Table cloths may seem to be a simple thing, but table cloths types and styles are numerous and each serve a specific purpose and accomplish different things depending on their unique qualities. A birthday party or company picnic can provide colorful, clean tables covered with disposable vinyl table cloths. A diner or cafe might cover their tables with brightly printed table cloths, while a fine catering business might decorate tables with fine linen table cloths.

Explore all of the options for table covers before investing in any. When learning about all of the table cloths types and styles, keep the following in mind:

1. Many table cloths are purely functional and are used to protect a table surface.

2. Table cloths might be used for decorative purposes, covering a table only to add visual interest to an overall look.

3. Some table cloths might be simply used as a background for a table setting, event decoration or table top display.

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Use plastic table cloths for casual events

Disposable plastic table cloths are utilitarian and very practical to use for the proper occasions. They are perfect for casual outdoor events like picnics and cookouts and occasions like children's birthday parties. Felt-backed vinyl table cloths are still cheap but have a heavier weight and can be used repeatedly.

I recommend: See themed plastic table covers, round table cloths and reusable felt-backed ones at MyPaperShop.com. NationwideParty.com has disposable and reusable vinyl table cloths in wholesale rolls of different styles and colors.

Find unique table cloth designs to decorate with

Table cloths can be an important decorative element. Table cloth designs and styles are very carefully picked out during the decoration of a restaurant or cafe. Table covers also may be used to decorate a side table in an office or store.

I recommend: Find unique table cloth designs, styles and patterns to suit your decor at Trendy Tablecloths. See many possibilities of decorative table cloths available for rent at Table Wraps. Look through trendy decorative table cloths at Crate&Barrel.

Cover a table with fine table linens

There are many occasions that would require a formal setting with table cloths made from fine fabrics like lace or silk damask. Catering companies, party planners, restaurants and interior designers need a quality table covering to give an event a luxurious feel.

I recommend: Look at fine table linens at Gracious Style in fabrics like silk damask and embroidered linen. F & B Specialty Linen has fine table cloths in unique designs.

Get printed table linens for businesses

Table covering might be used for product displays, demonstrations and trade show exhibits. Business table cloths should be printed with a company logo if exhibiting a product or service, and made from nice fabric to represent the quality of the product or service.

I recommend: Have a look at the possible printed table cloths from GD Solutions. Compare screen printed table cloths and digitally printed table cloths at Bright Settings.

Table cloths are one of those things that people don’t actively notice, but their inclusion in any business event or environment adds a lot subconsciously. Restaurants use them to set the tone in the dining area, whether casual or formal. Catering companies and hospitals are routine users of table cloths, but their use extends beyond their arena.

Both government offices and private companies have occasions to use table cloths, and many decorate booths and other promotional venues with table cloths to provide a polished professionalism to their display. Table cloths are inexpensive ways to add something to various types of businesses. When buying table cloths, consider the following:

1. Invest in a custom table cloth designs to promote the company.

2. Set the stage in a restaurant environment by choosing the correct table cloth.

3. Make informal gatherings easy by purchasing inexpensive disposable table cloths.

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Personalize business table cloths by adding your logo or slogan

Whether you are working a trade show, presenting at a public event or displaying your products in an entertainment venue, make your table stand out by ordering custom table cloths. Decide what type of message you want to send and choose the appropriate fabric, pattern and logo.

I recommend: MPV Visuals has a wide selection of table cloth designs including spandex for a sleek, modern look, shirred for a frilly effect, three-sided drape cloths that allow the backside of the table to remain open for easy access to boxes under the table and adjustable tablecloths for multiple uses. A Better Idea! has hundreds of products and makes custom table cloths and runners to fit just about any budget or need. Prices however do not include set up charges, so wait to speak to a representative before calculating the final price.

Give your restaurant a traditional or classy feel by choosing different table cloths

There are a variety of styles, materials and colors to fit almost any restaurant decor. Choose the style that conveys the message your restaurant wants its customers to feel.

I recommend: If you’re looking for a traditional restaurant feel, look at Gary Manufacturing’s options for vinyl table cloths in red and white checked patterns. They also sell a few subtle colors and a wide variety of table covers, all in the easy to care for vinyl material in both square and round table cloths in a variety of sizes. For an elegant look, buy linen table cloths from Best Buy Uniforms. Although the linen look gives the impression of class and wealth, the company sells their wholesale table cloths in bulk for reasonable prices, making them affordable for restaurants and businesses of any size.

Plan for informal gatherings with plastic table cloths

Informal table cloths aren't a budget buster, so consider how much time and effort they can save when hosting a casual event. For those occasions when your company hosts an informal gathering, use disposable plastic table cloths to make clean up a snap.

I recommend: Poly Disposables offers rolls of plastic that can be cut to fit any surface. When the party is over, there’s no need to wipe down tables, simply toss the biodegradable plastic away. For a more permanent solution, C.O.D. Wholesale has a rainbow of colored plastic table cloths cheap enough to fill any room with color. They even offer holiday patterns and give price breaks for purchasing in bulk.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For custom table cloth designs, make sure to keep in close contact with the manufacturer and have at least two people do a check on the logo or slogan to ensure it's printed correctly. Custom orders require set up fees and once they are printed, often aren't returnable.

There are a variety of table cloth designs on the market today. Based upon the type of event your business is hosting, you can very easily find something that fits your event décor and theme. Also, establishments such as bed and breakfasts or restaurants have a reoccurring need for table cloths that convey a specific style.

Vinyl table cloths are the least expensive, but they are also the least formal option. It’s best to use vinyl for informal events, such as covering park tables for a company picnic or holding a fundraising event like a school bake sale. However, if you’re willing to consider table cloths pricing and costs for more formal and professional options, then you should look into the following:

1. Linen table cloths are just a bit more expensive than vinyl, but add a much more professional look.

2. Convey a more elegant and luxurious look with crochet table cloths.

3. You can have custom table cloths made to fit your specific desires and needs.

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Choose table linens over plastic table cloths

As you peruse through retailer websites, you'll find that table cloths are usually under the heading of table linens. Specifically, this indicates table covers that are actually made of cloth, usually cotton or polyester. You can find square, rectangular, oblong and round table cloths in a variety of diameters and lengths to fit your specific coverage needs. If your linen table cloths will see a lot of usage, such as in a restaurant, consider purchasing stain resistant cloths to save on replacement costs.

I recommend: JCPenney offers table linens ranging from $10 to $30, depending on the size and brand you choose. Browse the vast array of table linens offered by Bed Bath & Beyond for $10 to $80.

Convey elegance with lace and crochet table covers

Bed and breakfasts convey an atmosphere of elegance and luxury in everything from the mailbox to the wallpaper and everything in between. The table covers are no exception to this rule. Owners of a bed and breakfast or other fancy establishments may want to look into lace or crocheted table linens, especially when going for an antique or vintage décor.

I recommend: Choose from a variety of fancy tablecloths, ranging from $40 to $250, offered by Lartisana. The Battenburg Lace Store has hand-crocheted table cloths available for $14 to $80.

Order business table cloths custom made for your needs

You may have tables for your event that are oddly shaped or too small or large for the average table cloth measurements. In that case, you order custom made tablecloths cut specifically to your needs. Another custom option is to obtain screen printed table cloths for conferences and expo events that have your company logo on them. Keep in mind that, in addition to the tablecloth, you will have to pay a set-up fee for screen printing, which ranges from $25 to $200, depending on the company and the size of the table cloth.

I recommend: Tablecloth Designs specializes in custom made table cloths. The price depends on the type of fabric you choose and the size you need. For example, polystripe fabric has a range of $30 to $90 per tablecloth. MVP Visuals offers screen printed event tablecloths in a variety of styles such as spandex, pleated, drape, nylon, fitted and adjust to fit for $80 to $500, depending on your needs.

Tablecloths and runners are used for a variety of occasions, including banquets and formal events, casual gatherings and trade shows. Tablecloths also come in a wide variety of materials, from fine linens and lace to heavy-duty or disposable vinyl. Choosing a material for your table linens is a simple matter of the formality of the occasion, while any type of tablecloth or placemat has the advantage of making clean up more convenient. Learning the key terms used to describe different types of tablecloths and accessories will help you choose the right linen for any occasion.

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Runner

A table runner is a type of tablecloth that is narrower than the surface of a table and is used to decoratively cover just the middle strip of the table. Table runners also can be used for protecting the table against heat and damage, but provide a limited amount of space for setting centerpieces and other objects.

I recommend: Read a complete description of the table runner and its uses from Event Solutions.

Drop

The drop of a tablecloth is the term used to describe the amount of fabric hanging over the edge of a table. Tablecloths are measured to ensure a certain amount of drop depending on the type of table being used. Drop may vary from a few inches to the full height of the table.

I recommend: Decorating with Lace provides a concise definition of drop, as well as guidance for measuring tablecloths to achieve a certain amount of drop.

Placemat

A placemat, or table mat, is a piece of fabric or vinyl designed to be used underneath a single place setting. Placemats can be both decorative and functional, and are often used in conjunction with a tablecloth to guard against spills and damage to the main tablecloth.

I recommend: Wise Geek provides a comprehensive overview of the vinyl placemat, as well as other types of table mats.

Table pad

A table pad is a thick, sectional pad fitted to the contour of a given table and used either alone or underneath a tablecloth to protect the table against heat and damage. Table pads are typically customized to match the color, size and shape of a table so that they can be used inconspicuously without disrupting the decor of a room.

I recommend: Read more about the definition and uses of a table pad from the Ohio Table Pad Company.

Luncheon mat

A luncheon mat, like a placemat, is a type of table linen used underneath an individual place setting. Luncheon mats typically take on a lighter and more casual decor, and may more often be used as the only type of table linen, rather than being paired with a matching tablecloth.

I recommend: Table & Kitchen Linen provides a concise definition of the luncheon mat in its table linen glossary of terms.

Table skirt

A table skirt is a term used to describe both a piece of wood that creates a lip around the end of a table or a type of table linen that lines the edge of a table but not the top. Table skirts are purely decorative and are usually used to disguise the area under a table, particularly at catered events and trade shows where the space under the table is used for impromptu storage.

I recommend: BT&D Big Graphics provides a definition of a table skirt.