What are the fabrics for tablecloths and which one to choose?
Tablecloths are an important element of indoor decor, as they create a cozy atmosphere and also effectively protect the countertop from scratches and dirt. When choosing the right model, one should take into account what material the product is made of, so it is important to study the characteristics of each of them before buying.
Primary requirements
Materials should not only be beautiful, but also functional. During use, textile fabrics can deform and become dirty, since various drinks are often spilled on them, fatty food products fall. People quite often leave traces of lipstick on the tablecloth or stains from their hands.
There are a number of requirements that must be met by the fabrics from which the tablecloths are sewn.
- The density of the material should be high. Both at home and in a cafe, products are tested with a large number of mechanical loads, among which are friction with elbows and tableware, as well as damage from knives and other cutlery. The increased strength will avoid damage and prolong the blade's life.
- It will be better if the fabric is elastic and drape. It should not puff up. You should choose a material that softly fits the countertop, repeats its shape and falls off in spectacular folds.
- Shape-resistant materials - the best option, since such canvases should not shrink and stretch, because this can change their geometric shape, and it will be more difficult to lay out the tablecloth beautifully on the table.
- Choose a fabric that does not wrinkle. Even if the material is very beautiful and aesthetic, with prolonged use, folds and creases may appear on it, which will significantly spoil its appearance.
- Ease of maintenance is an important criterion. Textiles of this kind are often washed, so you need to choose unpretentious materials that will dry quickly. The ideal option is textiles that do not require ironing.
- The paints on the material must be resistant, since the tablecloth should retain an attractive appearance after a large number of washes and not be afraid of the sun's rays.
- Textiles should not slip on the countertop. Avoid smooth and shiny fabrics that look beautiful but slide off the table, taking the cutlery with them.
It is recommended to choose eco-friendly textiles, as they will be close to the hands and face. It is important that the fabric does not release harmful substances and does not cause an allergic reaction.
What are the materials?
Products are sewn from different materials, including innovative types. Let's consider a description of each of them.
Natural
Natural fabric is suitable for sewing linen; it is in demand by many housewives due to its decent performance and attractive appearance. Natural textiles include silk, linen, gabardine and cotton. They are ideal options for sewing holiday tablecloths, but they also have a negative quality: products made from such fabrics do not wash well, it is especially difficult to remove old stains.
- Silk - a worthy spectacular option that is suitable for special occasions, for example, a wedding or birthday. Such products look light and aesthetically pleasing, they can serve as a decoration for a party at home. They retain their bright color for a long time. The main disadvantage of this fabric is its high cost.
- Cotton hygroscopic, perfectly absorbs moisture. This quality can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, since a tablecloth, which quickly gets wet from spilled drinks, can rapidly lose its attractive appearance.
- Linen - not only high-quality, but also quite beautiful natural material, which has a lot of advantages, including environmental friendliness, long service life, color fastness. A lot of attractive tablecloths are made from linen cloths, since this fabric has an antiseptic effect, is not able to rot and carry mold on itself. The products will not generate static electricity.
But it is worth considering that linen models will wrinkle a lot during use and washing, it is difficult to iron them.
Synthetic
Teflon materials and polyester are as popular fabrics as natural fabrics. This is a good option for sewing both everyday and festive tablecloths. Practical and versatile, products with a variety of patterns have a long service life. Most often, tablecloths made from these fabrics are used for kitchens. Polyester has a big drawback - it is highly flammable from any sparks, which does not allow using the tablecloth in a place with an open fire.
The characteristics of Teflon materials should be considered in more detail.
- Most often they are water-repellent and extremely durable., are able to effectively protect the countertop from any impact. Moisture rolls off the canvas and does not penetrate inside it due to the presence of impregnation.
- The material is easy to clean. It does not need to be washed often, much less ironed. You can wipe a piece of linen with a damp cloth and it will be clean, shiny and beautiful.
- Teflon coating is not afraid of high temperatures, therefore, hot dishes can be placed on such tablecloths. Some species are not even afraid of open fire.
Mixed
Modern manufacturers use the latest mixed materials for the manufacture of high-quality tablecloths, combining an attractive appearance and excellent durability.... They are also practical and durable. Zhuravinka and mati are the main options, so it is worth considering them in more detail. Zhuravinka (fabric with an unusual poetic name) is made in Belarus, but it is in demand in other countries as well.
The fabric contains cotton and polyester fibers. Due to its qualities, the fabric is in great demand both among ordinary people and among cafe owners. The advantages of the material include a wide variety of patterns, as well as a rich color palette. It is treated with dirt-repellent substances, and due to its high density it does not get wet and adequately protects the countertop from spilled drinks.
Another positive quality of Belarusian paintings is their inability to absorb a variety of odors. This allows them to be used in kitchens and to wash them as little as possible. The fabric does not cause allergic reactions, this has been dermatologically tested. The surface of the fabric can be matte or shiny, with a variety of patterns, so you can choose something unusual and solemn for sewing the tablecloth. These fabrics are a great option for festive dinners, as they look extremely aesthetically pleasing.
Mati is a material that has appeared on the textile market relatively recently, but, despite this, is quite popular. This was facilitated by innovative technologies used in the manufacture of matter. The composition contains about 60 percent cotton, the rest is polyester, which makes the fabric durable and resistant to abrasion.
Most often you can find a plain fabric, but fabrics are also made in several shades. The materials with the “opposite effect” are most in demand, thanks to which the decorators of establishments play up the interior in an original way. The mother has about 20 different images, in which both glossy and matte threads can be seen.
The fabric is pre-treated with an oil-repellent agent. If food, drops of sauce or drinks get on the tablecloth, which was made from mother, you should gently blot the stain with a paper napkin. When the dirt is dry, it can be easily cleaned with a soft sponge. These fabrics are ideal for daily use, as they can be easily washed, they are durable and beautiful.
Which fabric should you choose?
To purchase the highest quality and most suitable material that will serve for a long time and retain its original appearance, you should be guided by some recommendations.
It is important to take into account the frequency of use of a tablecloth made of a particular material, as well as the type of room. For kitchens, it is better to choose a dense and wear-resistant fabric that is not afraid of high temperatures.