Tablecloths have been part of protection for the dining table for decades now. Moreover, they’ve been essential in adding style and color to a room or a dining table.
Their usage dates back to the 15th century when they were popular among top-class citizens.
Nevertheless, they may not always be a necessity on all occasions. In fact, they can even become hindrances at times.
Having said that, here’s something we can both agree on.
Tablecloths are an excellent addition to any table.
So are tablecloths out of style?
I set out to investigate this concern by many homeowners. Please stick with me as I disclose to you what I found out.
Are Tablecloths Out of Style?
Not at all. The market today is still awash with many highly stylish and fancy tablecloths. Among table linens, soft cotton tablecloths are among the current and most modern.
In fact, global statistics show that the worldwide linen market is on the rise and will account for USD 14.70 billion in 2029.
Source: databridgemarketresearch.com
Are you hosting an indoor or outdoor party? You can still give your table a tiptop appearance using tablecloths.
Moreover, there are numerous ways of making your tablecloth look stylish. Let’s look at that.
JUMP TO: Ways to Use Tablecloth to Style Table | When to Use Tablecloth | Tablecloth Buying Guide | Tablecloth Examples
How Do You Use a Tablecloth to Style a Table?
Do you know you can use your tablecloth to enhance décor?
Your table or house doesn’t have to look dull because you use a tablecloth. It’s possible to customize your tablecloth and style up your table.
Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:
Customizing with Colored Tape
Colored tape is inexpensive and easy to get. You can use it to update that simple cloth by creating simple patterns on it.
Source: hgtv.com
Mix Prints
You can create a maximum effect by mixing, for example, polka dots with stripes plus other patterns.
Source: tableclothsonline.co.uk
Make use of Texture
Try using a textured tablecloth; it creates an atmosphere of fun, especially during a meal.
Source: alamy.com
Create a Pattern
Are you artistic in using a brush? If yes, you can customize the tablecloth to your liking using paint.
Source: veranda.com
Compliment with Artful Accents
You can have a simple tablecloth but then surround it with artful accessories.
Try Lacing
You can embrace a lace tablecloth. It helps to give your table a vibe.
Source: amazon.com
Tie a Chic Bow
Adorn the head of the tablecloth by tying a beautiful bow.
Source: dreamstime.com
However, there are countless ideas to style the table with a table cloth. You need to brainstorm these ideas with your intelligence and designing skills to style your table cloth.
When Should You Use a Tablecloth?
A neat and clean tablecloth helps in enhancing the beauty of your table. Besides, it positively impacts your mind and eating.
What is the use of a tablecloth?
Here are four reasons why you need a tablecloth:
To Brighten a Dining Room
Is your dining room full of dark chairs and tables?
Mostly, such a dining room may appear dull.
Let me guess…
You don’t always want to have your meals in a dull room.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution.
Covering your dining table with a wonderful, light-colored linen tablecloth can do the magic. The light color will help to lighten up the room.
Protecting Tables from Food Stains
I think you’ll agree with me when I say that beautiful tables are worth protecting from food stains and other types of harm.
Imagine spending your hard-earned bucks to buy that exquisite dining table, only for it to get permanently stained!
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution…
Cover your table with a tablecloth daily every time you dine at home. Choose a tablecloth that suits your likes and use it to protect your table.
Also Read: Things to Put on Top of Kitchen Cabinets That Will Blow Your Mind
Covering Imperfections on Your Table
Imagine inviting guests only to serve them food on a table full of scratches and other imperfections!
Such would be hugely humiliating, which I’m sure you don’t want to go through.
The good news is that you can easily avoid such humiliation.
There’s a simple solution.
Covering your stunning table with tablecloths will help hide every imperfection on your dining table. Get the tablecloth before the arrival of your guests and place them neatly on your table.
Special Events
Life is all about the little celebrations we have from time to time. These may include:
- Birthday Party
- Dinner Party
- Weddings
- Baby showers
- Graduation ceremonies
- Get-together ceremonies
- Bridal showers, etc.
Most of these special events are characterized by color. You would like your outdoor event to have that specific color theme of your choice.
So what’s my point?
Nothing helps you beautify your special outdoor event like sweet-colored tablecloths on your picnic table. Go for tablecloths with your theme color, spread nicely on the tables, and voila!
With tablecloths, you need not have your special event appear dull.
You can also style your outdoor table with a table runner. Table runners are a piece of cloth which is put over a table cloth to protect the cloth from stain and other damage. However, table runners can be used over a bare table as well, but they will cover the table partially.
What Should I Look for in a Tablecloth?
Design
A good tablecloth should be appropriate for your table’s design. There are numerous tablecloth designs out there. Choose the one that marries the design of your table.
Besides design, choose a tablecloth whose design matches that of your room’s interior décor.
Imagine having a tablecloth that clashes with your interior décor!
That would be an awful mismatch.
Consequently, be precise and deliberate about the design of your tablecloth. A good choice will help you achieve a harmonious interior.
Flatness
Cleaning and maintaining a tablecloth neat are essential if you keep the glamour of your dining room.
Consequently, my advice is that you go for flat tablecloths. Compared to round ones, these are easy to clean and maintain.
On the other hand, round tablecloths tend to get dirty easier and faster.
Material
Tablecloths come in different materials. That said, the purpose of the tablecloth determines which material is most appropriate.
Among the best materials that you can include:
Cotton
Cotton tablecloths are excellent if you are looking for a tablecloth for everyday use in the kitchen. In fact, statistics show that cotton tops the U.S. table linen market size.
Several reasons make cotton stand out. Such include:
- ease of production and processing makes it cheaper
- cotton tablecloths are machine-washable
- you can spot clean cotton tablecloths with a sponge or damp rag
- available in a wide range of colors
- it lasts longer than most fabrics
Polyester
For outdoor events or semi-formal indoor dining, polyester is a sure bet.
One thing I love about polyester is that it can combine with other materials such as cotton to make a polyester blend.
Why choose polyester?
- It’s machine-washable
- It’s durable
- Relatively inexpensive
- Available in many colors and patterns
- Doesn’t shrink after many washes
Tip: Polyester is silkier and shiner than cotton, thus more suitable for formal events such as weddings.
Vinyl
If you major in outdoor dining or picnics, then vinyl will be your excellent choice.
Vinyl is:
- weather-resistant
- easy to clean
- no easily damaged by water, stains, air exposure, or light
- available in several colors
- among the cheapest options in the market
Other materials that you can consider include silk and organza. However, these two are relatively expensive and are primarily suitable for formal functions.
Size
The size of your tablecloth communicates your event’s formality or casualness.
Consequently, it’s imperative to know the appropriate size for your event.
Most tablecloths for casual events have a drop of 6-8″ whereas those for formal events have a drop of 10-15.”
The tablecloth size also depends on your table’s size and shape
Crateandbarrel.com beautifully described how to choose the table cloth size according to the shape and size of the table.
Ease of Cleaning
A good tablecloth should be easy to clean.
Keep in mind that the probability of food stains on the tablecloth is always high. Consequently, there may be a need to clean it often.
Consider buying tablecloths of materials that are easy to wash, such as cotton, vinyl, cotton, and polyester.
The Tone of the Event or Room
Tablecloths help to enhance the tone of a room or event. They are essential in creating the desired atmosphere during a meal or an occasion.
Regardless of whether you want an elegant and romantic, joyful and festive, or serious and professional event, tablecloths will help achieve it.
So what’s my point?
Buy tablecloths that resonate with the mood of your event.
Examples of Best Tablecloths for the Dining Room
The market is awash with many tablecloths. However, I made a selection of some of the bets there are in the market. I based my selection on factors such as:
- machine washable
- wrinkle resistant design hence low iron if needed
- comes in a variety of sizes
- easy to clean
- great for indoor and outdoor use
- high quality extremely
Some of the best tablecloths include:
- Chambray tablecloth
- Lushvida tablecloth
- Maison determine
- Artable lace tablecloth
- Smiry embroidery tassel