Tablecloths are powerful. More than anything else on a tablescape, they can completely dictate the vibe of a meal. Imagine two identical spaghetti dinners, one served on red checkered oilcloth and the other on pristine white linen. The white linen gives, “we're on a date, there is wine, and we have to leave soon to relieve the babysitter,” while the other is more, “we're on a date, there is wine, and we spilled some of it because we are drunk and sitting outside a Little Italy trattoria.”
Point being: You set the tablecloth, you set the stage. As for the other linens (napkins and placemats), they help to “yes and” whatever the tablecloth leads with. Altogether these functional pieces of fabric create atmosphere for dinner parties and weeknight meals alike, which is why when deciding to purchase them, you should always ask, “what vibe is this giving?”
If you think I’m talking nonsense, take a gander at the scope of quality linens below and you might get a better sense of what I mean. I organized the sections along loose aesthetic categories. Maybe you stick with one or play around with a few. The table is yours to set.
Geometric color-blocking
To me this look always gives, “I was the class clown at my graduate architecture program.” The strong line and shapes, the colors that could electrocute somebody—there’s a lot to appreciate when modernist restraint lets loose and has a bit of fun. Saturated colors are undeniably uplifting, while simple geometric patterns keep things from getting too wacky. For anybody intimidated by color, you’d be surprised how versatile and subtle these can be.
Botanical prints galore
Florals and Indian block prints give off a subdued and inviting warmth that makes them a natural fit for draping across a big family table or for a summery alfresco lunch under a canopy of trees. Traditional textile patterns can skew bohemian or more stylistically conservative, which makes them versatile.
One additional benefit of having complex patterned tablecloth: They’re great at hiding stains.
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Cutesy Country Cottage
There’s been a reappraisal of nostalgic American folk decor as of late by young urbane tastemakers, but the look never really went away. Pastel ginghams, muted plaids, and pinpoint florals are and will always be the domain of rural bed and breakfasts, heartland homesteads, and grandma’s guest room. Nostalgic and maybe too cute for some, but there may not be a cozier, more inviting look than this. It’s just a fact that a table draped in dusty pink buffalo check will also bear a platter topped with the the best freshly baked blueberry scones you’ve ever had in your life.
West Elm
Wide Stripe Cotton Placemats
Rustic and simple
Under the beating sun, hard at work harvesting lavender in the fields, knowing you’ll be tucking into a hearty pot au feu once the day is over—that is the world of rustic French linens. But as was true with denim jeans and canvas chore coats, these simple designs have transcended their humble working origins and are now seen as more of a universal staple. Still, they maintain a down-to-earth simplicity that works best for everyday use.
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Soothing textured neutrals
There are some of us who strive to cultivate a peaceful, low-stim environment every day: the Swedish death cleaners, the strict screen time adherents, the people who cover their ears when an ambulance drives by. Our world is exhausting, and the last thing you want is a tablecloth that screams at you. Instead, you’d prefer one as calm and harmonious as an Agnes Martin painting. Light lines, muted organic colors, and natural textures are all design elements that add subtle visual nuance without overwhelming the senses.
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Formal, with a wink
This section is largely inspired by the tastes of Laila Gohar, who has a knack for making black-tie refinement a little tongue in cheek with her brand, Gohar World. Classic formal table designs become more fun when you play with the details: a white tablecloth with a scalloped edge, ruffled napkins, or near-black placemats with white lace trim. I’m convinced that subtle riffs like these are helpful reminders that when you get dressed to the nines, you’re supposed to have a little fun.
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Quirked-Up Sophistication
Bonkers postmodern design is intimidating and maybe too much for many people, but done right it can be spectacular. Remember that quirkiness can be classy, provided you have the vision (and budget) to commit. Gala and Salvador Dalí were famous for their dinner parties, and do you think their tablescapes were simple and understated? Obviously, they were not. So lay out a table cloth made of men’s dress shirts. Set down those lobster-claw-shaped napkins. Life is too short.
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