Tuesday, 24 March 2009

How to Choose the Right Size of Your Tablecloth

Buying table linens for your home seems to be an easy task but it might become quite a confusing undertaking if not planned properly. Apart from the style and quality of a fabric you also should consider the right size of tablecloth for your dining table, as well as some matching napkins, placemats and table runners.

There are some rules which exist for any type of tablecloth and it does not matter if they are cheap or expensive. When buying a new tablecloth make sure it is at least half a metre longer and wider than your table. Then it will hang over your table with free folds on each side.

Ideally, when you are buying your dining table and matching chairs, the height of the chairs should be 30cm lower than the table surface. If this is the case, then you provide your diners with the most comfortable dining experience as the table is not too high, nor too low for keeping your back straight and relaxed at the same time. Using this guide, your luxurious linen tablecloth should ideally be same level with the seats.

Of course there can be another scenario when for some special occasion you might need your table linens to overhang the table down to the ground. This is normally the case for a formal reception and not something you would normally undertake at home. Therefore for your home you should feel comfortable with any size of the tablecloth with at least half a metre of extra length and up to additional two heights of your dining table.

The use of a luxury tablecloth is very beneficial when your furniture has lost its glamorous look and got a little older. The solution of a new tablecloth will change the situation immediately and with the minimum of effort.

You will also achieve superb results when you take the time to match your tablecloth with your window curtains. In this way, your dining room will look extremely chic and fresh.

Alternatively, if your home is set in a modern manner and you do not wish to hide your exceptionally stylish furniture under a classic tablecloth, you can always add some glamour to your table with a table runner and some matching linen napkins and placemats. Such arrangement will create an impression of luxury without being too over bearing.

There is a wide variety of quality table linens to choose from including plain linens, embroidered tablecloths and damask tablecloths.

Damask or jacquard is a figured linen fabric in which warp-satin and weft-sateen create a pattern. Such patterns are visible even in an all white cloth, woven from all white yarns. This process requires threads to be woven in contrasting directions, which creates a pattern that is visible when viewed at certain angles. Across large surfaces, damask fabrics are most extraordinary as reflect light and continually reveal new designs to your eye in a subtle and appealing way.

When making your choice of table linens you should remember that dining in style is one of those little pleasures which can bring some deserved elegance and luxury into your life. So easily achievable and so rewarding to experience! Good luck and have fun selecting your next table…