Whether you love the lived-in look of cottagecore style or the elegance and simplicity of minimalism, your home can benefit from a curated table linen collection. There are countless ways to mix and match different dining room linens together to design your space to look however you’d like. But to be able to do so whenever inspiration strikes, you have to understand how to build a versatile set of your very own.
From choosing the perfect tablecloth length to selecting beautiful linen colors to suit your aesthetic, there are many things to consider as you build your dining room linen collection. With our helpful beginner's guide, you’ll discover how to select the best table linens and learn to set the table of your dreams.
The Importance of Table Linens
Tablecloths and napkins do more than protect your tabletop—they have the power to transform the look and feel of the entire room. Adding dining room linens only takes a few seconds or minutes, but the payoff is immeasurable. Selecting the perfect table linens for your gathering gives you a beautiful base layer for your dinnerware, recipes, and centerpieces, making every meal extra special for you and your loved ones.
Table linens can also be used whenever you’d like. Whether you’re hosting an over-the-top birthday celebration or styling the table for everyday use, you’ll find that table linens are a simple way to make the space your own. Leave the table dressed to the nines 24/7, or set out your collection for special occasions—the choice is yours.
The Main Types of Table Linens
When it comes time to build your collection, make sure you include all four of these types of dining room linens:
- Table runners—these skinny, long linens run down the center of a table where a centerpiece may go.
- Tablecloths—these full-coverage table linens lay over the entire tabletop, with different variations of length extending past towards the floor.
- Linen napkins—these reusable designs are made for individual use at each place setting.
- Linen placemats—these smaller table linens are set before each chair, underneath the dinnerware, silverware, and glassware of each place setting.
The 3 Most Helpful Considerations for Buying Dining Room Linens
As you shop for must-have table linens, it can feel easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices—but it doesn't have to be like that! Consider each of these important factors to build a collection that suits you, your needs, and your style:
1. Research Different Table Linen Materials
Step #1 in buying dining room linens is researching different fabric options. Cotton, polyester, and blends all have their time and place, but the best table linens will be made from a high-quality fabric, such as linen, that won't wear and tear quickly. Since this design element can influence everything, from how they can be used to overall style, it's important to find one that suits your needs.
Why is Linen the Best Material for Dining Room Linens?
The best material for table linens is easy to remember—it's in the name! Linen remains a popular and preferred fabric choice for tablecloths, napkins, and more due to its durability, sustainability, and hygiene. This easy-care textile also efficiently wicks away moisture to protect your table from spills and messes. You deserve a dining room linen collection that lasts for years, and investing in stunning linen designs will help accomplish that.
2. Consider Table Linen Colors
Color is a vital consideration when choosing table linens for your collection because the hues and shades you choose help set the tone for both the table setting and the overall look of the room. For instance, a flowing white embroidered tablecloth may give your event a timeless and upscale feel, while multiple bright colors for cloth napkins and placemats can work for a more eclectic, maximalist vibe. We recommend keeping a few colors on hand so you can mix and match to your heart's content to work for any theme or aesthetic.
How to Pick a Table Linen Color
As you grow your collection of dining room linens, pay attention to the home décor surrounding your table to avoid clashing. While natural or cool grey linen tablecloths go with almost everything, we wouldn't want the table setting to ever look out of place. Consider matching your table linens to your carefully chosen linen curtains, the wall art, or the overall coloring of the room to keep your space feeling cohesive.
3. Think About the Quantity
The key to a well-rounded dining room linen collection is all about quantity. Don't settle for one of each kind. To be ready for any kind of table setting, you'll need multiple sets! The amount of table linens necessary can vary from person to person based on the size of your immediate family, how often you host large gatherings, and how many sets of each you need to last you in between laundry cycles.
How Many of Each Table Linen You Should Own?
- Tablecloths: 2-3
- Table runners: 1-2
- Placemats: 2-4 (sets per family member)
- Napkins: 3-4 (sets per family member)
What's the Right Way to Wash and Dry Linen Table Linens?
Along with durability, the best dining room linens are easy to wash, dry, and take care of between table settings. The simple care routine is one of the many reasons we love linen for the dining room.
When it's time to toss your linen table runners and placemats into the wash for a refresh, it's easy! After brushing off any leftover crumbs and pretreating any stubborn stains with dish soap, just wash your table linens in the lukewarm or cold-water setting. Then hang to dry (the old-fashioned way!) or machine-dry on low. And to make things even easier, the natural, crinkled appeal of linen means you won’t even have to iron them if you don’t want to.
Everyone can benefit from a well-thought-out table linen collection—it's just a matter of knowing how to build one! With our helpful tips, tricks, and considerations, you can soon set a table you love anytime you want.
