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The best table linen for every setting and celebration

The secret to a perfect table setting.
Striped tablecloth in green and pink settings, showcasing stylish table linens for different dining occasions.
Image: The Iconic

Setting the table – it’s an art, a subtle declaration of “we’re doing something a little fancy here,” or at the very least, “we’re not eating over the sink tonight.” And at the heart of it all? Table linen. The best table linen does more than just protect from spills; it sets the scene, adds texture, and — if you pick wisely — makes you look like someone who has their life together.

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But choosing the best table linen isn’t as simple as grabbing the first thing that vaguely matches your plates. There’s the the crisp elegance of a linen table cloth, the practicality of a non-slip table cover and the charm of table runners that can make even takeout look intentional. And don’t even get us started on the round vs. square table cloth debate.

So, whether you’re aiming for refined, rustic, or just something that hides last night’s mystery stain, we’ve rounded up the best table linens that bring both form and function to the table.

2025’s BEST TABLE LINEN

  1. Habitat Pelham cotton table cloth, $29.95, Pillow Talk (here’s why)
  2. TSL Co Linen table cloth, $140, TSL Co (here’s why)
  3. Muse Milan linen cotton table runner, $29.95, Pillow Talk (here’s why)

The best table linens to shop in Australia 2025

Habitat Pelham Cotton Table Cloth in Toffee colour

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Habitat Pelham cotton table cloth in toffee

from $29.95 (usually from $39.95) at Pillow Talk

Best for: Chic simplicity

The Pelham table cloth is one of those things you don’t realise you need in every colour, until you do. Simple, elegant and versatile, it sets the stage for everything from casual breakfasts to fancy dinners. With subtle edge detailing and a range of shades to choose from, it’s an easy way to refresh your space without overwhelming it. You can even complete the look with the matching table runner and napkins.

“A really great table cloth,” wrote a happy reviewer at Pillow Talk. “Although it’s still a bit too big for my table, it’s so difficult to find round table cloths that I was happy to find this and in a in such a lovely shade. Washes up well for pure cotton, as it’s quite thick. If there was a 150cm round size, I’d buy one in every colour!”

Sizes: Rectangle – 150cm x 230cm, 150cm x 300cm, 180cm x 400cm; Round – 180cm diameter; Square – 180cm x 180cm

Colours: Toffee, white, natural, forest green, navy and burgundy

Material: 100 per cent cotton

Key features:

  • Available in rectangle, round and square sizes
  • Machine washable on a gentle cycle
  • 30 day returns
  • Click & Collect available
TSL Co linen tablecloth in oatmeal colour, large

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TSL Co Linen table cloth in oatmeal

$140 at TSL Co

Best for: Subtle style

This table cloth, woven from premium European linen, is as soft as it is breathable. It adds a natural, rustic touch to your table, turning every meal into something a little more special. And the best part? It only gets better with time, softening and becoming even more inviting with every wash.

“This linen table cloth fits our new table perfectly,” wrote a five-star reviewer on the TSL Co website. “We have had trouble finding a good fit until we found this one and the natural colours complement our new wood look floors. This product is so good I bought another.”

Sizes: 180cm x 260cm, 70 x 102 inches

Colours: Oatmeal, plum and white

Material: Pure French flax linen

Key features:

  • OEKO-TEX certified and free of harmful chemicals
  • Machine washable for easy care
  • Suitable for both round and rectangle tables
  • Soft, breathable and naturally durable
  • Orders processed within one business day, with delivery taking two to seven business days depending on location
  • 30-day returns policy, no questions asked
Muse Milan Linen Cotton Table Runner in natural colour

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Muse Milan linen cotton table runner in natural

$29.95 at Pillow Talk

Best for: Minimalist elegance

The Milan table runner beautifully combines luxury and charm. With a variety of colours to choose from, you’ll likely want one for every occasion. Its timeless design is always in style, making it as versatile as it is stunning.

Pillow Talk customers love the Milan runner for its stylish, high-quality design. Many appreciate the colours and natural look, as well as the perfect length. Overall, they enjoy its elegant yet relaxed feel, and lots have purchased multiple versions to match their décor.

Sizes: 40cm x 200cm

Colours: Natural, sage and white

Materials: Linen and cotton

Key features:

  • Available in a variety of colours
  • Machine washable on a gentle cycle
  • 30 day returns
  • Click & Collect available
Linen House Nimes Lemon Round Tablecloth in yellow

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Linen House Nimes lemon round table cloth

$119.99 at Linen House

Best for: A fresh, sunny vibe

If you’re after a touch of instant charm, the Nimes table cloth is the way to go. Soft, pre-washed and with the perfect rustic vibe, it adds that little extra something many have been searching for. Plus, the table cloth looks great paired with the rest of the Nimes collection.

“Wow, I can’t wait to use this,” posted a reviewer who left five stars at Linen House. “It is hard to find a table cloth large enough for my round outdoor table and this is perfect. I love everything about it, the colour, fabric and of course the size.”

Size: 195cm round

Colour: Lemon

Material: Soft, pre-washed linen

Key features:

  • Available in a fresh lemon colour
  • Comes in three sizes to suit different tables
  • Easy to care for, just machine wash cold
  • Softens beautifully with every wash
  • Ideal for both casual and formal settings
Adairs Siena Olive Jute Round Placemat Pack of 2

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Adairs Siena olive jute round placemat 2-pack

$19.94 for Linen Lovers (usually $29.99) at Adairs

Best for: Earthy charm

These handwoven placemats are here to bring a natural and classic accent to your dining room. With 10 other styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the right one for your space.

Size: 38cm pack of 2

Colour: Olive

Material: Jute

Key features:

  • Handwoven jute for that earthy, natural feel
  • 38cm diameter, ideal for most table settings
  • Set of two for an easy, coordinated look
  • Available in 10 other styles
TSL Co Linen Napkin in chocolate colour

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TSL Co linen napkin in chocolate

$10 at TSL Co

Best for: Luxe, rich tones

Imagine sitting down to dinner, the table full of great food, laughter and the soft clink of glasses. Now, add these linen napkins into the mix, and suddenly, everything feels so much fancier. Made with pure French flax linen, they’re the perfect balance of luxury and practicality.

One five-star reviewer on the TSL Co website wrote: “I love how these are packed in a biodegradable bag, so that there’s no waste. The napkins are high quality for such a good price. I love using them in my food photography. Would definitely purchase again.”

Sizes: 45cm x 45cm

Colour: Chocolate

Material: Pure French flax linen

Key features:

  • OEKO-TEX certified with no harmful chemicals
  • Machine washable
  • Comes wrapped in a linen pouch, ready to gift
  • Free shipping on orders over $100
Adairs Siena Natural Jute Scalloped Table Runner

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Adairs Siena natural jute scalloped table runner

$50.39 for Linen Lovers (usually $79.99) at Adairs

Best for: Rustic elegance

Handwoven with care, the natural texture and unique scalloped edges of this table runner stand out without stealing the spotlight. It’s a simple, elegant option for your table, whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or formal dinner.

“Purchased online and it looks better than the photos,” said a five-star Adairs reviewer. “Can’t ask for better quality…glad that I’ve bought it!”

Size: 150cm (L) x 35cm (W)

Colour: Natural

Material: Jute

Key features:

  • Handwoven jute for an earthy feel
  • 150cm long and 35cm wide, fits most tables
  • Scalloped edge detailing adds a little extra personality
Hommey Napkins (Set of 4) in sage colour

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Hommey napkin 4-pack in sage

$24.50 (usually from $49) at Hommey

Best for: Sustainable style

Set the table, pour the wine and let these Hommey napkins do the rest. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton, they’re soft, stylish and designed to mix and match with the brand’s table cloths. Boasting a stonewashed finish, they will feel like an old favourite — no breaking in required.

“The colour is nicer in real life,” posted a five-star reviewer at Hommey. “Really nice feeling napkins. Clean up well and are easy to wash.”

Sizes: 45cm x 45cm

Colours: Sage, charcoal, cocoa, coconut, milkshake, sand, matcha stripes, picnic stripes, rocky road stripes, resort stripes, vanilla bean stripes and wasabi stripes

Material: 100 per cent organic cotton

Key features:

  • OEKO-TEX certified and free from harmful chemicals
  • Stonewashed for a relaxed, lived-in feel
  • Machine washable
  • Available in 12 colours, including Hommey’s signature stripes
Muse Ashra Fringed Cotton Napkins

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Muse Ashra fringed cotton napkin

$4.95 at Pillow Talk

Best for: Boho flair

Setting the table never looked better. This cotton napkin from Muse brings just the right amount of effortless charm, with soft cotton fabric and a delicate fringed edge. Perfect for everything from casual parties to soirees that run late into the night.

Size: 40cm x 40cm

Colours: Rust, jadeite, beige, forest green and white

Material: Soft, breathable cotton

Key features:

  • Fringed edges
  • Machine washable
  • Available in a range of colours to mix and match
  • Click & Collect available
  • 30 day returns
Hommey Tablecloth in matcha stripes colour

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Hommey table cloth in matcha stripes

$39.50 (usually from $79) at Hommey

Best for: A modern twist

Stylish dining is only a Hommey table cloth away. Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton, this crowd-pleaser has been stonewashed for that perfectly lived-in feel. Pair it with the matching napkins or mix it up with different shades.

Shoppers love this table cloth for its quality and style. One reviewer calls the fabric “amazing,” while another loves the “fun colour” and how well it suits their space. Others appreciate that it looks exactly as advertised.

Size: 150cm x 250cm

Colours: Matcha stripes, rocky road stripes, sand, milkshake, coconut, picnic stripes, cocoa, sage, wasabi stripes, charcoal, vanilla bean and resort stripes

Material: 100 per cent organic cotton

Key features:

  • Stonewashed for a soft, relaxed feel
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • Machine washable
  • Designed to mix and match with Hommey napkins
Ladelle Scalloped Napkin 4 Pack in Green

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Ladelle scalloped napkin 4-pack in green

$29.97 (usually $49.95) at Myer

Best for: Understated class

These Ladelle napkins are all about understated class. The gentle scalloped edges are sophisticated without feeling too formal, making them a great fit for any dining room.

Colour: Green

Key features:

  • Set includes four napkins
  • Subtle scalloped edge for a refined look
  • Versatile design works for any meal
  • Matches perfectly with Ladelle placemats
Rans Elegant Hemstitch Oatmeal Tablecloth in oatmeal colour

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Rans elegant hemstitch table cloth in oatmeal

$92.99 (usually $129.99) at Manchester Factory

Best for: Classic sophistication

Perfect for those who appreciate style and sophistication, this table cloth has you covered (in more ways than one).

“I needed a large tablecloth in a hurry and this one was just perfect,” said a reviewer who left five stars at Manchester Factory. “I chose the oatmeal colour and received several compliments.”

Another wrote: “Was thrilled with this purchase. It really looks great on the table and the quality is very good. Have yet to launder, so not quite sure how that will go, but confident there won’t be a problem.”

Sizes: 130cm x 180xm, 150cm x 230cm, 150cm x 260cm, 150cm x 300cm, 150cm x 360cm, 205cm x 205cm and 180cm round

Colour: Oatmeal

Material: 100 per cent cotton

Key features:

  • Made with a delicate hemstitch design
  • Available in multiple sizes to suit different tables
  • Comes in four luxurious shades
  • Easy to care for and built to last
  • Machine washable

What is the best material for table cloths?

When it comes to table cloths, cotton is a crowd favourite for its versatility, softness and easy care. Linen’s also a great choice if you’re after something a little more luxe and breathable. For those fancy dinner parties, look to silk or satin for a glossy finish that screams elegance (but maybe save it for the special occasions).

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What are luxury table cloths made of?

Luxury table cloths are often made from high-end materials like linen, silk, or high-thread-count cotton. These fabrics are not just about looking good — they’re about feeling great too, with smooth textures and an elegant drape. They add a touch of sophistication to the table without compromising on quality.

What is the best table linen for restaurants?

For restaurants, you want something that’s durable, easy to clean and still looks classy. Think high-quality cotton or a cotton-linen blend. These materials can handle spills, stains and lots of washing, while still giving that professional look. The key is a balance between practicality and style — no one wants a saggy, stained cloth in a five-star restaurant.


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