Tablecloths are decorative accessories that have the amazing ability to unify the components of your table setting. With such a large variety of tablecloths out there it’s often hard to choose the best one, and some simply just don’t know how to correctly choose an appropriate table linen. There are five major components to take into consideration when choosing tablecloths for your table setting:
- Dominance: This refers to the design element. The perfect tablecloth will accent the dominant color, pattern, and texture of the dinnerware and even the room.
- Pattern: Tablecloths come in a plethora of patterns that range from large to small, bold to subtle, and each design appropriate for different occasions and events. Formal dining situations are suited only for subtle patterns, as to not take away from the tableware. Solid table cloths such as chocolate brown tablecloths look great in informal dining situations. Bold patterns can also be used during informal dining events; however, it is important to be sure they don’t clash with loud wallpaper.
- Visual Weight: Visual weight relates to the proportions of the room or banquet hall. A large room is best suited with compactly arranged patterns that convey heavy weight as to not allow the table settings to be visually lost in a large room. Small rooms are best suited for light and airy patterns.
- Color: The color of the appropriate tablecloth depends solely on the setting or event. Formal dining situations are best suited for white and ivory colored tablecloths. There are no strict rules when choosing a color for informal dining situations; it’s completely up to your preference.
- Texture: The texture of tablecloths should relate to the tableware and also specifically to the dining occasion. For formal dining, satin and damask are perfect textures for your table linens. Smooth and coarse textures are fine for informal dining; smooth textures look great with porcelain and stainless steel tableware. If your tableware is made of stone or pewter, it’s best to use a loosely woven heavy fabric.
