Oval Linen Tablecloth, Oval Linen Table Cloth Fabrics

The majority of home dining room tables are oval. There are many linen tablecloth fabrics, and we will look into the options available for a beautiful oval tablecloth.

We will also explore the pros and cons of not only a true oval linen tablecloth or an oval faux linen tablecloth.

Before doing so let's look at the definition of a linen tablecloth. Merriam-Webster defines it as "cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster.

However, in today's market, most of the industry refers to an oval linen tablecloth as a descriptive term for any fabric, not just flax linen. Even more so with cotton polyester blends.

Flax is aesthetically elegant, expensive oval dining tablecloth. With its natural luster, it drapes nicely on a table. Highly durable. Twenty years ago this was the #1 choice but today it is not very popular.

The natural flax, similar to jute burlap fabric, is very stiff. It does soften with washing but the problem is that flax tends to wrinkle terribly and even from folding for storage, also develops creases very easily. In addition, stains can be very challenging to remove. Laundering requires delicate care in the wash cycle so the fibers are not weakened. In addition, high heat from washing or drying will also damage the fabric. As delicate as this fabric is treated, expect shrinkage. Most consumers looking for an oval dining table cloth want a beautiful but easy care table linen. With the advancement of synthetic linens, there is no need for flax linen tablecloths and the great length of ironing and delicate care required. Many of the polyester tablecloths or polyester/cotton linens are just as nice without the headaches.

A stonewashed oval linen tablecloth is a flax tablecloth that has gone through a washing process to be softened. This does make the oval dining tablecloth softer as well as giving it a weathered appearance that adds depth and character to the linen table cloth. The downside is that it is also very susceptible to wrinkles and pricing is usually even more expensive than any other linen alternatives. As you would expect, laundering and care is intensive.

This is one of the two most popular oval dining tablecloth. The reasons why polyester oval tablecloths are so popular include are many:

Large selection: There is such a wide range of polyester oval dining table cloth fabrics. Everything from the basic polyester which offers a hugh variety of solid colors. Our basic polyester tablecloth is called the Poly Premier and is available in 74 colors to match your china, carpet, theme, time of the year or holiday. The large array of other polyester dining table cloth fabrics include textured fabrics that look like a cotton table linen, damask patterns, checked and striped oval linen tablecloths and hundreds of prints.

Stain and wrinkle resistant: Unlike the flax and the cotton, with this fabric, stains do not absorb into the fibers so stains are much easier to remove. Many polyester fabrics come treated with soil release technology.

Versatility: Polyester tablecloths can be used for casual get togethers and every day dining as well as for formal occasions, special dinners, elegant fine dining and for the holidays.

Polyester tablecloths, being synthetic, are wrinkle resistant. Some fabrics are not only stain resistant, but wrinkle free. The degree of how wrinkle resistant a poly tablecloth is varies tremendously. Be sure to check with the tablecloth manufacturer if not listed in the product description. At Premier Table Linens our oval linen tablecloth fabric that are very wrinkle resistant to practically wrinkle free are numerous. Spun Poly which looks and feels like a cotton blend. The Panama oval linen tablecloth and the English Linen are top of the line faux linen tablecloths. Heavyweight, textured and wrinkle free that one would never think were polyester. The Poly Check and the Poly Stripe oval dining tablecloths are wrinkle free tablecloths as well.

Polyester cotton tablecloths is the other favorite material. Being a blend, it offers the best of both worlds. It combines polyester’s durability and wrinkle resistance with cotton’s softness, thickness and texture. In addition, the polyester cotton napkins are absorbent which is an important feature for dinner napkins. With the poly cotton blend, it is recommended that the cotton not exceed 60%. Premier Table Linens manufactures the following poly cotton oval tablecloths; Poly Cotton Twill (50% poly / 50% cotton, solid colors), Miranda Damask (50% poly / 50% cotton), Melrose Damask (41% poly / 59% cotton).

With the poly cotton tablecloths, there may be minimal shrinkage, 1” to 3”. Keep this in mind when deciding the size for your table and add a few extra inches.

A 100% cotton is absolutely beautiful and it is a very soft fabric. But at the same time it is not recommended for the excessive wrinkles, color fading, and considerable shrinkage to the point the cotton tablecloth is no longer usable after a short period of time.

Decide on a material and then take the time to view photos and product descriptions for the table linen that will be in your home. Take the time to also measure your oval table. So often we receive phone calls from a customer stating that they want an oval tablecloth 6 seater. Table size varies greatly and it would only be a guess. Instead of asking for an oval tablecloth 6 seater, take a moment and measure the width and length of your table so that you can order a perfectly fitting oval table cloth. With the width and length of the table, this oval tablecloth guide will explain what size oval dining table cloth size will be perfect on your table. Consumers are also welcome to call Premier Table Linens, (800) 937-1159 for size assistance and for recommendations.