9 linen table cloths that will instantly re-vamp your set-up

Don’t have a rectangular table? Fear not, Nordic home textile brand Projektityyny (no, we’re not entirely sure how to pronounce that either) offers chic designs for both long and round tables. Made from textured linen, the Wes gingham in mustard is perfect year-round. Team with bright white plates for a pop of summer sunshine or add tonal candles come autumn. The 20cm frill is just the icing on the proverbial cake. Finish the look with matching embroidered napkins (which also double up as a fabric placemat if you prefer) and for the hostess with the mostess, the coordinating pinny.

If a full-size tablecloth feels a bit too much for your space, a chic table runner is a great alternative. Not only does it take up a little less room but this one is also less than half the price of the full-size version – a saving not to be sniffed at. Adding just a touch of colour, you could use alone or layer over the rectangular gingham frill tablecloth above for a beautifully opulent vibe. It’s part of Soho Home’s Rosa collection which includes matching tasselled napkins to complement the tassel trims finishing either end of the runner.

At the forefront of the tablescaping trend has been purveyors of the finest sleepwear, Yolke. For this dreamy tablecloth, the brand teamed up with bespoke embroiderer Cressida Jamieson so you can get matching monogrammed napkins to complete the set. Not only that – there are matching PJ’s available too. Who needs to go out for brunch when staying at home looks this chic? The romantic foxglove print is the most beautiful base for additional candles, plates and glassware in the same blush tones.

We first fell in love with Piglet’s super soft linen from the comfort of our bed but soon discovered it offers tablecloths and napkins too, in the same 100 per cent natural stonewashed French flax material. The beautifully soft hand-feel is down to the brand pre-washing the material, which also prevents shrinkage as well as it becoming misshapen when you chuck it in the wash. The ultimate neutral backdrop, this oatmeal shade effortlessly pulls together a multitude of colour schemes without trying too hard.

Based in Milan, Lisa Corti is known for producing textiles in eclectic patterns inspired by Indian, Chinese and Japanese cultures. This cotton tablecloth is extra large, so perfect for big tables seating 4-6 people or smaller tables if you’d prefer a longer drop. From a purely practical point of view, the leopard print spots should hide any splatters of spaghetti but the warm autumnal shades of maroon and mustard, coupled with the dahlia print and striped border are a complete joy to take in.

If simple and timeless are your style mantras, this Seville tablecloth from The White Company should fit the bill. Made with a blend of linen and cotton, it’s finished with a subtle ladder stitch detail around the hem (just like you’ll find on the brand’s Santorini bed linen), and has the ability to be both dressed up for special occasions or down for more everyday use. Available in two sizes, pair with the matching napkins for a bright white Christmas table.

Speaking from experience, the first stain on your new table linen cuts the deepest. However, with this affordable set, you’ll be more likely to take those red wine splodges in your stride. Available in pristine white, warm beige and a slightly darker grey, there are two sizes to choose from depending on how many you’re seating. It’s finished with double stitched edges but otherwise is completely plain for you to layer with patterned plates and placemats.

We have to admit that it’s not the cheapest option, but this theatrical tablecloth will instantly become the focus of any special occasion dinner party. We’d recommend a large bowl or candle for the very centre, from which big, bold swirls fan out. It’s also available in yellow and blue, all with matching napkins if you’re looking to go all out. We’d recommend keeping the tableware itself super simple to show off the circus-themed big top design. Look out for the brand’s one-off special collaborations with chefs, designers and fashionistas – they always sell out in record time.

A stripy tablecloth is a timeless investment and this one from Tori Murphy is woven and finished here in the UK. Made from soft cotton, this design is available in olive, claret or this black colourway. If your table is an awkward size and you find it hard to buy tablecloths off the peg, Tori Murphy also offers a bespoke made to measure service.