Lace Tablecloths

There are three types of laces most often found for tabletop use. Most affordable tablecloths these days are machine-made rather than labor-intensive handmade and replicate antique and vintage laces. The three types most often found replicate the following styles of laces:

Needle or Bobbin Lace - A variety of styles of laces can be created with just needle and thread. For most tablecloths that means they've been created by a machines, unlike centuries ago when lace making was all handmade.

Crocheted Lace - This type of lace utilizes a heavier thread and a hook instead of needle and uses a limited number of types of stitches. Irish lace is a variation of crocheted lace.

Cut Work Lace - Designs are embroidered on cloth and fabric is removed, sometimes by means of burning the fabric away.

Along with the various types of lace, you'll also find four types of shapes for you tabletop, including rectangle, oval, square and round. Runners are also a beautiful choice. They also come in a variety of sizes, as well.

Image: Tablecloths from Amazon, see below

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There are a variety of sizes when it comes to any table covering, including rectangular tablecloths. There are "standards" of course, but manufacturers don't always stick to them. So how to you decide what size tablecloth you need? Use this "standard" in choosing: you should have a 6 to 10 inch drop (or overhang) all around./p

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The majority of round tablecloths come in a 70" diameter. This is enough to cover a small side table or a 36" wide table with a 17" drop around the sides. Some round lace tablecloths come in a 90" size.

Want to add a little color underneath you lace tablecloth? It's easy enough to do; just lay down a solid colored tablecloth the same size or larger than you lace tablecloth.

It's a great way to add color any time of the year, but it's a decorating bonus for the holidays. Add a red or green tablecloth for the Christmas holidays, blue for Hanukkah, pink for Easter... well you get the idea.

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Oval or oblong lace tablecloths are hard to come by. Luckily, you can also use rectangular tablecloths and they'll look just as beautiful.

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While lace tablecloths are beautiful on a dining room table, they look wonderful in other rooms of the house. Cover side tables in a bedroom or living room to add a romantic look.

While lace tablecloths add a romantic looks to a dining room table, they can be used for so much more. They can be used to add a vintage or antique look to your windows -- use them as swags or scarves -- or throw one over a bed. You can also use them on sofas or chairs as coverings or throws. Think a little bit outside the box -- and the tablecloth -- to add a special look to your home.

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Even a small amount of lace, such as a lace table runner, can add elegance to your table. Also use runners on smaller, accent table or across a coffee table.

Always read the instruction for you new lace tablecloth. Luckily, many of the machine-made tablecloths available nowadays are made from polyester and/or cotton, which makes them easy to care for. Unless otherwise stated on the instruction, machine wash you lace tablecloth in the gentle cycle with mild detergent and dry on a light heat seating or line dry.