What Is Table Linen?

Table linens are an easy way to decorate a dining table, and because of the large variety of designs and colors available, they provide a fun way to change your decor according to season, style or changing tastes. Table linens are intended to be functional as well as decorative. Ranging from affordable to extravagant, there are table linens to suit any style.

Definition

Table linens are fabric accessories for the decoration of dining tables. They also provide protection from spills and stains.

Tablecloths

Tablecloths are large finished fabric pieces designed to cover the entire table. They may be decorative or utilitarian and are made from a variety of fabrics, from cotton to linen.

Placemats

Placemats are smaller, finished pieces of fabric, designed to cover the space on the table in front of each individual diner. Placemats are also available in a myriad of styles and fabrics.

Napkins

Napkins are small, soft, finished pieces of fabric that coordinate with tablecloths or placemats, and are intended for wiping your hands and mouth during a meal.

Table Runners

A table runner is a purely decorative piece of fabric, often brocade or upholstery, that runs down the middle of the table. Table runners often stretch the entire length of a table.