What Is the Best Color for a Tablecloth? 

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Choosing the best color for a tablecloth is not always as simple as it might sound. That’s because it’s not enough to just pick a color you like or think is beautiful. You can select a fancy tablecloth, but once you set it on the table with napkins and everything else and stand back, you may notice the tablecloth color does not entirely tie well with your style or overall event theme. 

So what’s the best color for a tablecloth?

The best color for a tablecloth is one that complements the event theme and decor style you are aiming for. For formal events like weddings, the best tablecloth color is usually neutrals like white. For casual and everyday dining at home, it can be anything from mustard to artisanal block-print tablecloths.

In simple terms? There is no one true “best color” for tablecloths.

How To Choose the Right Tablecloth Color

The right color of tablecloth depends on the kind of event you’re hosting and the theme you want to create. When choosing the tablecloth color for a wedding or formal dinner, white or soft shades like beige are usually ideal.

However, if the theme is rustic, you want to lean towards tablecloth colors in earthy tones. A romantic dinner? A white or deep red tablecloth would be fantastic. For everyday dining, choose colors and prints that hide stains.

Think of tablecloths like outfits. The kind of outfit you wear has to suit where you’re going, be it work or a summer getaway. And you match your top and bottoms with the right shoes.

Same way you pair tablecloths and napkins so they can work together to create a wholesome table decor that just feels adorable.

Here is a simple framework on how to choose the right tablecloth color.

Step 1: Choose a Tablecloth Based on the Meal's Purpose

Every meal has a purpose and a style it goes with. For instance, a family dinner calls for warmth and fun. So think bright colors. A birthday also demands fun and bright tones. But a wedding leans toward soft shades.

Pro tip: For weddings, the focus is usually on elegance rather than hiding stains. So while white tablecloths are classic for weddings, we do not recommend them for daily use.

Step 2: Choose Tablecloth Color Based on Style or Theme

For modern and contemporary styles, plain neutral tablecloths are a common choice. They do give a clean, modern look. For rustic tables, choose earthy tones. Romantic tables like soft blush and cream. Tables for fun events like birthdays and picnics work well with yellows or deep reds.

Step 3: Complement Your Plates, Napkins, and Centerpieces

If your plates and napkins have patterns, it’s often best to choose a tablecloth with softer or plain colors. If your napkins are plain, you can use richer tones or patterned tablecloths.

Check out these Indian patterned tablecloths.

Step 4: Check the Lighting in the Room

If your dinner event will be held at night, the lighting will be different, so the color of your tablecloth may look different from what you see during the day. The tablecloth fabric can also influence how light hits it. So, consider testing the tablecloth color near your lamp or ceiling light. Does it still pop the way you want it to?

This step only applies if you already have the tablecloth, though.

Best Tablecloth Colors for Specific Occasions

Best Tablecloth Color for Everyday Dining

For everyday dining at home, the best tablecloth colors include beige, ivory, soft blue, sage, pink, light gray, and block prints. Neutrals are ideal if you want a clean, modern look. But if you want to add some fun and artisanal charm to your everyday meals, tablecloths with colorful prints are an excellent choice.

Best Tablecloth Color for Weddings

The best tablecloth colors for weddings include:

• White
• Ivory
• Champagne
• Sage
• Dusty blue
• Blush

These colors show up in many weddings because they’re clean, soft, and subtle, so they compel the eyes to focus on the centerpieces and floral arrangements.

Best Tablecloth Color for Casual Gatherings

For outdoor gatherings, go wild and free with your table linens! Choose bright tones like:

• Mustard yellow tablecloths
• Coral
• Terracotta
• Sky blue
• Olive green

You can either get these tablecloth colors in plain or block print patterns. The latter does elevate the spirit and atmosphere, but plain colors work if you want to keep the decor more minimalist.

Best Tablecloth Color for Holiday Meals

During the holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, name it – you want to go for colors tied to the season.

Popular tablecloth colors for holidays include:

• Green
• Red
• Cream
• Deep gold
• Warm brown

These tones pair well with candles and holiday greenery.

How to Choose the Right Tablecloth-Napkin Combo

One detail that can help you when picking a tablecloth color is how it pairs with the napkins. Napkins don’t always need to match the tablecloth. In fact, using contrast will allow the napkins to pop more and add visual interest to the table, rather than merely blending into the background.

Here are some tips to choose the right tablecloth-napkin color combo:

Don’t Feel Pressured To Go Monochrome

It’s pretty common to use white table linens in weddings but you don’t always have to do this. Using white tablecloths and napkins can make the napkins disappear into the background instead of popping out as a decorative piece.

So when using a white tablecloth, you can go with beige, cream, or blue napkins, or some other solid. White napkins? Consider using a colorful tablecloth to form a decorative backdrop.

Use Contrasting or Complementary Colors.

If you’re using a colored tablecloth, choose napkins that bring out a complementary hue (for example, orange or blue napkins) or a similar intensity tone.

Try matching color depth: pair soft tones with other soft tones, and richer hues with deeper ones.

Mix textures and patterns.

At Ichcha, we recommend pairing a printed tablecloth with solid napkins or vice versa. If you want to go full boho style, use complementary block print napkins and tablecloths to add artisanal charm to your table. 

Some block prints come in floral patterns. With such visuals, you don’t need any extra decor. Your dinner table would be an absolute work of art. 

Finally, always keep the event style in mind.

Table Showing Best Tablecloth and Napkin Colors By Occasion

Occasion	Ideal Tablecloth Color(s)	Napkin Color to Pair With
Everyday Home Dining	Tablecloth in beige, ivory, sage, soft blue, or block prints	Solid napkins in cream, tan, soft green, or block print napkins to add energy and fun.
Casual Gatherings	Mustard yellow, coral, terracotta, sky blue, olive green, small patterns or printed tablecloths	Neutral napkins like cream or beige, or a color pulled from the tablecloth pattern for harmony
Formal Dinners	Navy, black, deep green, white	White or cream napkins for a crisp look, or a muted tone like beige for softer contrast
Weddings	White, ivory, champagne, dusty blue, sage, blush	Beige, cream or other neutrals that create a mild contrast with the chosen color of tablecloth.
Photo-Friendly Tables	White or soft neutrals for strong contrast, or black for dramatic table settings	Contrasting napkins that stand out on the tablecloth, such as navy on white or beige on black

  

Common Tablecloth Color Mistakes (and What You Should Do Instead)

1. Always Matching Napkins Exactly to the Tablecloth

Many go for the “safe” route: same color napkins and tablecloth, especially white. Sure, it's great for weddings and formal events. But you don't always have to do this for all kinds of dinners.

What to do instead: Use a contrasting or complementary napkin color so the napkins stand out. This creates visual interest instead of blending into the background. 

2. Picking a Color Just Because It's Your Favorite

You choose a bold or trendy color without considering plates, centerpieces, or the room's lighting.

What to do instead: Test your top colors on your table, under real lighting, and next to your plates and décor. Narrow down to a few final options.

3. Ignoring Color Depth and Brightness

Pairing pastel napkins with very deep-colored tablecloths, or very light napkins on bold tones.

What to do instead: Match “depths”: soft napkin tones with soft tablecloths; rich napkin tones with rich tablecloths. This keeps things balanced and pleasing to the eye.

4. Using Busy Patterns on Both Napkins and Tablecloth

Going “pattern-on-pattern” without thinking of the visual clutter.

What to do instead: Pair a patterned tablecloth with solid napkins, or solid tablecloth with printed napkins. This contrast helps each element shine.

5. Choosing Pale Colors for Messy Meals

Picking white or very light tablecloths for meals likely to stain (kids’ dinner, pasta night, everyday dining, outdoor BBQ).

What to do instead: For practical settings, go for darker or patterned tablecloths that hide stains better.

Read more about how to match tablecloths and napkins

Final Thoughts Before You Choose

Your tablecloth does not need a universal perfect color. It only needs the right match for your space, your plates, and your guests. You don't have to overthink it either. If you're still unsure after reading this guide, you can check Pinterest for inspiration.

Or if you like the warm visuals of patterned tablecloths and want to elevate your everyday dining experience, we invite you to check out our block print table linens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What color tablecloth is best?

The best tablecloth color depends on the mood and setting you are working with. White, ivory and beige work well for most occasions because they fit any style. Sage, navy, or soft gray add quiet character without overpowering the table.

How to choose the right tablecloth?

To choose the right tablecloth, start by considering the event, style, and other dining table accessories you are working with. The right tablecloth color is the one that suits the full setting. This can be white, red, or a floral printed tablecloth.

How to match tablecloths?

Match table linens by keeping a balance between the tablecloth, plates, and napkins. If your plates or napkins have prints, use a solid tablecloth. If your plates and napkins are plain, it’s great to use colored or patterned tablecloths to create a contrasting backdrop and visual interest. Another way is to use complementary colors.

How to make a tablecloth look nice?

Use a tablecloth size that drops evenly on all sides, then smooth out wrinkles so the surface stays clean. Pair the tablecloth with napkins that either contrast or pick up one of the table colors.