Table linens aren’t a restaurant décor option to take lightly. A tablecloth’s color and material can influence your customers’ experiences in the most subtle of ways.
Look for fabric with a satin band finish to add elegance and refinement to your tables. These 100% cotton tablecloths feature a thick, hefty, gently textured feel that works well with wood tables.
Color
Table linens aren’t just for keeping dining spaces tidy – they can elevate the atmosphere and add a memorable experience to a meal. Whether you’re looking to introduce a seasonal look, incorporate your brand colors, or bring a pop of color that complements other tabletop items, table linens are an opportunity for a creative visual display.
While many restaurants stick with white, this neutral color can work for any aesthetic, and various shade options are available. Brighter hues like gold and silver can add a more formal feel to the setting, while pastels such as pink or cornflower blue lend a romantic vibe. Darker shades like navy and black can create a more dramatic backdrop or celebrate a festive occasion and are great for restaurants that serve meals in an upscale environment.
When choosing a fabric for your restaurant linen, it’s also essential to consider the other colors around the table, including chairs and dishware. A white linen may clash with specific colors, so it’s a good idea to consult a paint and interior expert before investing. If you’re ready to upgrade your table linen, we recommend ordering swatches of the fabrics you’re considering so you can see what they look like in person. These swatches will help ensure the linens match your other color and design elements while remaining durable for daily use.
Material
From kid-friendly paper tablecloths for fast food restaurants to upscale cloth linens for a five-star resort, choosing the right table linens is integral to event planning. Not only do they establish guest expectations, but they also support the event theme or mood you’re trying to create. Linens communicate an ambiance by how they look, feel, and smell.
Another critical factor is the material used to make a tablecloth or napkin. Cotton is a common choice because it’s inexpensive and easy to launder. It’s also durable and available in a range of colors and styles. Cotton blends are also popular because they offer the best of both worlds: the soft feel of cotton and the strength and hardwearing qualities of polyester.
Other fabric options include polyester, silk, and various synthetic materials. These often add shimmer or a luxe feel to the tablescape. For example, a satin tablecloth is usually made from polyester because natural silk is expensive.
When it comes to color, choose a neutral like white or ivory that will work with any aesthetic. Brighter colors are usually reserved for outdoor events, while muted hues are perfect for spring and summer. Darker shades can evoke a cozy, intimate atmosphere during the colder months. In addition, it’s essential to consider the existing decor of the dining space when selecting a color for your table linens.
Design
Table linens do much more than protect tables and soak up spills; they establish guest expectations and support an event’s overall mood or theme. Whether it’s a long, damask tablecloth for an elegant wedding or a checkered linen for a backyard summer bash, table linen can be a focal point that brings the entire design together.
When it comes to choosing the suitable table linen, there are many options available that range from budget-friendly disposable plastic to upscale cloth linens for your five-star venue. The type of event you’re hosting, and the impression you want to make will impact your selection the most.
To start, consider the shape of your tables and what type of linen will best complement them. If you have a lot of round tables that are difficult to dress with a single tablecloth, consider using a table runner or two placed along the length of the table and under the place settings.
Runners are narrower and longer than tablecloths but can be a great way to add color and texture to a table while connecting dining areas visually. You can also use them as an alternative to a centerpiece to create more of a statement on your tables. To finish off the look, remember napkins. They can be styled in various ways, from folding them into a neat knot or placing them inside a napkin ring to creating an elegant look.
Size
The size of the linen you choose is a big decision. It must fit well on the table and look manageable. You’ll need to know the dimensions of your table and the type of linen you want, whether a tablecloth or a runner. Then, use the sizing guide to find the right fit.
The fabric used is also substantial because it determines how durable the linen will be. You’ll want to consider who will use the linen, such as young children or messy adult eaters, and how frequently it will be washed. Cotton and linen blends are durable and hold their shape after many washes. They’re also both easy to machine wash.
Some napkins are an excellent choice for a casual family meal or dinner party, and they come in three warm earth tones that complement wood tables. These are a little more expensive than other linen options, but they’re made from sturdy organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). They’re not quite as thick as a traditional linen-cotton blend, but they have a soft, subtly crinkled texture that won’t snag on delicate fabrics. They’re also a good match for many color schemes and launder very well. They’re available in round, rectangle, and oval sizes.
