An Expert Guide on the Best Fabric for Tablecloths

It may only seem like a backdrop for your dinnerware and centerpiece, but your tablecloth is a tremendous part of your table aesthetic. Luckily, there is so much you can do to elevate your design and transform your table. If you are ready to make an impression with your table, you’ll need to learn more about popular tablecloth fabrics and the advantages of each one. Our easy guide will make it easy to pick the right one every time.

How to Choose the Best Fabric for Tablecloths 

When it comes down to it, no material is unanimously considered the best fabric for tablecloths. That’s because each type offers pros and cons, so it’s best to consider circumstantial factors for the occasion. If you’re unsure of what’s best for you, consider the following:

• Indoor or Outdoor: Outdoor tablecloths are more exposed to the elements, so they should be more durable than indoor tablecloths. 

• Type of Event: Keep the kind of event in mind — children’s birthday parties have far different tablecloth needs than a wedding or formal event.

• Aesthetic: You want your tablecloth to accentuate the rest of your space. For example, if you have a lot of flowers and greenery, you can make them pop with a white fabric tablecloth.

• Taste: Often, several different fabrics will work. When that’s the case, it’s just a matter of preference. 

Create a list of your tablecloth needs and preferences, and then you can quickly narrow your search for the best fabric.

The 9 Best Fabrics for Tablecloths

Are you in the market for new table linens but still deciding which material to choose? Whether you need table runners to match your seasonal centerpieces or are looking to replace old table overlays, the following guide should help you choose the most suitable fabric.

1. Cotton Tablecloths

Dining room designers have long used cotton fabric for tablecloths, due to the incredible versatility of the material. Cotton tablecloths can be anything from plain white to intricately designed and dyed in any color. Cotton woven tablecloths also offer excellent absorbency, which means better protection for your table. 

✅ Pros:

• Soft and breathable – Cotton offers a comfortable, natural texture that's gentle to the touch and allows air to flow, making it perfect for casual dining or everyday use.

• Natural and eco-friendly – As a biodegradable and renewable resource, cotton is a great choice for those who prioritize sustainability in their home décor.

• Available in various styles and colors – From classic white to vibrant patterns, cotton tablecloths come in a wide range of designs, making it easy to find one that suits any theme or aesthetic.

❌ Cons:

• Wrinkles easily – Cotton tends to crease after washing or folding, often requiring ironing to maintain a crisp, polished appearance.

• May require frequent washing – Due to its absorbent nature, cotton can quickly soak up spills and stains, meaning it might need to be laundered more often than synthetic options.

2. Linen Tablecloths

For a lighter and more breathable fabric than cotton blend tablecloths can provide, linen can be a great option. This natural fiber tablecloth is lighter but still tough and absorbent. However, even the best linen tablecloth requires careful maintenance, as it is prone to wrinkling. 

✅ Pros:

• Luxurious and elegant – Linen has a naturally upscale look and texture, making it a favorite for formal events, weddings, and holiday dinners.

• Strong and long-lasting – Despite its lightweight feel, linen is one of the strongest natural fibers, capable of withstanding years of use with proper care.

• Becomes softer over time – One of the best linen tablecloth benefits is that it gets better with age—repeated washing enhances its softness and drape, adding to its charm as a luxury tablecloth fabric.

❌ Cons:

• Expensive compared to other fabrics – Linen often comes with a higher price tag due to its quality and labor-intensive production process.

• Requires special care and ironing – It wrinkles easily and often needs careful washing and ironing to maintain its refined look, which might not be ideal for low-maintenance households.

3. Polyester Tablecloths

You can't go wrong with a polyester tablecloth for a super durable, affordable, lower-maintenance option. It’s also the best stain-resistant tablecloth. Plus, it’s wrinkle-resistant, which makes polyester tablecloths better for outdoor use than cotton blend table linens.   Also, if you’re looking for something even more affordable without any maintenance, you can always use a disposable tablecloth. 

✅ Pros:

• Wrinkle-resistant and durable – Polyester holds its shape well and resists creasing, making it ideal for high-traffic use or events where presentation matters.

• Budget-friendly – Typically more affordable than natural fabrics, polyester offers great value without sacrificing too much in terms of appearance.

• Easy to maintain – It’s machine washable, quick-drying, and resistant to stains, making it a go-to option for both home use and commercial settings.

❌ Cons:

• Less breathable than natural fabrics – Polyester doesn’t offer the same airflow as cotton or linen, which may make it feel less comfortable in warmer environments.

• May lack a luxurious feel – While it can mimic the appearance of finer fabrics, polyester might not deliver the same softness or high-end texture as natural materials.

4. Lace Tablecloths

Easily one of the most attractive materials, lace is used mainly for decoration. Lace tablecloths are beautiful but fragile. The fabric requires you to handle it with care at all times, especially when you’re cleaning it. If you’re looking to beautify a decorative table, lace is a great choice. However, if you need fabric capable of withstanding the wear and tear of a dinner party, opt for a laminated cotton tablecloth instead.

✅ Pros:

• Elegant and decorative – Lace tablecloths add a delicate, vintage charm to any table, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to a formal or romantic setting.

• Lightweight and breathable – Lace is airy and lightweight, making it ideal for events or settings where a refined, less heavy appearance is desired.

• Perfect for vintage and romantic settings – Lace embodies a timeless elegance, often associated with weddings, garden parties, and vintage-inspired décor, enhancing the ambiance with its intricate patterns.

❌ Cons:

• Delicate and prone to tearing – Lace is a fragile fabric that can easily tear or snag, especially in busy environments or with rough handling.

• Requires a liner for full coverage – To avoid the see-through effect of lace, a liner or underlay is usually needed, which can add extra cost and maintenance.

• Harder to clean and maintain – Lace can be difficult to clean due to its delicate nature. It may require hand washing or dry cleaning, and its intricate design makes it more challenging to remove stains.

5. Silk Tablecloths

Silk is renowned for its beauty, elegance, and luxury. Few materials can elevate a table like silk, but you should know that it will come with a significantly larger price tag than most other fabrics. However, suppose the look and presence of this beautiful material are of great value to you. Then, the high price tag may not be a deal breaker. 

✅ Pros:

• Luxurious and soft with a natural sheen – Silk tablecloths are known for their incredibly soft feel and stunning sheen, which makes them perfect for upscale events and formal dining experiences.

• Great for high-end events and formal dining – The rich, opulent appearance of silk is ideal for special occasions like weddings, galas, or holiday dinners where a luxurious look is desired.

• Drapes beautifully on tables – Silk has a natural ability to fall elegantly, giving your table a sophisticated and perfectly draped look, elevating the overall decor.

❌ Cons:

• Expensive and delicate – Silk is one of the most expensive fabrics available, and its delicate nature means it may not be practical for everyone, especially for families or casual settings.

• Stains easily – Silk is prone to staining and can be challenging to clean, often requiring professional dry cleaning to preserve its integrity and appearance.

• Not ideal for everyday use – Due to its fragility, high cost, and maintenance requirements, silk is best reserved for special occasions rather than daily use.

6. Burlap Tablecloths

On the other end of the material spectrum is burlap, a biodegradable, environmentally friendly, simple, and affordable option. Burlap may not be the most beautiful fabric in the world, but it has plenty to offer. It can be a great option when planning a big outdoor event. 

✅ Pros:

• Rustic and trendy – Burlap tablecloths have become increasingly popular for rustic, farmhouse-style décor, making them a perfect choice for outdoor events, barn weddings, or cozy gatherings.

• Eco-friendly and biodegradable – Made from jute, burlap is a natural, biodegradable fabric that’s a great eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

• Durable for outdoor settings – Burlap is a tough, sturdy material that can withstand outdoor conditions and heavy use, making it ideal for casual, rustic-themed events.

❌ Cons:

• Can be rough to the touch – While durable, burlap’s rough texture can be uncomfortable, especially when used on dining tables without additional cushioning or a soft underlay.

• Sheds fibers and may fray over time – Burlap tends to shed fibers and may fray at the edges with repeated use, which could detract from its overall appearance after multiple washes.

7. Organza Tablecloths

Organza is often used on tables at significant formal events like weddings. It’s a thin, transparent material commonly used with something solid to add texture, shimmer, detail, and elegance. This delicate material should be handled carefully, but it can easily add a ton to your table design (or even your backdrop stands). 

✅ Pros:

• Sheer and lightweight – Organza is a light, transparent fabric that creates a soft, airy feel, perfect for adding a subtle, ethereal touch to any table setting.

• Adds an elegant, delicate look – Known for its fine, delicate nature, organza brings a refined elegance to both casual and formal events, making it a popular choice for weddings, parties, and special gatherings.

• Commonly used as overlays – Organza is often used as a top layer or overlay on tablecloths to add texture and a touch of glamour without overwhelming the decor.

❌ Cons:

• Very delicate and prone to snagging – Due to its sheer nature, organza is fragile and can easily snag on rough surfaces or sharp objects, requiring careful handling.

• Needs a base layer for full coverage – Organza’s transparency means it may require a solid base layer underneath to provide full coverage, adding extra layers to your table setup.

• Can wrinkle easily – While lightweight, organza wrinkles quickly, which means it often needs to be carefully steamed or ironed before use to maintain its crisp appearance.

8. Satin Tablecloths

If you love the glossy, attractive appearance of silk but not the flashy price tag, then satin tablecloths can be a great option. This material is similar to silk in many ways, but it’s a lot easier to make and, therefore, less expensive. 

✅ Pros:

• Luxurious appearance – Satin is known for its glossy, smooth finish, making it a perfect choice for adding a luxurious touch to formal events like weddings and banquets.

• Adds an elegant touch to wedding or banquet tables – Its refined, lustrous look elevates any event, creating an upscale atmosphere that complements upscale décor.

• Available in multiple colors and finishes – Satin comes in a wide array of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, and various finishes, making it versatile enough for different themes and settings.

❌ Cons:

• Can be slippery and shift on the table – Satin’s smooth surface can cause the tablecloth to slip and slide, especially if placed on a smooth table, requiring additional adjustments to keep it in place.

• Stains and wrinkles easily – Satin is prone to both staining and wrinkling, which can detract from its elegant look. It often needs careful cleaning and pressing to maintain its polished appearance.

• Requires careful maintenance – Because of its tendency to stain and wrinkle, satin requires regular, careful maintenance, including spot cleaning or dry cleaning to preserve its appearance.

9. Velvet Tablecloths

Velvet is a heavy, soft, textured material that offers a beautiful shimmer capable of elevating any table and bringing elegance to any event. The sumptuous quality of velvet tablecloths means they cost a bit extra, but their durability and attractive appearance can make them well worth it.

✅ Pros:

• Plush and elegant with a rich texture – Velvet provides a luxurious, plush texture that adds depth and sophistication to any table, creating a statement piece for special events.

• Adds warmth and sophistication – The rich, dense feel of velvet makes it perfect for colder months or evening events, as it provides a warm, inviting vibe to any setting.

• Great for winter events and formal settings – Velvet’s opulent look and feel make it ideal for winter-themed parties, holiday dinners, or formal occasions where luxury is a priority.

❌ Cons:

• Heavy and difficult to clean – Velvet is a dense fabric that can be heavy and difficult to manage, particularly when it comes to cleaning, often requiring professional cleaning or delicate care.

• Can attract dust and lint – The textured surface of velvet tends to attract dust, lint, and pet hair, which can detract from its pristine appearance and require frequent cleaning.

• Not suitable for casual use – Due to its formal, plush nature, velvet is best reserved for upscale or seasonal events, as it may feel too heavy or out of place in more casual settings.

Tips for Choosing the Right Tablecloth Fabric

When selecting the best material for tablecloth, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Match the fabric to your lifestyle needs – Choose durable, low-maintenance fabrics like polyester or vinyl for busy households or frequent entertaining.

• Consider the climate – Opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen in warmer areas to keep your space light and comfortable.

• Look for stain-resistant coatings – Select fabrics with protective finishes to make cleaning up spills quick and easy, especially for everyday use or special events.

Best Fabric Choices for Different Occasions

When it comes to selecting the perfect tablecloth, the occasion plays a big role in determining the right fabric. Different events call for different textures, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the best fabric for wrinkle-free tablecloths and other top choices based on the setting:

• Everyday Use – Cotton and polyester blends offer a balance of softness, durability, and easy maintenance.

• Formal Dining & Weddings – Linen, satin, and lace bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to upscale events.

• Outdoor Gatherings & Picnics – Vinyl, plastic-coated fabrics, and oilcloth are ideal for their water resistance and quick cleanup.

• Restaurants & Catering – Polyester and spandex are durable, stretchable, and easy to clean, making them the best fabric for wrinkle free tablecloths in professional settings.

Find the Best Tablecloths at eFavormart

Now that you know the best fabric for tablecloths, you can choose the perfect products to create an unforgettable tablescape. Complete your setup with stunning centerpieces for tables that add charm and elegance. For a rustic or vintage touch, consider adding a cheesecloth table runner for a soft, textured look.

If you're planning a more glamorous affair, our candelabra candle holders will bring a luxurious ambiance to your table, setting the perfect tone. Don’t forget to check out our variety of party decors to enhance your celebration. Take a look today and create the perfect atmosphere for your next event!

Written By Gabrielle Clarke - Updated: March 22, 2024 Gabrielle Clarke is an amazing party planner with over six years of experience in the event management industry. She often shares her insights and contributes various articles to helping others create their own memorable events.