What Kind of Material Is for a Tablecloth?

Tablecloths have long been used as decorative and functional elements in kitchens and dining rooms. Once made primarily of white lace or damask, tablecloths lent an air of elegance and refinement to a home, and were often displayed during holidays or special celebrations. Today, tablecloth designs range from formal to fun and casual to contemporary. Available in a wide range of colors, prints and materials, tablecloths can be used to enhance a decor or protect a tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Cotton

Tablecloths are often made of cotton, a natural material, because it offers strength, absorbency and beauty. Because cotton is long-lasting, a tablecloth made from this material can stand up to repeated use and washing. In addition, the luxurious appearance and feel of cotton can dress up a table and is suitable for special occasions. Cotton fabric drawbacks include a tendency to wrinkle, which necessitates ironing. If washed in hot water and machine-dried, cotton can also shrink.

Linen

Linen comes from the flax plant, and like cotton, linen is absorbent and durable. A light and crisp fabric, linen shrinks less than cotton and is lint-free; linen does, however, wrinkle easily and requires frequent ironing to retain its smooth appearance. Linen tablecloths have long been considered one of the best choices for a formal occasion or elegant table setting suitable for a wedding or holiday celebration.

Irish Linen

Regarded as some of the finest linen in the world, Irish linen tablecloths are renowned for their intricate and traditional designs, according to the Gracious Style online boutique. The combination of exceptionally fine Irish yarns and the expertise of Irish weavers results in table linens highly valued for their delicate beauty. Irish linens are also unusually soft to the touch due to the softness of the Northern Ireland waters used in the finishing process.

Synthetic Materials

Because they are easy to care for and strong enough to withstand frequent use, synthetic tablecloths are ideal for everyday use. Available in a wide range of colors, patterns and prints, synthetic tablecloths are appropriate for casual table settings and are not usually preferred for formal dining. Synthetic materials include PVC-coated tablecloths and vinyl tablecloths. Benefits of synthetic tablecloths include water repellance, easy cleaning, durability, versatility and resistance to rips and tears.