Food and Product Photography Linens

This post contains a couple affiliate links which means if you buy one of these linens from Etsy, I receive a tiny commission.

I admit I’m a little obsessed with linens. 

For my shopping personality, they check all the boxes. They’re less of a commitment than, say, a big piece of handmade pottery. They are easy to store in my prop collection so I have the freedom to go overboard. They make great travel souvenirs because they pack light. 

For my work, they add that special touch to a photo that speaks to our individual styles. They serve as a baby step for venturing out of our comfort zones when we want to add something a little different - in color, in pattern. There are so many textures and colors that can support the moods we aim to create with your photos. 

I have many people ask me where I get my linens, so I’m sharing three spots I love below. 

Lakeshore Linens makes up the majority of my linen collection. I absolutely love the colors, textures, styles, and sizes.

112 James Street is a spot I discovered a couple years ago. I have a few of their linens and I need to order some more! I love the deep, natural colors that are available.

Craft and fabric stores are where I turn when I want to have fun with prints. Look in the handkerchief section. There are usually brightly colored options and they are super affordable so you won’t be afraid to take a chance on a few. 

Want to read more about linens. I wrote a post a while back about 6 Types of Linens to Diversify Your Prop Collection. 

6 Types of Linens to Diversify Your Prop Collection

I have a couple Etsy affiliate links in this post. This means that if you check them out and decide to purchase, I earn a very small commission. Thank you!

Do you find yourself using the same linen over and over again in your photos because you know it works?

I hear you. I get stuck in a linen rut, too. 

And let me explain here. When I say linen, I’m speaking of the napkin, towel, tablecloth or other similar prop used to enhance a food or product photograph. 

It’s so easy to default to what we know will work. We tend to stop challenging ourselves to work with new props to save time or create a cohesive look in our work. 

But there are ways to diversify your linen napkin collection so that you have a handful of options that are fail-proof for your shots. 

Additional touches in design and multiple colors can help add a twist to your photos while keeping them in line with your photography style. 

You might choose two or three go-to styles. Or use a different one in each shot. 

I’m sharing 6 types of linens in my collection that are solid options for me time and time again. 

Real linen 
I talk about this all the time. Real linen in gray or oatmeal are the core of my collection. 

Rough edge
Fray, tassels, tears. Any hint of creativity along the edge of a linen will add character to your scene. 

Flour sacks
Simple, affordable, and perfect for food photos. You can buy them in white and dye them with t-shirt dye in whatever color you desire. I’ve also found them in the kitchen section of stores in light to medium gray and with prints.

Handkerchiefs
I discovered all these wonderful options at my local craft store. This is often how I add prints to my photos, giving them a unique look that many people are afraid to experiment with. But it works! And they’ll set you back about $1 each. 

Cheesecloth
Beautiful in photos of all kinds. Use it straight from the package for a clean, crisp look. Wash and air dry it for a relaxed feel. I have it in natural, white, and black. 

Waffle
A waffle texture is a safe place to start if you aren’t ready to jump into prints because it adds a different look without multiple colors. Many traditional dish towels and washcloths have this look, but there are also plenty of cloth napkins with waffle texture, especially in the fall and winter design releases.

If you are looking for some new linens, these are a couple of my very favorite makers:

Lakeshore Linens

112 James Street

I also find good options when I occasionally swing by these stores:

CB2
Crate & Barrel Outlet
H&M Home

Everything else I’ve found by exploring random stores while traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. A new linen is one of the easiest souvenirs to fly home with.