The most popular designs for laminate countertops in mid century America? Boomerang and glitter certainly must be near the top — but we also believe that linen laminate countertops were top sellers, too. It is easy to see why this pleasing texture would be a hit. The tone-on-tone coloration prevents counter tops from looking like a single slab ‘o color, while the “design” is neutral enough to accommodate ‘most any decor. Probably even hides the crumbs pretty well! For this story, we are able to show you seven different colorways of vintage linen laminate counter tops — taken from our recent story about the stash of vintage Wilsonart laminate samples spotted on etsy.
Update: Since it’s coming up in the Comments, here is my famous “Graveyard of the Atlantic” laminate-name story.
The only photo of vintage linen laminate counter tops on the blog so far is this show (above) from an estate sale time capsule house that Pam visited back in 2009. Could this be Wilsonart red Irish linen laminate?
Pam says that she originally had linen laminate countertops in two of the bathrooms in her house. They were in bad shape, and were replaced with some retro look laminates available at the time.
Looking for linen design laminate? Start digging into my list of companies that make and sell laminate today, and take a look all our stories about laminates that might suit a retro remodel in our Kitchens / Countertops category.
Katie says
I have recently unearthed red linen counters in our home. The people we bought it from spray painted over them!
eamenes says
I think I have the Tan Irish Linen in the kitchen of the 1957 one-owner beauty I am about to close on in Fort Worth, Texas — and it’s not going anywhere. I love it.
pam kueber says
Congrats!
TL says
Has anyone tried using the Abode by Armstrong linens as countertops? Not sure it would hold up but I wanted to check.
Jenny says
Kate, any updates on linen-look laminates? Looking to replace my son’s bathroom counter and our kitchen counter and linen-look is just the ticket!
pam kueber says
Hi Jenny, to research laminates available today you need to go through our Kitchen Help / Countertops category to see our stories and then reference back to the manufacturers/retailers to see if they are still available. I think there are a few-ish on the market today — but their colors are drab or not really vintage.
Good luck.
rebecca says
Does anyone know if the pionite or Wilsonart linens are still available? Looks like they may have been discontinued?
pam kueber says
Designs come in and out… Best to ask them directly…
Tammy Hiday says
I have what I believe to be an original Wilson Art Green Irish Linen counter and I love it. Oh how I wish I could find some new old stock of this same pattern as I am remodeling my kitchen and extending the counter by several feet. None of the new laminate patterns come anywhere close to this green linen. I have taken a pic that you are welcome to post but not sure how to attach it to my message. You may email me and I can attache it in a reply.
Sam R says
I’m pretty sure that WilsonArt “Green Irish Linen” is the material on the vanity in my yellow and green half-bath. I’m hoping it’s in as good of shape under the white 1980s drop-in sink as it is on the exposed surfaces, as I plan to return to a Ming or Jade Green sink with a Hudee ring as soon as I can find one.
Betsy Clear says
I have a complete original 1949 kitchen countertop and matching Red Irish Linen and plan to replace it with a newer material. It is on the original metal cabinets which I am keeping. The countertop includes the stainless steel pop-up top for the drop in dishwasher. I found someone (dishwasher crazy) who wants the dishwasher (still works) but wondered if some collector would be interested in the countertop.
pam kueber says
Betsy, you should post this on our buy/sell forum. https://retrorenovation.com/forums be sure to read the instructions – photo required. in addition – post on craigslist. good luck!
Betsy Clear says
Hi Amy I’m sorry I didn’t see this post back when. Still looking? I am out of work so finally have time to take & post pictures 🙂
Margie Carpenter says
I know its a long shot but do you still have the red linen laminate?