A Guide to Choosing Exquisite Table Linens and Placemats

Let's be honest. The right table linens and placemats are the secret weapon for turning a simple meal into an event.

They’re not just there to catch crumbs. They are the foundational layer of texture, color, and personality. They transform your dining room from a place to eat into a stage for connection and style.

The Secret to an Unforgettable Dining Room

Step inside a beautifully designed Atlanta home—from a classic Buckhead estate to a modern masterpiece in Alpharetta—and you’ll notice the details make all the difference. Especially in the dining room.

This is where fine linens set the tone. Forget generic, mass-produced options. We’re talking about the tactile luxury of Belgian linen, vibrant patterns from exclusive mills, and the perfect drape that only custom work delivers.

This push toward elevated at-home dining isn’t just a local Atlanta trend. The global table linen market is projected to grow by USD 2.20 billion between 2025 and 2029. North America is leading the charge. See the full analysis on Technavio's website.

Why? A renewed appreciation for quality and atmosphere in our own homes.

Why Quality Linens Matter

Investing in high-end table linens is about more than looks. It's about building a collection that lasts, improves with age, and elevates every single gathering. For discerning homeowners and designers across North Georgia, from Milton to Marietta, the choice of fabric communicates a commitment to craftsmanship.

• Durability and Longevity: Premium materials like authentic Belgian linen are designed to endure. They actually get softer and more beautiful with each wash.
• Customization and Personality: Selecting from our vast Atlanta fabric showroom means you can find a pattern or texture that perfectly complements your Wesley Hall sofas or Lee Industries chairs.
• The Elevated Experience: The substantial weight of a quality napkin or the elegant drape of a well-made tablecloth instantly signals a special occasion. Even on a Tuesday.

Your Roadmap to a Curated Tablescape

This guide is your resource for creating a high-end table setting that feels intentional, not stuffy. We'll explore the real difference between materials, show you how to measure like a pro, and reveal how layering textures creates a tablescape with a story. For more dining room inspiration, explore these timeless blue dining room ideas.

For homeowners and designers in Atlanta and the surrounding areas, this is your roadmap to a dining space that feels curated, timeless, and effortlessly chic. A direct reflection of the quality you'll find in our Lewis and Sheron Buckhead showroom.

Choosing Your Fabric: The Foundation of Style

The fabric is the soul of any fine table linen. It’s what you feel, what you see, and what ultimately defines its luxury and longevity.

Think of it as the anchor for your entire dining room's aesthetic. It’s the difference between a table that’s just set and one that’s truly styled.

In our Buckhead showroom, we guide clients through a world of exquisite textiles, helping them move beyond the ordinary. This choice is a sensory experience that begins the moment guests sit down. It's one of the most important decisions you'll make.

The Classics: Linen and Cotton

When it comes to fine table linens, two materials are timeless icons: linen and cotton. Each brings a distinct personality to the table. The right one often comes down to the story you want your dining room to tell.

Belgian Linen: The Heirloom Choice
Let’s talk about authentic Belgian Linen from Libeco. This isn’t just fabric; it’s an heirloom in the making. Known for its incredible durability and natural luster, linen gets better with age, softening beautifully with every wash. Its relaxed, slightly rumpled texture whispers effortless elegance—perfect for a sophisticated farmhouse in Milton or a classic Atlanta home.

Classic Cotton: The Versatile Workhorse
Then there's cotton, the undisputed champion of versatility. It’s crisp, smooth, and provides the perfect canvas for the vibrant, custom patterns we source from esteemed mills like Kravet and Fabricut. Cotton holds color brilliantly and offers a more formal, polished look.

Its popularity is earned. Cotton dominates the table linen market, holding a commanding 35.7% revenue share in 2023 because of its strength, color retention, and absorbency.

Performance Fabrics: Modern Luxury Meets Practicality

For bustling homes in Roswell or Marietta, worrying about spills shouldn't kill beautiful design. This is where performance fabrics from Crypton change the game. They offer incredible spill and stain resistance without sacrificing a soft, luxurious feel.

Forget what you think you know about performance fabrics. The modern options in our Atlanta fabric showroom feel just as luxurious as natural fibers, blending high-end design with real-world livability.

These textiles handle everything from red wine to coffee, making them an ideal choice for families or anyone who entertains without stress. They prove you don’t have to choose between elegance and practicality.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

So, how do you decide? Match the material to your lifestyle.

• For Rustic Elegance & Timeless Charm: Choose Belgian Linen. Its organic texture is perfect for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• For Crisp Formality & Vibrant Patterns: Opt for Cotton. It’s the go-to for a sharp, tailored look.
• For Everyday Beauty & Peace of Mind: Select a Performance Fabric. Enjoy luxurious gatherings, stress-free.

Whether you’re drawn to the rustic grace of linen, the classic versatility of cotton, or the smart sophistication of a performance blend, the right material tells your story. Want to learn more about how these textiles come to life? Check out our guide on examples of woven fabrics.

Getting the Perfect Fit for Your Table

Nothing throws off a beautiful tablescape faster than a poorly fitting tablecloth. Too short? An afterthought. Too long? A tripping hazard. It’s a subtle detail that makes or breaks a polished, pulled-together look.

We help our clients in Cumming and Forsyth County nail this detail every time. The secret is the "drop"—the design term for the fabric hanging down from the table’s edge. It's the key to that intentional, professional drape.

The drop sets the tone. A casual weekend brunch feels right with a shorter 6 to 8-inch drop. But a formal holiday dinner demands a more dramatic drop that skims the floor. That's what creates a sense of occasion.

Mastering the Measurements

Figuring out the right size for your table linens and placemats is simple once you know the formula. It doesn't matter if your table is round, rectangular, or oval—the process starts with a tape measure.

Here’s how we break it down:

• For Rectangular & Oval Tables: Measure the length and width. Decide on your ideal drop length. Double that drop and add it to both the length and the width.
  • Example: For a table that is 80" long by 40" wide, with a 10" drop, your tablecloth needs to be 100" x 60". (That’s 80 + 20 and 40 + 20).
• For Round Tables: Measure the diameter. Double your desired drop and add that number to the diameter. Done.

A perfectly measured tablecloth doesn’t just look better; it hangs better. The weight is distributed evenly, creating those elegant, clean lines that define high-end interior design.

Understanding the core properties of linen, cotton, and performance fabrics is key to choosing the right material for your tablescape.

This simple breakdown shows how classic natural fibers like linen and cotton offer timeless appeal, while modern performance options bring serious durability to the table.

To make things even easier, here's a quick reference guide. Just find your table shape and plug in your numbers.

Tablecloth Sizing and Drop Length Guide

This chart is a great starting point, helping you visualize how different drop lengths will translate to your final tablecloth dimensions.

What About Placemats?

Placemats are simpler—it’s all about proportion. They need to be large enough to frame a dinner plate, charger, and cutlery without feeling crowded. A standard placemat is around 14x20 inches, but custom sizes from our Atlanta fabric showroom can be made to fit any unique table.

This is where the resources in our Buckhead design center make a difference. Whether you’re choosing from our in-stock collection or having us create a custom piece from an exclusive designer fabric, we take the guesswork out. The goal is simple: make sure your linens drape flawlessly, every time. And while linens set the stage, comfortable seating completes the experience. For dining nooks, understanding the perfect bench seat depth makes a world of difference.

For anyone who loves a good DIY project, our guide can show you how to make tablecloths. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the artistry that goes into a perfectly fitted piece.

The Art of Layering to Create Depth and Texture

A truly memorable table setting is a masterclass in layering. It’s the thoughtful combination of several elements that creates depth, texture, and personality. This is how Atlanta’s top interior designers transform a simple table into a stunning focal point.

It’s an art form you can easily master. Forget throwing a single tablecloth down and calling it a day. Think of your table as a canvas. Each layer adds a new dimension. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner in Milton or a casual brunch in East Cobb, these techniques will elevate your tablescape from functional to unforgettable.

Start with a Foundational Cloth

Your first layer sets the mood. This is your foundation—the tablecloth. For a look that’s both luxurious and versatile, start with a solid, high-quality fabric. A neutral Belgian linen provides a rich, tactile base that works beautifully for nearly any occasion.

This initial layer is your anchor. It should complement the room's decor, whether that's the rich wood of an Ambella dining table or the custom upholstery on a set of Lee Industries chairs. The texture and drape immediately signal quality.

Introduce Placemats to Define Each Setting

Next, define each individual space. This is where placemats come in. They aren't just for protecting your table; they are a key layering tool that adds visual interest and structure.

This is your chance to play with contrast.

• Material Contrast: Layer a woven rattan placemat over a smooth linen tablecloth to add natural, rustic texture.
• Pattern Contrast: If your tablecloth is solid, choose placemats with a complementary pattern from one of our exclusive designer fabrics. A subtle stripe or classic floral introduces personality without overwhelming the setting.
• Color Contrast: Use placemats to pull in an accent color from your dining room, creating a cohesive design story.

Add a Runner for a Pop of Color

Think of the table runner as the spine of your design. Placed down the center, it draws the eye inward and provides a home for centerpieces. It’s also the perfect opportunity to introduce a bold color or an intricate pattern.

A runner can work over a tablecloth for maximum impact or on its own on a beautiful wood table. For designers in our trade furniture program, selecting a runner from our Atlanta fabric showroom allows them to create a completely custom look that ties into other textiles in the room.

Layering isn’t about clutter; it’s about curation. Each piece should have a purpose, adding to the sensory experience of texture, color, and depth. This is what turns a meal into a design moment.

The Finishing Touch: Cloth Napkins

Finally, the napkins. This is the last layer, but it’s often the one your guests interact with most. A quality cloth napkin adds a final touch of sophistication that paper can never replicate.

How you present them adds another layer of style. Folded elegantly on the plate, slipped through a simple ring, or tied casually. The key is to choose a napkin that complements the other layers. Match them to the tablecloth for a classic look, or select a contrasting color that plays off the runner.

For designers and homeowners visiting our Buckhead location from Roswell or Alpharetta, we often suggest thinking of the napkin as the final piece of jewelry for the outfit. It completes the look, tying all the other elements together.

Bringing Your Vision to Life with Custom Linens

Sometimes, the perfect piece doesn't exist on a shelf—it exists in your imagination. That exact shade of blue for your napkins. A tablecloth sized for a family heirloom. This is where off-the-rack falls short, and where Lewis and Sheron’s custom design services shine.

For Atlanta’s interior designers in our Trade Program and homeowners with a specific vision, our Buckhead fabric showroom is a playground of possibility. This isn’t just buying fabric; it’s co-creating something uniquely yours. It’s the ultimate expression of personal style.

From Imagination to Reality: The Custom Process

The journey to creating custom table linens and placemats is collaborative and exciting. Our in-house design services make it seamless, guiding you from that first spark of an idea to the finished product.

Here’s how we bring your vision to life:

1. Consultation and Discovery: It starts with a conversation. We’ll talk about your goals, lifestyle, and existing elements, like the finish on your Ambella dining table or the fabric on your Wesley Hall sofa.
2. Fabric Exploration: This is the fun part. We guide you through thousands of textile options in our Atlanta fabric showroom, from Libeco linen to vibrant patterns from Fabricut and P. Kaufmann.
3. Precise Measurement and Design: We handle the technical details, ensuring every dimension is perfect for a flawless, professional drape.
4. Expert Craftsmanship: Our skilled artisans transform your chosen designer fabric into a stunning, cohesive set of table linens.

Solving Unique Design Challenges

Customization solves almost any design dilemma. It empowers homeowners and designers in areas like Roswell, Marietta, and Milton to move beyond standard limitations.

Have an unusually large or oddly shaped dining table? We'll create a tablecloth to your exact measurements.

Fell in love with a specific designer fabric for your draperies? Let’s use it to create placemats and napkins that coordinate flawlessly with the rest of your room, or even with the custom upholstery on your new Lee Industries chairs. This is how a room achieves that coveted, layered look.

Custom work is the bridge between a beautiful room and a truly curated home. It’s the detail that says every element was chosen with purpose, creating a narrative that flows from your furniture to your table.

This hands-on approach is more important than ever. Even as online shopping grows, North America leads the table linen market, with the U.S. accounting for 57.5% of the regional share in 2024. Offline channels still command 53.26% of that market because shoppers want to feel fabrics and see the quality firsthand. Get more data on these trends at Zion Market Research.

The Power of a Cohesive Design Story

Ultimately, custom table linens weave a cohesive design story that connects every element in your space. When your placemats echo a color from your drapes and your napkins complement your rug, the entire room just feels right.

This service is a cornerstone of our Lewis and Sheron Trade Program, providing Atlanta interior design resources that help professionals deliver exceptional results. For homeowners, it’s an accessible way to achieve that designer look.

Caring for Your Investment to Ensure Lasting Beauty

Think of your fine table linens as an investment. With the right care, they can become heirlooms, passed down with stories of family gatherings in Buckhead or holiday dinners in Roswell. The key is understanding what your specific fabric needs.

This isn't about complicated chores. It's about simple routines that protect your linens and keep them looking exquisite.

Washing and Drying Best Practices

Proper laundering is the foundation of linen care. It prevents shrinking, fading, and wear.

• Read the Label: Always start here. A custom piece from our Atlanta fabric showroom will have specific instructions.
• Choose the Right Temperature: For natural fibers like cotton and linen, cool or warm wash is ideal. Hot water causes stress and shrinking.
• Use a Gentle Detergent: Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach, which weaken natural fibers. A mild, pH-neutral soap is your best bet.
• Air-Dry When Possible: Tumble drying on low is okay, but line-drying is the gold standard. It’s gentler and helps prevent stubborn wrinkles.

Caring for your linens is much like caring for any other piece of luxury furniture in your Atlanta home. A little thoughtful maintenance goes a long way.

The Art of the Perfect Finish

Achieving that crisp, professional finish is easier than you think. The secret? Iron your linens while they are still slightly damp.

This allows the iron to glide smoothly, pressing out wrinkles without scorching the fibers. Use a medium-hot setting for cotton and a hot setting for linen. Always keep the iron moving.

If you're interested in learning more about the unique qualities of linen, explore our article on the timeless appeal of linen hand towels.

Tackling Common Stains

Life happens. The trick is to act quickly.

For red wine, blot immediately (don't rub!) and apply salt or baking soda to draw out the liquid. For oil-based stains, a little dish soap applied directly to the spot before washing works wonders.

Following these simple guidelines ensures your beautiful linens—whether framing a casual brunch in Alpharetta or a formal dinner on West Paces Ferry—remain a cherished part of your home’s story.

Your Questions on Table Linens Answered

You’ve got questions. Our design experts have answers. Here are some of the most common topics we discuss with clients in our Buckhead showroom when they’re selecting the perfect table linens and placemats.

How Do I Mix Patterns Without Making My Table Look Too Busy?

Great question. The secret isn’t to shy away from patterns, but to vary their scale. A classic design principle that always works.

If you love a tablecloth with a large, bold floral, pair it with something more subtle—placemats or napkins with a small-scale geometric print or a simple stripe. Also, keep a consistent color story. As long as your patterns share one or two common colors, they’ll feel harmonious, not chaotic.

Should My Napkins Always Match My Tablecloth?

Not at all! A matched set is classic, but some of the most beautiful tablescapes come from mixing it up. Think of your napkins as an accent piece, like a throw pillow on a sofa.

This is your chance to pull in a secondary color from your dining room's decor—a shade from your drapery fabric or the velvet on a Wesley Hall sofa. A popular technique among Atlanta designers is to choose a solid-colored napkin that complements a patterned tablecloth. It creates a sophisticated, layered effect.

Can I Use Placemats on Top of a Tablecloth?

Yes, and you absolutely should! This is a detail that signals a high-end, thoughtfully designed table. Layering placemats over a cloth does two wonderful things:

• It adds texture and dimension. Imagine a woven placemat on a smooth linen cloth—that contrast makes a setting interesting.
• It frames each place setting. This simple act defines each guest's space, making the tablescape feel more organized and intentional.

For our clients in the trade furniture program, this is one of the easiest ways to elevate a dining space. A small detail that delivers major design impact.

What Is the Most Durable Fabric for a Family Home?

For busy households in Marietta and Cumming, durability is everything. While linen and cotton are timeless, modern performance fabrics from brands like Crypton have been a game-changer. These textiles are engineered to resist spills and stains, so a dropped glass of red wine is no longer a catastrophe.

The best part? You don't sacrifice an ounce of style for that practicality. The performance fabrics in our Atlanta fabric showroom offer the same luxurious feel as natural fibers, giving you total peace of mind.

Ready to create a dining experience that feels both luxurious and personal? Visit the Lewis and Sheron Textiles design center in Buckhead to explore our exquisite fabric collections and custom services, or start your journey online today.

https://lsfabrics.com