"We are here to work with you! Whatever monogram you design, for any space, should be a reflection of you."
- Talley Pike
Though mostly decorative in modern times, a monogram remains a stamp of personal identity. It is a glance backwards to heritage and a gesture forward into the future.
Given the history and myriad variations of monograms, you may be wondering where to begin when designing your own. At Leontine Linens, we've been turning initials into heirlooms since 1996. Read on and discover our guide to choosing your perfect monogram match.
Traditional Style
The traditionally arranged monogram is the most classic. It features three letters, with the surname initial centered and enlarged, like so:
First Name | Last Name | Maiden or Middle Name
The diagram shows the placement of letters in the Addison monogram. This person's name could be Carly Mayfield Bolton, with her married last name's "B" centered.
If you're a new bride taking your partner's last name, the traditional style is an excellent way to feature your shared initial prominently in spaces like the bedroom or formal dining room.
Bending the Rules
Today, there are multiple ways a person may choose to shape their name. In addition to the traditional style, here are some common variations:
For a married couple (modern):
Wife's First Name | Married Surname | Husband's First Name
For a dropped maiden name:
First Name | Married Surname | Middle Name
The napkin in the image, featuring the Ruthie monogram, showcases Talley's married name, Jane Talley Pike. Talley dropped her maiden name to keep her middle name.
Straight-Across Style
For a fresh take on tradition, the straight-across monogram offers a clean, easy-to-read option, like so:
First Name | Maiden or Middle Name | Last Name
The diagram shows the placement of letters in the Andre monogram. This person's name could be Madison Emily Prescott. The letters read left to right and are well-suited for guest towels and accessories.
Two Letter (Cipher) Style
A cipher is a graceful way to pair two initials where the letters overlap and intertwine with each other. Typically, it's used for a First and Last Name, omitting the middle initial, or to represent two first or two last names—perfect for couples who keep their respective surnames.
Many brides choose a cipher monogram for table and bath linens, or for a bold take on bed linens, as seen with the Kinsey monogram.
Single Letter Style
Decision-fatigued? The single-letter monogram offers a straightforward, one-and-done solution. Sharing a last name? Use that initial!
The napkin in the image shows our lovely Freesia monogram style with the initial from Talley and Will Pike's shared last name.
This monogram style is a good choice for narrower applications, including cocktail and table linens.
The Leontine Way
Modern personalization has become increasingly popular. Many brands monogram linens these days, so what distinguishes Leontine Linens?
Our process.
We celebrate artistry passed down through generations, carrying our design heritage forward. Every piece is made to order and hand-sewn at our skilled atelier, translating each client’s vision into linens that reflect their personal style. At the heart of our process are three defining techniques—embroidery, applique, and quilting—that together shape Leontine’s legacy of bespoke linens.
More to Discover
Explore our vast monogram library. To learn even more about monogram styles, visit our Monogram Guide.
Or to browse our collection, visit the Monograms page.
It is our great joy to help you find your perfect monogram. Contact us to begin your journey.
