Why should restaurants use table linen?
A 2012 Journal of Consumer Research study suggested that table linen can drastically alter customers' perception of food, meaning that every restaurant should find table runners, tablecloths, napkins and linen placemats to optimise their customers’ dining experience.
Fabric tablecloths and linen napkins can create a premium feel at any table, whilst white linen also complements white tableware and cut glass to make any meal feel refined and luxurious. Equally, however, PVC tablecloths are easy to wipe clean and also protect furniture from damage whilst also disguising existing flaws.
Which table linen should I purchase?
Choosing table linen is generally about choosing napkins and tablecloths. Whilst many restaurants and hotels choose matching sets of both, it's also possible to mix and match to meet your needs. When choosing what table linen to buy, you need to pick a material which suits the practical requirements of your business, alongside a look and feel with suits the atmosphere that you want to create.
With everything from satin banded cotton tablecloths to rolls of paper table coverings available, it's important to understand the benefits of each material. Either read on to discover more about each type of table linen or use the link below to browse the entire range.
Types of Table Linen
Satin Band Table Linen
Satin band tablecloths are the ultimate luxurious table linen for distinguished dining in the finest restuarants and hotels. Made of 100% cotton and finished with a supremely sleek satin band, these tablecloths add refinement and poise to any restaurant. Satin band tablecloths are the classic way to finish a premium table setting, making them ideal for a range of exclusive catering businesses. Our satin band tablecloths are sourced from Mitre, who have been supplying linen to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II since 1955.
Shop Mitre Luxury Satin Band tablecloths nowCotton Table Linen
Cotton is a natural fibre which is breathable and prevents heat being trapped between linen and your furniture. Cotton will never store static, meaning it's always quick and easy to lay tables without having to untangle your coverings first.
Despite not having an interwoven satin band, cotton tablecloths are still extremely elegant additions to any table. Slightly more affordable than a satin band tablecloth, cotton tablecloths are perfect for adding quality and luxury to any dining environment. Our cotton tablecloths feature an understated damask ivy leaf pattern for a uniquely sophisticated finish.
Shop cotton tablecloths nowTIP: Mitre Luxury Traditions are available in a range of colours to complement a wide range of dining spaces.
Polycotton Table Linen
Polycotton tablecloths are the optimum meeting of looks, cost and practicality and therefore make a great investment for lots of pubs and restaurants. Blending 50% cotton and 50% polyester, these cloths look like cotton but have the durability and strength of a polyester tablecloth. Polycotton table linen is therefore perfect for anywhere wanting practical but attractive table cloths. They are also quicker to dry and more crease resistant than cotton alternatives.
Shop polycotton tablecloths nowPolyester Table Linen
Polyester table linen is the extremely hardwearing and crease resistant option which a huge range of cafes, restaurants and pubs have come to rely on. Quick drying, durable and practical, we offer everything from classic Gingham polyester tablecloths and attractive Roslin Woven Rose table linen to traditional white and coloured tablecloths.
Traditional Gingham patterns are popular amongst cafes, diners and Meditteranian restaurants. This classic design creates a warming and welcoming atmosphere for any business and is also less likely to show small marks than a white or cream alternative.
Shop polyester tablecloths now
TIP: If you need something even more durable than Gingham polyester, PVC tablecloths are incredibly hardwearing and easy to wipe clean.
Disposable Table Linen
Restaurants can avoid expensive and time consuming laundering altogether by using disposable linen. Disposable tablecloths can be overlaid above traditional linen in order to protect it, allowing customers to still enjoy a luxurious table setting and help staff to perform rapid turnovers.
Shop disposable tablecloths nowPVC Table Linen
PVC tablecloths help save you money and these wipeable tablecloths don't need laundering. They may be traditionally associated with less expensive cuisine, but increased quality materials and new designs mean that PVC tablecloths are now perfect for a range of pubs and cafes. PVC is also the ideal material for repelling spills in cafés, nurseries and care homes.
PVC table linen is available in a huge range of printed designs which makes it easy to change the look of your dining space. Whether you want cheerful polka dots or a rich coffee-inspired design, these durable items can transform your tables.
How do I measure for a tablecloth?
When measuring a dining table for a tablecloth, you should measure the length and width of the table surface and then sit at the table. The distance between the top of your legs and the tabletop should be added to the dimensions to create the correct overhang. This measurement is usually around 20cm on each side.
TIP: Table clips can be a great way to keep table linen in the correct position and looking its best.
Tabletop glass
One way which some restaurants protect their table linen is by using tabletop glass above the tablecloth. Whilst this does protect the fabric, it also prevents diners from feeling the luxury of the table linen. What's more, the glass itself is likely to rapidly become scratched by cutlery, glasses and plates and is much more expensive to replace than the fabric underneath it!
Table skirting
Table linen can also perform an important role in buffets and catering for events because the tables used at these occasions are often collapsible and not necessarily very presentable. It’s therefore important to use linen to create a feeling of luxury. Table skirting covers the surface of buffet tables and also hangs to the floor to obscure unsightly folding table legs.
Shop table skirting nowTIP:Cover your buffet table with a disposable product such as banquet roll to protect the surface and present customers with a clean, white surface.
What type of napkins should I buy?
Linen napkins are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable paper napkins. Restaurants can also save money by not purchasing large quantities of new paper napkins for every single service. Combine this with the fact that linen napkins are also a more satisfying and effective way for diners to keep themselves hygienic, and linen napkins could make a real difference to most restaurants!
Unfortunately, however, linen napkins aren't practical for every restaurant. Unlike tablecloths, which are primarily marked accidentally, napkins are intended to be used to mop up food and are therefore almost guaranteed to become stained rapidly. With this in mind, restaurants with more oily or potentially staining foods such as curry houses, or particularly messy finger food such as barbecue should use paper napkins instead, avoiding the inconvenience and expense of trying to keep linen napkins clean.
TIP:Disposable paper napkins are also perfect for outdoor catering and can be placed beneath drinks to avoid getting a sticky bar.
Why don't some restaurants use tablecloths?
Although using table linen can save money by disguising damaged furniture and preventing the need to replace it, it can be expensive to continually wash, iron and replace cotton tablecloths and other linen which gets damaged. With this in mind, polyester linen can be more practical than cotton because it is more resistant to frequent washes and harsh detergents whilst still looking great on a table.
In reality, there are a wide range of table linen options which mean there’s a perfect tablecloth for most restaurants. Let’s take a look at the full range of tablecloths which you could use to transform your diners’ experience.
TIP:If you aren't sure table linen is right for the feel or theme of your restaurant, mix and match table tops and bases are another great way to create your perfect look.
Business benefits of table linen
Given that traditional polyester and cotton table linen, PVC linen and disposable table linen all suit distinctly different types of restaurant or cafe, every establishment can find the perfect table linen to save money and protect their furniture.
Equally importantly, the colours, shapes and textures of table linen can form a vital part of a restaurant’s identity. By understanding the ways tablecloths, napkins and other linen form part of diners’ lasting impression, savvy restaurants can use table linen to set themselves apart from the crowd.