, which looks amazing,” she tells us.
Kim recommends choosing a large font size if you want a more unexpected look that still reads classic. “The look is still traditional, but a pop of something more modern and fresh!”
Anything Goes in the Powder Room!
“In powder rooms, ANYTHING goes,” Kim explains. You can go wild with color and pattern and embrace whatever monogram strikes your fancy. “There is a lot of room for creativity and happiness,” says Kim, who suggests going with a family crest for a more unconventional conversation starter.
BUT, Be Careful with Functional Towels
Jane loves to monogram larger, stylish bathroom items, like bath towels and diamond-quilted tub mats — but she doesn’t monogram everything in the room. “I tend to keep hand towels, fingertip towels, and washcloths unadorned, so you don’t find yourself rubbing your face against a monogram!” she says. “The focus is on adding elegance without sacrificing comfort.”
Drop an Unexpected Monogram in a Living Area
While monograms are often seen in the most intimate areas of the home, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, that doesn’t mean the other living areas are off-limits. “I love monograms in main living areas because those are where you entertain and can show off your pretty Southern style,” says Kim.
She often skips the classic three-letter monogram in these rooms for fresher, more unexpected options. “I adore single-letter monograms on pillows placed on sofas and chairs, and I often stitch out the numerical address of a house and sprinkle that in as well,” she shares.
She explains that she’ll monogram a well-placed tote bag hanging in a drop zone or a pillow on a front porch rocker for something unique. Kim adds, “I also very much like monogramming throw blankets. They look so pretty draped over a chair or the back of a sofa!”
Monogram Cocktail Napkins for a Playful Touch
“Cocktail napkins are a playful way to introduce monograms into your living spaces,” says Jane. “I adore having a drawer full of monogrammed cocktail napkins to set the mood when hosting friends. It’s also a great spot for a ‘his’ monogram.”
Monogram napkins in different colors with varying motifs and script fonts for various occasions. They’re a low-stakes way to try out new personalization, and it’s a lovely way to give your guests something to chat about.
Think Beyond Monograms + Try Something Cheeky!
Monograms add joy to the essential, practical items we use day in and day out. If they don’t have to be plain, why should they be? “Embroidery is a fabulous way to upgrade the mundane,” says Lindsey. And don’t be afraid to think beyond monograms!
“There are so many different routes that one can take with embroidery, and it’s a really special way to make something your own,” she adds. “Don’t be afraid to step outside the monogram box and embroider cheeky sayings and words. That’s my favorite! Let the embroidery tell a story or be a conversation starter.”
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