Howard Smith Tea Towel
Best functional art for design-conscious home cooks and gift-givers.
Celebrate the vibrant artistry of Howard Smith with this 100% linen tea towel. Originally designed for the Finnish firm Vallila, Smith's work is known for its cheerful depictions of flowers, birds, and landscapes in bold patterns and bright colors. This piece, produced by Third Drawer Down for LACMA, measures approximately 28 x 20 inches and arrives gift-packaged. Care instructions recommend a cold wash only, with a warm iron on the reverse, and no bleach. It's a functional piece of art for your kitchen.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
2328
/ 10481
#2328 in Kitchen Towels
Price vs Category Average
+123%
Above average
Material
100
/ % linen
Who it's for
- Art collectors seeking functional decor for their home
- Home cooks prioritizing durable and absorbent kitchen textiles
- Gift givers searching for unique, artist-designed presents
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers needing basic, everyday kitchen linens
- Practical users wanting a towel for heavy-duty kitchen messes
- Busy households preferring low-maintenance, machine-washable fabrics
Performance breakdown
Material Quality
Pure linen construction offers superior durability and a premium tactile feel.
Visual Impact
Bold, vibrant patterns transform a simple kitchen staple into wall-worthy art.
Giftability
Thoughtful packaging makes this an effortless choice for design-conscious housewarming gifts.
Maintenance Ease
Strict cold-wash requirements demand extra care to preserve the printed artwork.
Functional Utility
High-quality linen excels at drying, though the delicate print discourages heavy-duty use.
Design Authenticity
Faithful reproduction of Smith’s iconic 1970s aesthetic adds genuine historical character.
Key Specs
Material
100% linen
Size
28 x 20 inches
Artwork
Howard Smith, Vallila, designed c. 1978
Care
Cold wash only; warm iron on reverse, do not bleach
Produced by
Third Drawer Down for LACMA
Pattern Type
Floral, Graphic Print
Width
28 inches
Length
20 inches
Features
- Features artwork by Howard Smith
- Made from 100% linen
- Arrives gift-ready
- Cheerful floral and landscape imagery
- Bold and bright color palette
- Designed for home decoration
What customers say
Customer enthusiasm centers on the Howard Smith Tea Towel's exceptional aesthetic appeal and its role as accessible, museum quality art. Reviewers consistently praise the vibrant midcentury modern design, noting the colors perfectly translate the original artwork. Many purchase this item specifically for display, valuing its dual function as both a practical textile and a collectible piece. The collaboration with LACMA lends a curated quality that justifies the price for most buyers. While the fabric is durable, some functional users note the design prioritizes visual integrity over maximum absorbency. Overall, satisfaction is immense due to owning a beautiful, functional piece of art history, making it a highly recommended gift.
Know before you buy
This tea towel is crafted from 100% linen, a durable and absorbent natural fiber that softens with each wash.
To preserve the artwork, wash the towel in cold water only and avoid using bleach. When ironing, always use a warm setting on the reverse side of the fabric.
While it is a functional kitchen towel, its bold, artistic design makes it equally suitable as a decorative piece for your home.
The towel measures approximately 28 inches wide by 20 inches long.
Yes, each tea towel arrives gift-packaged, making it a convenient choice for birthdays, housewarmings, or art enthusiasts.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40