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I’ve inherited a mid-century teak veneer table for my kitchen. The veneer is in poor condition with marks and fading. I’m considering repairing it, but I’m also thinking about using a tablecloth to cover it up. How can I make this look chic instead of old-fashioned?
I don’t believe that tablecloths have to be old-fashioned or twee. However, if you love your inherited table, it might be worth repairing the veneer so you can enjoy its natural beauty without a permanent cover. Personally, I enjoy changing things up in my home. We have two dining tables: a small round one in the kitchen with a dark red marble top, and an old oak farmhouse table in the dining room, which has a delightful worn appearance. I prefer to leave them uncovered to appreciate the materials they’re made from.
For special occasions like dinner parties, I like to dress up my table with a tablecloth. I have a variety of options in different patterns and colors. The tablecloth should complement the overall look of the room, with harmonious colors and patterns. I recently added a beautiful cotton cloth from Svenskt Tenn to my collection. It has a classic chocolate brown gingham pattern, which pairs well with the Pompeian red walls and grass-green dining chairs in our dining room. Even though I am not usually drawn to gingham, I find it appealing on my table because it can go well with anything, much like a stripe.
If you’re looking for a striking pattern, check out Cabana’s Benaki Collection. This collection is inspired by items in the Benaki Museum in Athens, and a percentage of the sales support the museum. I particularly like the Ioannina tablecloth from this collection, which features a vibrant mix of floral patterns inspired by a 19th-century textile.
Carolina Irving & Daughters also offers unique options. Their Black Vine Tablecloth has a graphic pattern that would make a striking backdrop for any autumn supper. The design draws inspiration from Elizabethan blackwork, a type of embroidery popular in Tudor England.
I previously mentioned East London Cloth for curtains, but they also make exceptional tablecloths. These made-to-order tablecloths are lined in cotton sateen, adding structure and drama. They can be customized to fit the exact dimensions of your table. In the past, they have even made tablecloths trimmed with bullion fringe for a glamorous look.
Of course, you can use any fabric as a tablecloth. I have bought old chintz scraps on eBay and had them tailored to fit my round kitchen table perfectly. Alternatively, you can simply find a piece of fabric large enough for your table. Single curtains can work well as tablecloths too. For example, Katharine Pole is selling a late 18th-century French curtain in a blue and faded yellow Vichy check, which would make an excellent tablecloth. Another option from Pole is a silk and linen mix panel with dark indigo, green, and terracotta stripes, perfect for the upcoming season.
When it comes to sizing, go for a big tablecloth. It’s better to have it slightly oversized so it can hang to the floor or at least around 30cm from the tabletop. Don’t save your tablecloths only for dinner parties – use them every day! There’s something uplifting and elevating about the simple act of throwing on a tablecloth, signaling that good times are about to be had.
If you have any questions about design and stylish living, feel free to email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Instagram @lukeedwardhall to stay updated with my latest work. Make sure to follow @FTProperty on X or @ft_houseandhome on Instagram for our latest stories.
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