Fitted Tablecloths
Fitted tablecloths are very useful in a variety of tabletops, including dining room tables, coffee tables and picnic tables. Whether rectangular, round or triangular, they are designed to snugly fit the dimensions of any size and shape of a table. Tables made of wood, glass, or other materials can all be topped by a fitted tablecloth. These tablecloths are very useful in both decorative and practical purposes. These are often used to highlight a special occasion, in order to add a festive touch to holidays or party themes or just to protect the surface of the table. It is very important to choose the type of material for a fitted tablecloth. It is also important that the material must be fitting to the intended use and type of table when selecting pre-made fitted tablecloths or when making one. There are some materials that are more or less appropriate for formal or informal occasions.
Lace or fine linen tablecloths give additional touch of elegance for special occasion dinners. Cotton blend or vinyl tablecloths are good for low-key indoor dinners or picnic tables since these materials are more casual and hold up against repeated use. A vinyl tablecloth has the added advantage of repelling splatters and spills, so it is just easy to clean up with a quick swipe of a sponge. Whether it is used during holidays, special occasions or every day, a fitted tablecloth can be an appealing addition to the table anytime of the year. During the holidays, a tablecloth with appropriate colors or patterns adds a festive touch to the occasion. For special occasions — such as anniversaries, bridal showers and themed parties — a fitted tablecloth can highlight the contents of the table, including elegant china, appetizing food and party favors. It can also serve a practical purpose which is to protect the table from spills and scratches when used every day.
Fitted tablecloths are available in a variety of styles and materials. Ready-made tablecloths can be purchased at local retail stores or through online shopping venues. An experienced seamstress can design and sew a tablecloth for hard-to-find sizes or patterns, while adding any additional desired enhancements or designs of the customer.
Steps in choosing a fitted tablecloth:
- 1. You must know the size and shape of your table.
The tablecloth has four basic shapes: oblong, round, oval and square. There are many available sizes in these shapes that would fit accordingly in each table.
- 2. You should know the exact size and measurement of your table.
You have to measure your table from end to end in both inches and centimeters since only one measurement on the packaging will be displayed by some tablecloth vendors.
- 3. Set your budget.
The amount you will allocate will determine the type of tablecloth you are going to buy.
- 4. Table skirting must be allowed.
Nice corner skirting will usually give more elegance to your present décor. Adding 8-10 inches from either end is the standard in the industry.
- 5. You must invest in a vinyl plastic tablecloth to cover those more expensive tablecloths when not entertaining.
Useful Tips:
- You should bear in mind that linens will shrink no matter what the manufacturer will say. Allow 2-3” for shrinkage. Err on the larger side when in doubt.
- Refer below to have an idea of the prices (for a six seater table):
-100% Linen Hand Embroidery Cutwork $120-$600
-Mix Linen Hand Embroidery Cutwork $65 – $400
-Cotton Hand Embroidery $50 – $200
-Polyester $35 – $80
-Vinyl, Printed, Damask $8 – $40
- To find the most commonly shaped cloths and details for a proper sizing, visit the “Tablecloth Size Guide”. You can use the guide to help you figure out which size and shape will be the perfect fit for your table.
- 16-20cm or 8-10 inches on either side has been suggested to be added to the actual length and width of your table and then match that length with one of the sizes from the “Tablecloth Size Guide”. So if your table has a measurement of 45”X72” length, adding 20” means looking for a tablecloth that is no less than 65”X72”.
- Always put in mind that a tablecloth must have an 8”-12” “drop”. Longer drops have been recommended by experts in order to take advantage of intricate designs and cutouts. Some lines have very intricate corners and planning for a longer drop will make it look very elegant.
- “Linens” is the general term for all tablecloths, you must not be fooled by this. You must look at the fiber content as some vendors claim their materials used are linen which is a natural fiber from flax plant. More often they are just selling 100% Cotton or 100% Polyester which is easier to use and clean.