Why are Chair Sets called “Antimacassars”?

Let’s start with the definition of antimacassar.  An antimacassar is a piece of fabric which is draped over the head or arms (or both) of a sofa or chair. Antimacassars are designed to protect upholstery, preventing it from becoming soiled, and they are typically washable.

According Dictionary.com, 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 because people would lean back and stain the upholstery with their oiled hair. To prevent this, households started draping furniture backs with small cloths which could act as a barrier between greasy hair and upholstery. These cloths came to be known as antimacassars.

All sorts of materials were used to make antimacassars.  From doilies of heavily knotted lace to fabrics like silk, cotton or linen, these are designed to be functional as well as pretty. Public facilities like hospitals, clinics, airlines and railroads will often use a disposable paper antimacassar to protect the public and their furnishings. 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 doilies to fabric in a color which complements the furniture upholstery.