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What are Antimacassars?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An antimacassar is a piece of fabric which is draped over the head or arms of a sofa or chair, and in some cases both head and arms will be covered with an antimacassar. Antimacassars are designed to protect upholstery, preventing it from becoming soiled, and they are typically washable. Many pieces of upholstered furniture designed for sitting come with matching antimacassars, and it is also possible to make one's own, if desired. Many people associate the antimacassar specifically with the Victorian era, when they are included in the often cluttered and fussy interior designs of homes.

The origin of the word “antimacassar” is rather fascinating. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word comes from “Macassar,” a brand of hair oil which was extremely popular during the Victorian era. The fad for oiled hair had devastating effects on furniture, just as Brylcream did in the 20th century, because people would lean back and stain the upholstery with their oiled hair. To prevent this, many households started draping furniture backs with small cloths which could act as a barrier between greasy hair and upholstery, and these cloths came to be known as antimacassars.

The antimacassar of the Victorian era was usually made of knotted lace and referred to as a doily.
The antimacassar of the Victorian era was usually made of knotted lace and referred to as a doily.

There are a number of modern uses for the antimacassar. For example, many train companies and airlines use disposable antimacassars on their seating to reduce the risk of the spread of lice and to extend the life of their upholstery. Antimacassars can also protect furniture in the home from dirty fingers and hair, and some people even make their antimacassars multifunctional, using arm antimacassars to hold things like remotes for the television.

Most airlines equip their seats with disposable antimacassars.
Most airlines equip their seats with disposable antimacassars.

All sorts of materials can be used to make an antimacassar. The classic Victorian antimacassar was made like a doily, from heavily knotted lace, but they can also be made from silk, cotton, linen, and a variety of synthetic fibers. If washability is a concern, they are usually sturdy so that they can endure years of hard use. Facilities like hospitals and clinics may use disposable antimacassars made from paper or cheap fabrics to protect their patients, just as transit companies do.

When a piece of furniture comes with an antimacassar, the fabric used is often the same as the furniture upholstery, so that that the antimacassar blends in. It is also perfectly acceptable to use other materials to create a contrasting design or a specific look and feel, ranging from Victorian-style lace to raw silk in a color which complements the furniture upholstery.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon277636

And they are very handy when you have a feng shui consult done and discover that you've just purchased the wrong color lounge suite but can fix it with some antimacassars. Even in a newer, uncluttered, unfussy house!

ceilingcat

@KaBoom - Ugh! Greasy hairstyles are just the worst! I don't know how the end up in style every so often.

Anyway, I don't think I've ever seen an antimacassar in the traditional sense. But I have noticed that a lot of people like to keep an afghan or something draped over the back of their couches. Maybe this afghan placement is a holdover from the days of the antimacassar!

KaBoom

I've actually seen a few knitting patterns for antimacassars, and I passed them by because I had no idea what an antimacassar was! Based on looking at the patterns, I thought they were some kind of shawl or maybe a really ornate blanket or something. This article was very enlightening!

I think it's hilarious how antimacassars originated: as a defense against very oily hair! I'm surprised antimacassars didn't return to popularity in the 90's when the "jheri curl" was in. Those hairdo's were quite oily also!

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    • The antimacassar of the Victorian era was usually made of knotted lace and referred to as a doily.
      By: Maria Brzostowska
      The antimacassar of the Victorian era was usually made of knotted lace and referred to as a doily.
    • Most airlines equip their seats with disposable antimacassars.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Most airlines equip their seats with disposable antimacassars.