Restaurant Table Linen

Restaurant table linen is an important contributor to the look and feel of a dining room. Linen less tables are better suited to casual dining. Fabric tablecloths were a sign of affluence in the past, as not everyone could afford them. Fine dining and Michelin star restaurants continue to use table linen for this reason.

Types of linen used in restaurants

Restaurants use table linen of many types during service. These include table protectors, table skirts, tablecloths, slip cloths, table runners and napkins.

Table protectors and molletons – The first layer of a restaurant table is not always a tablecloth. Heat resistant table protectors or molletons will protect the table surface from hot plates and serving dishes. They also reduce noise in a dining room during service.

Table skirting – Banquet table skirting is often used as the next layer of the table. The table skirt hides the table legs from view and falls to the floor. Table skirts can be made in a range of styles. Traditionally they would be attached to the table edge with clips which can cause unsightly bumps in the dining table linen. Modern restaurant table skirting is attached using Velcro (hook and loop tape) directly onto the table protector. Elasticated table skirting provides an easy to fit solution that looks exactly the same once under the slip cloth.

Tablecloths – A large tablecloth can be used as a base layer. Round tablecloths will fall to the floor to cover the table legs in a similar way to table skirting. Square tablecloths may require boxing around a square or rectangular table for a neat finish. Tablecloths can be plain colours or patterned fabrics.

Slip cloths and overlays – Slip cloths provide an additional layer of fabric on the table that can absorb liquid spills and prevent them pouring over the edge of the table onto the guest. They can also substitute for a table protector, providing additional padding and heat protection for the table. Slip cloths are square tablecloths that overlay the table skirting or base tablecloth. Overlays are almost always plain white and provide a contrast with the tablecloth beneath them.

Table Runners – Table runners can be ‘run’ across the table to provide decoration. Historically, table runners played the same role as slip cloths and overlays. They were intended to catch the spills and mess that was made by the diners, so that the tablecloth underneath would stay pristine. Now, they are entirely decorative. 

Napkins - Fabric napkins are a sign of a high-quality restaurant. They provide a better-quality experience than disposable paper napkins. Napkins used to be delivered to the table by the waiter, and waiter cloths are the remnant of that historical duty. Napkins can match the tablecloth or provide a contrast. Napkins provide the finishing touch to each place setting.

What is the best fabric for restaurant tablecloths?

Restaurant tablecloths have to be hard wearing. With many restaurants catering for multiple sittings in a day, there is a high volume of table linen turnover. Tablecloths must be washed multiple times and they will be washed in industrial washing machines at high temperatures. When washed, they must be colour fast and crease resistant.

Restaurants may choose tablecloths that are made of man-made fibres like polyester, rather than linen or cotton. Polyester is stain-resistant and less likely to snag. It is still called ‘table linen’. Recycled polyester is a popular choice when sustainability is important to the restaurant. Polyester fabrics can be created out of post-consumer waste like plastic bottles, like our Ecofab range.

Why do restaurants use white tablecloths?

One of the reasons that white is so popular for restaurant tablecloths is that white feels clean and fresh.

Restaurant table linen suppliers to hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues. Quality machine washable and crease resistant polyester fabrics in a wide range of colours.

Restaurant table covers:

Quick fitting table skirting (Velcro/hook & loop), simple fit table skirting (elastic top) and contemporary drop covers for square, rectangular and round tables. Custom shapes also available

Restaurant table cloths:

Hotel quality plain table cloths or patterned tablecloths in square, circular or rectangular.shapes.