Shopping for Tablecloths

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With so many appealing ones out there, it's never been easier to dress your table up (or down).

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By Tim McKeough

A tablecloth can make an ugly table beautiful, hide a worn wooden top and immediately change the feeling of a dining space, indoors or out.

"It's at the root of hosting and hospitality," said Olivia Capuano, the founder of the interior design firm Olivia Jane Design, based in New York. "You’re literally laying down a layer for guests to be comfortable at the table."

With so many designs available — like simple linen and fabric with graphic patterns — tablecloths offer a way to instantly customize the look of your table, Ms. Capuano said, whether you want to evoke the feeling of a rustic French farmhouse or set the stage for a casual pool party.

Another advantage? A great tablecloth makes almost any table look luxurious, even if it's an inexpensive folding version or something you found on the curb.

Regardless of what's underneath, Ms. Capuano said, "A tablecloth is the perfect canvas for the art that is the meal."

How large should a tablecloth be? Ideally, it should fully cover the table and end just above guests’ laps, Ms. Capuano said.

Should it be patterned or plain? "It depends on the dinnerware and meal you’re serving," she said. "If it's a refined meal or the plates are subtle, it's fun to play with pattern. If it's a casual, family-style meal, I love a plain one, where the food is the star of the show."

Can you layer tablecloths? "Layering is always fun," said Ms. Capuano, who sometimes adds a runner or smaller, patterned tablecloth as a decorative accent over a larger, plain one.

Striped linen tablecloth made in Lithuania

From about $90 at LinenMe: 312-233-2929 or linenme.com

Boldly patterned organic cotton tablecloth

From $135 at Block Shop Textiles: blockshoptextiles.com

Patterned tablecloth handmade in Burkina Faso

From $425 at St. Frank: 800-948-4105 or stfrank.com

Antique linen and cotton tablecloth hand-embroidered in France

From about $985 at Oeuvres Sensibles: oeuvres-sensibles.com

Plain linen tablecloth in a range of colors

From $100 at Bed Threads: 011-61-1300-371-571 or bedthreads.com

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