~ 8 min read
Are Tablecloths Out of Style? Decorative Dining Room Essentials
Are tablecloths out of style? Whether tablecloths belong on a dining room table is hotly debated. For a formal dinner, some say a decorative tablecloth is a must. According to others, tablecloths are for old homes where your granny would feel more at home.
You can choose to have a tablecloth on the dining room table according to your style and preference. Some think a formal dinner isn’t a formal affair without a tablecloth. Tablecloths may seem fussy for a casual dinner, but others disagree.
Find out which dining room accessories every home needs, no matter what tablecloth you use.
What are tablecloths?
A bare dining table will not make a beautiful dining room decoration, regardless of how beautiful, elegant, and expensive it is.
A tablecloth is fabric that covers a dining table. It can be any shape, size, and color as long as it fits the table. However, 54 inches is the common length, and 44 inches is the most common width.
These days a lot of people only bring out their tablecloths for formal affairs such as dinner parties or Thanksgiving. But just like napkins, they have a place in everyday dining. In our house, we have some plain tablecloths we use every day and fancy ones we use on special occasions. this way we have a beautiful table setting no matter what the occasion.
What are the benefits of using tablecloths?
By using a tablecloth I am able to change the atmosphere of my dining room for just a few dollars. A white-lace cloth is perfect for a formal dinner party whereas a colorful striped cloth is great for kids’ parties.
The great thing about tablecloths is you can swap them out quickly when you want to change the atmosphere of your dining area. It takes almost no time at all to get my table ready for a holiday meal with the appropriate decorations. It’s easy to switch up the style of your table depending on the seasons or trends as long as you have a few decorative toppers handy.
In addition to keeping their tables clean, people who use tablecloths also benefit from stain resistance. In particular, choosing fabric with light patterns or natural colors that won’t show spills will save time and money. Tablecloths also lend a protective layer, preventing scratches and dings when shifting plates around.
Are tablecloths out of style?
Traditional lace tablecloths may look dated for everyday dining, but there are still plenty of stylish options you can use. Using a tablecloth doesn’t mean that your dining room needs to look like a throwback to your grandparent’s time.
Choose a neutral color such as white, beige, or grey for a classic look that goes with any decor. Neutral colors are versatile and can be combined with almost any color palette. They also tend to look clean and sophisticated.
Opt for a patterned tablecloth to bring some visual interest to your dining space. You could choose a floral design, geometric pattern, or even a fun graphic print. Patterns can inject personality and character into your dining room, and can also help to distract from any imperfections in the table itself.
The combination of a tablecloth and table runner brings a modern twist to your dining area. When you cover the table with the tablecloth and then add the runner down the center you add depth and texture to the table. This layering effect creates a polished sophisticated look while still protecting your table from scratches and spills.
If you don’t use a tablecloth, you can still add other fun elements to your table. Adding creative touches allows you to design a stunning table appropriate for any event.
You can create a rustic or farmhouse table by adding special touches, plank tops, brackets, or other accents. Consider using a tablecloth of raw textured fabric, like linen or burlap. These materials add a rustic, natural atmosphere to your dining space. Linen with its rough, natural touch is often used in formal settings, while burlap adds a more casual and rustic flavor.
Adding extra items to your table is another great way to spruce up your boring old tablecloth. Adding a centerpiece, scented candles, or a simple bunch of flowers will bring your table to life. A splash of color from decorative items will elevate even the most boring tablecloth design.
What are some alternatives to tablecloths?
I know how important it can be to add a special touch to your dining and entertaining space. Tablecloths are a classic way to do just that - but sometimes it can be nice to explore other options and switch things up a bit.
Recently, I had a dinner party at my house and I was looking for something a little different to dress up my table. I ended up using colorful scarves! I draped them over the table and it gave my living room a fun, boho vibe. It was the perfect way to add a unique touch and my guests were really impressed.
In this section, I’ll be exploring lots of creative alternatives to tablecloths and showing you how to use them to transform your space - so stay tuned!
First, let’s look at table runners. Just like tablecloths, they are made of fabric, but they are thinner and are designed to only cover part of the table. Most people use them to protect the center of the table where they place serving bowls to centerpieces. But you can also place them on the edges of the table to protect from scratches from plates and cutlery.
If you have a beautiful wooden table you might not want to cover it completely. A table runner lets you show off your wood grain and still protect parts of your table.
As they are smaller than old-fashioned tablecloths they are also easier to take care of. They take less time to clean and need less storage space. We can also combine them with other decorative elements for a modern sophisticated look.
At Thanksgiving, I use a table runner to smarten up my table by using a fabric with an autumn theme. It adds a touch of seasonal fun to the table, and I can easily store it away until next November.
A table skirt is another excellent option, similar to a table runner. In the same way that runners cover the top of the table, table skirts cover the legs as well. Skirts have enough length to create a covering that reaches the floor. They can match the rest of your dining decor or they can be used as an accent.
How can I decorate my dining room without tablecloths?
Table pads are a practical option for protecting your table from dents and stains. They are made of a padded material and can be quickly removed and wiped clean. I always use a table pad when I have guests with small toddlers. The padding gives extra protection the table needs. No more scratches or dents from crashing cutlery.
Many people have ditched their tablecloths for fabric coasters and decorative trays. You can mix and match these to give an almost infinite number of styles. They still protect your tabletop and can add depth and texture to your gathering. You can also use them in other rooms in your home when not in use in the dining room.
What are some tips for choosing the right tablecloth?
If you want the perfect tablecloth the first thing you need to know is the size of your table. This is not one-size-fits-all. Measure the length and width of your table so you can ensure that your new tablecloth hangs evenly on each side.
I personally like cotton tablecloths for everyday use. The fabric is thick enough to absorb any spills and it will provide a solid base for plates and serving dishes. As I have a young family I steer clear of white. Dark colors that mask stains are my friend.
I pair my tablecloth with a table pad to fully protect my table. Once my kids are older (and more coordinated) I hope to ditch these for simple table runners as my table has wonderful wood grain.
The right tablecloth can make a massive impact on the look of your dining room! I use my tablecloths to protect my table and add some color and personality to the room. If your tablecloths are making you depressed it is time to replace them or maybe ditch them altogether. Whether you decide to stick with them or try one of the other options you should make your dining table stand out!
Related Reading: