The Vintage Art of Writing Letters

The Love Letter by Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta, 1841-1920

It may seem old-fashioned to write a proper snail mail letter in these days of text messages, emails, and social media. But it's that old-fashioned quality – the novelty of it! - that makes it special to receive a real letter. It puts a smile on someone's face. As Phyllis Theroux said: "To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart."

We call this blog Letters from EuroLux because it feels like we're penning a note directly to you, our friends interested in traditional and antique furnishings and lifestyle, home decor, and design. Some people call letter writing a lost art… we prefer to call it a vintage art!

Even if there's no specific reason to write to someone, like a thank you letter, you can always write to people you haven't been in touch with lately, just to tell them your news. Or send a note of appreciation to someone who had an influence on you – a mentor or teacher, perhaps. Or send a letter to a family member or friend, even if you're frequently in touch. They're bound to be delighted. It's a great way to slow down and reflect on what a person means to us, and to tell them things we wouldn't always say in the rush of an email.

Letter writing is even more of a pleasure when you have a nice pen, some attractive notepaper, and a beautiful writing desk! We love the customized stationery at Iomoi, in classic designs with a contemporary edge. (Or "tradition with a wink" as they describe it.) We also love this vintage 1950 French Oak Secretary Desk at EuroLuxHome.com, with beautiful carving and a fab Fleur de Lis motif. The desk has plenty of drawers, shelves, and a cubby hole to tuck away your writing gear and the letters you've received yourself!

The vintage art of writing letters meets the 21st century! If you prefer to write your letters by computer, rather than by hand, and print them out to sign and mail, the recipient will be just as pleased. This heavily carved antique French Gothic solid oak desk dating to 1850 has been updated with the addition of a pull-out keyboard tray. So you can have the traditional feel of an authentic antique desk (standing over 6 feet high - whew, that's big enough for all your home office bits and pieces!) and all the benefits of modern communications.

For inspiration, check out the book Letters of the Century: America 1900-1999. The book features letters written by ordinary folk capturing moments in history, and letters by famous people including Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, and Charlie Chaplain.