Table Linen Types

The simple definition of table linens explain them to be "linens for the dining table." They are fabric accessories for the purpose of protecting as well as decorating dining tables. They provide protection from spills and stains and at the same time, make the surroundings interesting.

 

What are Different Types of Table Linens?
There are a variety of table linen types used for decorating dining tables and other tables used for dining purposes. These table linens range from large sized table covers to very small sized table mats!

 

Table Clothes
The large pieces of fabrics used for covering tables are known as table clothes. They are made of various fabric types and come in various sizes and shapes.

 

Table Runners

Table runners can be called the smaller version of table clothes. The table runners, instead of covering entire table, cover only the middle section of the table, "running" the length of the table. They can be laid out in different ways to allow portions of the table to show or may be placed over a tablecloth for a stylish set up.

 

Placemats
Placemats are small pieces of fabrics or other materials like paper or plastic. These placemats act as protective table pads. They are put at a person's "place" or chair at a table.

 

Napkins
Napkins are also small pieces of fabric and sometimes of other materials like paper or non woven fabric. Napkins are meant for wiping hands and mouth during a meal. However, they are now more popular for decorating table in innovative ways through creative napkin folding techniques. Most of the napkins come coordinated with tablecloths or placemats.

 

Types of Table Covers

Although table linens include many items as explained above, table covers are the most popular types of table linens. In fact, many a times, both the terms- table linen and table cover- are used interchangeably too. There are many types of table linens- each meant for various purposes. For example, cotton table linen is mostly laid for daily use while damask table linen is used for special occasions such as for weddings and formal dinner parties! Some of the popular table linen types include the following table covers.