Ways to choose the perfect tablecloth for your table.

What to consider when choosing?

Are you choosing a tablecloth for the first time? Pay attention to important nuances:

• Tablecloth size. The table covering should not be smaller or too tight – measure the table, add 30 cm to each parameter for overhanging edges.
• Shape. Like tables, tablecloths can be square, rectangular, round, oval.
• Color. Will the textile complement the interior design or accentuate attention?
• Occasion. Festive ones differ from everyday ones primarily in decoration: they are more elegant, bright.
• Material. The fabric affects the tactile sensations, appearance, depends on the style of the room. You should also consider the presence of allergy sufferers in the house.

Read more about choosing each option in the following sections.

Which material is better?

Whether it is a tablecloth for an oval or rectangular table, formal or casual – it is always based on natural or synthetic fibers. Which ones to choose?

Natural materials – linen, cotton, are distinguished primarily by their natural origin. They are beautiful, impressive, but extremely impractical: they shrink when washed, stains are difficult to remove, and linen ones are also difficult to smooth out (although they wrinkle very easily).

They will be a great addition to table setting for a holiday, but for every day you should choose something easier to care for.

The photo shows a crumpled linen tablecloth in the interior

Tablecloths made from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers are perfect for everyday use. They look, unlike cheap plastic or PVC ones, expensive, but very easy to care for. Especially if the material is initially impregnated – Teflon blocks the absorption of any dirt by the surface, thereby increasing the service life and simplifying cleaning.

Recommendations for the shape and size of the table

Once you have decided on the material, we move on to the shape and size of the tablecloth. We have already mentioned the second parameter: the size of the tablecloth should be 30 cm larger than the tabletop, then it will hang beautifully from the table, but at the same time not interfere with those sitting.

Advice! If you have a folding table in your kitchen, it is better to have two options: for example, an everyday tablecloth for a round table and a festive oval tablecloth (since the tabletop is usually extended for holidays).

The shapes of tablecloths on sale repeat the tables: squares, rectangles, ovals, circles. To avoid mistakes, it is better to choose the same shape as the tabletop. Otherwise, if you lay a square tablecloth on a round table, the corners will interfere with the seated guests.

Important! To the dimensions of oval, rectangular tablecloths add 30 cm to two sides (length, width). Round, square – to one or diameter. Consider also the height: the lower the tabletop is from the floor, the less fabric should hang down.

Features of choosing a design and color

The fabric, shape, and size of the tablecloth have been selected – all that remains is the simplest thing: the appearance of the thing. The design cannot be assessed in the category of “right – wrong”, but to ensure the result is harmonious, follow the advice of designers:

The color scheme of textiles for every day is neutral, choose models with virtually no decorations. For a special occasion, brighter models with decorative elements made of rich fabrics like jacquard are suitable.

The photo shows a bright kitchen with blue details

To make sure the table doesn’t stand out from the rest of the furniture, choose textiles in the same color, style, or from the same collection. Towels, potholders, curtains, rugs, napkins, and tablecloths can all form a single composition.

Another option is to choose fabric that matches the color of the furniture or trim. White with a white table or gray with gray walls is a great option for every day.

It is important to consider the style of the room: jacquard models with a floral print will be appropriate in classic kitchens, minimalist ones with geometric or plant prints will be appropriate in Scandinavian kitchens, plain crumpled linen ones will be appropriate in boho kitchens, and country kitchens will be complemented by cranberries with traditional embroidery.

The photo shows a Scandinavian style design

The color of the festive textiles is usually determined by the tableware: on what background will your favorite set look best? Win-win combinations (first the color of the dishes, then the tablecloth):

• white + red;
• blue + white;
• green + brown;
• white + dark gray, black;
• red + white;
• pink + gray;
• turquoise + pink;
• black + purple.

Tip! If the dishes have a pattern, match the textiles to them – it will look very harmonious.

The photo shows two tablecloths on the table

How to lay them out correctly?

Buying textiles is not enough – the table must be laid out correctly. Basic requirements:

• the free edges should hang down equally on each side, when more on the left, less on the right – it looks untidy;
• rectangular, oval are combined on the sides: long to long, short to short.

After the tablecloth has taken its place, sit down at the table and check: do the edges hang down too much, do they interfere with eating? It is better to hem models that are too long.

Important! Before putting the fabric on the table, be sure to iron it: the tablecloth is the background of the table setting, so it should look perfect.

The photo shows the decoration of a large rectangular table

In some cases, it is acceptable to use 2 tablecloths at once or complement the main one with a runner. For example, first cover a square table, aligning the corners of the tabletops and fabric, and lay the second tablecloth across in a “diamond” pattern. In this case, the first remains neutral, basic, the second acts as a decoration – bright, accent.

Kitchen runners have the same task: to make the table setting more decorative. If you are setting the table for a holiday, it is not necessary to remove the everyday tablecloth, just lay a beautiful festive runner over it – voila, your dining room has acquired a completely different look!

A tablecloth is an easy way to transform a kitchen, dining room, to give any day a festive mood, and a boring interior – home comfort.