Elegantly laid: tablecloths and table runners for special occasions and every day
Sharing a meal brings people together, creates joy and strengthens connections. Where you and your family feel at home, the look of the table deserves attention too. For big celebrations and everyday meals alike, set your table with modern tablecloths and table runners that create a welcoming atmosphere. Discover ways to show off your designer dining table and bring your festive table in line with your personal taste.
Buying tablecloths and table runners – what to consider:
- Tablecloth or table runner – the right choice for your dining table
- Linen, cotton or a blend of the two?
- Setting the table with the right design
- Which tablecloth size for which table?
- Table runners – how long and wide should they be?
- How to wash tablecloths properly
- Table linen for every budget
1. Tablecloth or table runner – the right choice for your dining table
As far back as antiquity, people decorated festive tables with table linen. After all, we eat with our eyes first. Table runners are generally very narrow and long. They're minimalist and decorate the table without covering it. This is a particular advantage if you have a fine designer table and don't want to hide it completely under a tablecloth. Tablecloths are the right choice when you want to create a festive atmosphere – at Connox, you'll find elegant tablecloths and table runners for Christmas and other special occasions. But tablecloths also enrich the dining room every day and protect the table from stains and scratches. On an untreated wooden tabletop, the Kastehelmi table runner by Iittala looks particularly elegant. Made of 100% linen, it complements the natural charm of warm wood tones. You can continue the classic Scandinavian design of the series by pairing your runner with kitchen textiles or candle holders from the same series. The recurring drop motif brings the table together into a cohesive whole.
2. Linen, cotton or a blend of the two?
We offer a wide selection of tablecloths and table runners. But which fabric is right for you? Each material has its own advantages, which we introduce below:
Linen:
The classic linen tablecloth has been an essential kitchen textile since our grandmothers' day. Linen is spun very finely, so it produces hardly any lint – but it creases all the more quickly. It's also very durable and can safely be washed at 60 °C. You'll find more information here.
Cotton:
Cotton is perfect for everyday use: it's durable, can withstand high washing temperatures and comes in lots of bright colours. Cotton tablecloths are also very hard-wearing and, unlike linen, have some stretch. Thanks to their elegant look, they're a particularly good choice for special occasions.
Cotton and polyester:
Cotton and polyester are often blended, combining the advantages of both materials. Synthetic fibres don't crease, so they're very easy to care for. The Lea tablecloth by Juna is also coated, making it dirt- and water-repellent. As polyester is very weather-resistant, the Mono table runner by Pappelina, for example, is ideal for outdoor use.
3. Setting the table with the right design
How do you find the perfect design for your new tablecloth? A cohesive table is made up of many details, so think about combinations. Choose table linen that goes with your kitchen textiles, tableware and furniture. Combine pieces from the same design line, such as matching napkins for your Normann Copenhagen tablecloth. Emphasise a consistent look by coordinating your choice with the rest of your interior. Use table linen and tableware as a frame to highlight design elements: a plain grey table runner adds stylish accents on a patterned tablecloth, while a classic white tablecloth makes a backdrop for floral arrangements in vases. With the Unikko cotton tablecloth by Marimekko, you can turn your breakfast table into a sea of flowers without any extra accessories.
4. Which tablecloth size for which table?
Before choosing a new tablecloth, it's best to measure your table. The right dimensions don't just matter for the look: a tablecloth that's too long can be very uncomfortable for your guests. As a rule, an overhang of around 20 centimetres over the edge of the table makes a tablecloth hang nicely. Before you buy, measure the length and width of your tabletop and add 40 centimetres to each. For a round tablecloth, first measure the diameter of your tabletop and again allow for an overhang of 20 centimetres on each side.
5. Table runners – how long and wide should they be?
Dimensions matter for table runners as well as tablecloths. For the fabric to hang nicely, an overhang of about 20 centimetres is again recommended. There are two ways to decorate your table with table runners: either choose one long runner along the length of the table, or two short ones across its width. The second option is particularly practical if you want to protect your wooden table and use the runners as a base for plates, cutlery and glasses. The first works well if you want to display pretty table decorations on the runner. We offer shorter runners 70 centimetres long as well as versions over 2 metres. Most of our table runners are around 40 or 50 centimetres wide.
6. How to wash tablecloths properly
The right care helps your table linen last a long time. High-quality linen can be machine-washed at 60 °C. Iron the tablecloth while it's still slightly damp after washing, otherwise you'll get unsightly creases. For colourful cotton tablecloths, choose a low water temperature and sort by colour to protect the colours. Bear in mind, however, that cotton can shrink in the wash, so you should stretch it back into shape while it's still damp.
7. From fine linen to practical everyday tablecloths – table linen for every budget
At Connox, you'll find modern designer tablecloths for every budget. The Wea tablecloth by Juna, with its classic striped design, sits in the entry-level price range. The Arne Jacobsen damask tablecloth combines elegance and simplicity in the mid-price range. Festive table settings look particularly good on the Vitra tablecloths with their geometric shapes, which are in the higher price range. From white or grey table runners to colourful cotton tablecloths for everyday use and white linen tablecloths for Christmas dinner: at Connox, you'll find tablecloths that bring style and elegance to your table.
Connox – your benefits at a glance
- A carefully selected range from top design brands
- High-quality products by well-known designers
- Simple, direct online shopping
- Personal support from our customer service team
- Fair delivery costs
- Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
- Delivery in just a few working days
Would you like to buy table runners and tablecloths online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
