We All Want to Know- Are Tablecloths Out of Style?

Did you hear? Word just came out asking the most bizarre question, “Are tablecloths out of style?” Can you see the headlines, now? Alert, alert! LOL! For those of you who like to keep up with the hottest trends, don’t panic! This questioning is probably just a passing-by inquiry, wondering if the older-than-the-hills tablecloth tradition is still relevant today. I’m so happy you stopped by because we are going to look at the long and short answers to this age-old table topic. Get ready, the discovery is about to begin.

This post is all about, “Are tablecloths out of style?” It contains affiliate links, meaning I might receive a small commission, but at no cost to you.

The Short Answer

I like to look at the art of displaying a tablecloth through the lenses of timeless glasses. They can change in terms of style and design, but tablecloths will always be around helping add layers of texture, color, style, and protection.

So, to answer the question, “Are tablecloths out of style?” The short answer is, no, nada, not today, nope, never, and negative. My silly humor is still coming out! LOL!

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s sit back and buckle our seatbelts as we look at how and why these lovely “dinosaurs,” can hold on to their ageless beauty.

Why are Tablecloths Used?

Experts say that tablecloths were invented in 103 AD to sop up spills and help keep tables clean. While this remains to be a practical solution, many of us in this day and age are trying to keep our tablecloths just as clean as the table so they stay looking cute for future parties to come. LOL!

You wanna laugh? I even saw someone put a clear plastic cover on top of her tablecloth, to keep the tablecloth in tip-top shape. Now that’s serious cleanliness.

Style Purposes

People love to add table linens to add style and flare to their place settings. With tablescaping growing in popularity, many hostesses are adding unique and modern tablecloths to their design schemes to add a fun layer of style and visual interest.

When styling a table with a tablecloth, you will also be incorporating texture, color, and design into your entertaining palette. For example, if you are hosting an elegant gathering, something more clean-line, sleek, and chic would suit the mood very well. But, if you are going for more of a picnic theme, a tablecloth with a plaid pattern and waterproof indoor/outdoor fabric would best fit the design palette.

To Brighten up a Space- Is this the “Trendy” Way to Go?

If you have a kitchen or dining room that needs brightening, and you don’t necessarily want to paint the walls or the furniture, you can add an oatmeal, taupe, or white-colored tablecloth to the space to lighten the mood of the room. However, when it comes to the latest trends and current styles, I do have to say, keeping a dining table undressed, without a tablecloth on top, is the more popular way to go.

When to Use a Tablecloth?

Designers of today tell us that it is more fashionable and “trendy” to use a tablecloth at events, such as parties, get-togethers, functions, or dinners, rather than for everyday use.

Keep in mind, trends are trends and not everyone wants to “go with” what’s trending. I respect that! Depending on your sense of style and how you prefer to decorate, I like to say, “You, do you!” If you love them, then I say, set out a tablecloth on your table for everyday use and do what makes your heart happy. Your home is your space and you get to make it look “cute” however you see fit. Go with what you love!

Covers Flaws and Imperfections

Tablecloths are wonderful for covering up flaws on a table, too. Once you add that beautiful layer of fabric, the boo-boos go bye-bye. The great news is, no one at your party will see the scratch, scuff, or nail polish stain. Wahoo for that!

If your table is needing an upgrade, in light of those major, or minor flaws, and you are ready to invest in something a little more “put-together,” feel free to check out our Top Trending Kitchen and Dining Room Tables to help give you ideas on popular kitchen and dining room table trends.

How to Make a Tablecloth Look Modern?

There are a few basic things to keep in mind if you want a more modern look for your tablecloth. Make sure it has no stains or tears, it is not faded, and it has no wrinkles. In other words, make sure it looks fresh and new! As for modern styles and designs, you can opt to go with bold or neutral colors, clean lines, and geometric prints.

Beautiful Amazon Tablecloth Finds

Amazon is a favorite “mall” of ours to shop at. It’s so convenient to be able to peruse the finds from the comforts of home by just clicking a button. Here are some super cute trendy modern tablecloth finds to peek at if you are wanting to go with one that has a fashionable modern flare.

• Geometric Style Cotton Linen Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3WhPPqE
• Wrinkle Free Polyester Lines and Curves Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3XUAvBN
• Modern Tablecloth with Leaf Pattern Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3waQtvr
• Modern Tablecloth with Leaf Pattern and Fringe Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3CXqED8
• Modern Boho Black and White Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3XiIdFM
• Waterproof Textured Weaves Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3CRNxb6
• Tassel Cotton Linen Tablecloth- https://amzn.to/3CVWnEE

Are Lace Tablecloths Out of Style?

For everyday use, experts say that lace tablecloths are out of style. However, if you are hosting a Victorian or antique-styled party and want your table to look the part, I say, pull out those lacey favorites and have a ball.

Table Runners and Place Mats = Mini Tablecloths

I like to think of table runners and placemats as miniature tablecloths. Though they don’t cover the entire kit and caboodle, they do the trick of providing some protection to the table, while also offering style, texture, elegance, and design.

If you’re loving the layered look, you can add placemats or runners on top of your tablecloth, as well. If you go in this direction, I recommend using one or the other. Having both placemats and a runner, plus a tablecloth, might be a little too much fabric and make people feel like there’s a sleeping bag under their dinner plates.

One of the trendier looks these days is to have just a table runner layered down the center of an undressed table. This is a casual and classic look that many people are displaying.

As for the placemats, I’d recommend using them for practical eating purposes or for staging a beautiful tablescape. The everyday look of having placements laid out on the table is considered a more out-of-style trend.

My Favorite Tablecloths

Currently, my favorite tablecloths are from the Threshold collection at Target. They are a cotton/polyester blend and have a GREAT texture. They feel expensive without the expensive price. I’m always down for a combo like that! Plus, they wash up well, don’t shrink, and the wrinkles come out easily with a good press from a hot iron.

Other Fun Posts You Might Want to Check Out

Top Trending Kitchen and Dining Room Tables

Timeless Entertaining Must Haves for Your Kitchen

Thank you for joining me as we uncovered the puzzling question, “Are tablecloths out of style?” I hope this helped give you some clarity and ideas for how tablecloths can be a trendy part of your entertaining décor. Style these timeless gems however you see fit. The tablecloth concept is here to stay.

If you found this info helpful, please leave a comment below. Your words make all the difference. I love hearing from you!

P.S. Note of Encouragement

Do you ever take a walk and talk to God about your concerns? I was doing just that the other day and I felt like He was telling me that the sun was going to come out in yours and my life, even amid the gray clouds.

As I looked around, there were gray skies and thick heavy clouds, everywhere. The sun was invisible. But, oddly enough, everything just seemed to start getting brighter. It was as if the sun was trying to peek through, even though there was absolutely no evidence. The only proof I had was the feeling of peace and hope in my heart, and the bright yellow tint that covered everything.

Have you been hoping and praying for certain clouds in your life to part? Have you waited and waited for a breakthrough to come, only to have to wait some more? I can so relate! Me, too! But, I felt the Lord breathe His hope and life into those dull situations, and tell me that the sun was coming. It was more like, the sun IS HERE.

Let me encourage you! You didn’t stumble upon this blog for no reason. I prayed that you would read this and be so very encouraged. Hold fast! The sun has arrived and the things that are clouding your life, heart, and mind are parting.