Fabrics for tablecloths and napkins
Modern fabrics for tablecloths and napkins combine several special properties that fully reflect their purpose. This is the high practicality of the material, the beauty and conviviality of the appearance, the pleasant softness of sensations. Tablecloths and napkins are the most special decoration of the dining room, which creates a "highlight" and entourage, because the mood of not only the interior, but also the effectiveness of the meal itself depends on the material from which they are made.
The choice of fabrics for tablecloths and napkins is great: these are natural cotton and silk materials, unique synthetic fabrics and blended materials that combine the best qualities of the first two. All of them are acceptable for making tablecloths and napkins, but each has pronounced disadvantages and advantages.
Natural fabrics for tablecloths and napkins.
First of all, we are talking about linen and cotton fabrics. Napkins and tablecloths of these fabrics are considered highly aesthetic and original, and their elitism is basically a big indisputable plus. The disadvantage of using cotton and linen napkins is the rather difficult care of the product. Especially such fabrics are "capricious" when it is necessary to remove stains from wines, juices, coffee. With frequent washing, tablecloths made of cotton and linen fabrics lose their aesthetic qualities.
Modern synthetic fabrics and blended materials are high–tech products that, in appearance and in some characteristics, completely repeat the spectacular natural analogues. If we are talking about using them for tablecloths and napkins, then synthetic and blended fabrics are the best choice. Unlike natural materials, they have one indisputable plus – they are the most convenient for cleaning and processing, withstand frequent washing. Among synthetic and mixed fabrics, for tablecloths and napkins, it is worth recommending, first of all, practical polyester, which has moisture-repellent properties. The disadvantage of this material is that it quickly fades in direct sunlight, and therefore is not very beneficial for arranging a patio in the fresh air.
Among the blended fabrics that are the optimal choice for tablecloths and napkins, jacquard should be noted. If the priority in choosing fabrics for tablecloths and napkins is their bright colors, it is better to abandon natural materials – they are susceptible to fading quite quickly like no other, especially if the fabrics are used outdoors. There are, of course, exceptions, for example, chintz painted in indigo color is an ideal combination that will withstand "ultraviolet", but a tablecloth of such a bright color is unlikely to be suitable for arranging a meal. In addition, many of the natural fabrics can shed, and it does not depend on the exceptional quality of the paint. The most resistant to fading are acrylic fabrics, taffeta, polyester, velvet, viscose, linen, but only mixed linen fabrics.
An important condition for choosing a cloth for tablecloths and napkins is its ability to keep its shape. After washing, natural materials can shrink, especially cotton, wool, corduroy, silk, crepe and linen. You should be careful in choosing fabrics with elastane, which also will not hold the shape with frequent washing. On the contrary, most synthetic fabrics will perfectly retain their shape. It is important that shrinkage depends not so much on the type of fabric, but on the structure of the weave and the base. So, fabrics with a small density, with a thin base and a thick thread weft are subject to shrinkage... however, a consultant in a store who has information about each sample presented in the assortment will always help to understand these tricks.