Kitchen linens are a bare necessity in any functional kitchen. You need towels to clean the dishes and wipe the surfaces, aprons to protect your clothing, and oven mitts or pot holders to keep your hands from burning. Table linens, on the other hand, improve the ambiance of your dining area. You’ll be surprised to see what a significant change a simple item such as a tablecloth or napkin can bring. These everyday items are an excellent way to let your creative side loose. You can use multiple styles and prints to show off your unique style. In this buying guide, you will find a roundup of the top kitchen & table linens of 2024, including our top pick, the Zeppoli Kitchen & Table Linens. We know that the choices are infinite, that’s why we also came up with shopping criteria to help you choose better. Plus, we also included some misunderstood terms that often confuse first-time buyers. Have a look!
Despite being simple items, your kitchen and table linens have the power to make or break the image you are trying to portray. That said, there is no limit to the number of available options. And let us warn you, the variety can quickly make you dizzy if you don't know what to look for. Here is a shopping guide to help you out:
Types of Kitchen Linens
Kitchen linens may seem like a small detail, but they liven up your home. Here is a roundup of what you should add to your kitchen linen collection:
Aprons
Aprons save your clothing from splatters and food stains as you cook, grill, or bake a masterpiece. Their design has come a long way from the traditional check pattern that was popular decades ago. Now you can get an apron in a pretty graphic design or with a quirky saying.
Kitchen towels
There is no limit to what kitchen towels can do. You need one for drying your hands, dishes, and cutlery and also for cleaning purposes. Hence, it's important to stock up on a few.
Pot holders and oven mitts
Oven mitts and pot holders are both designed to handle hot vessels. They make it safer to move things on the stovetop or in and out of the oven.
Types of Table Linens
Table linens are an excellent way to add a pop of color to your table. Here are some to look at:
Tablecloth
As the name suggests, a tablecloth is used to cover the table. It not only serves an ornamental purpose, but a tablecloth also protects your table from stains and scratches. While they are a staple in a restaurant setting, you can also use a tablecloth for a formal dinner.
Table runner
Also known as table skirting, a table runner wraps around the edge of the table leaving the top uncovered. They are a great way to jazz up your table.
Placemats
Unlike tablecloths that cover the entire table, placemats are pads or coverings designating an individual place setting. They are also called table mats.
Napkins
Napkins are small table linens that you can lay on your lap to protect your clothing or to wipe your mouth. Choose one in a vibrant color to transform your table from ordinary to extra special.
Features To Consider in Table & Kitchen Linens
How you decide on your kitchen and table linens is mostly your personal taste. Know that no amount of embellishments or ornate prints, however, can make up for low-quality materials and bad craftsmanship. Hence, seek out your linens with the following criteria in mind:
Material
Dining at a well-appointed table is a feast for all senses. That's why you should employ table linens that are not only pleasant to look at but also luxurious to rest your hands on or wipe your face with. This means you can safely rule out synthetic materials like polyester or nylon as well as poly-cotton blends that aren't very soft to the touch. Since they may be more resistant to wrinkles, you should prefer materials like cotton or linen as they are made using natural fibers. They not only feel good in your hand but are also more absorptive.
Table linens made out of cotton are not only common, but they are also quite affordable. They deliver a smooth, polished, and refined look that is worthy of a restaurant. Cotton is also a great choice for kitchen linens. Whether it is an apron or a dish towel, cotton fabric with its softness and absorptive properties is the best material.
Linen, on the other hand, is made using the fibers of flax plants hence creating a more relaxed drape. Since the fibers are thicker than cotton, linen has a distinct woven texture that is quite visible.
Both of these materials are made using natural fibers but have different properties, so you should choose according to your personal preference and needs.
Size
Kitchen linens like dish towels, hand towels, polish clothes, oven mitts, and pot holders usually come in a standard size. But when it comes to aprons, you have to be cautious about getting the right size. One that is too big or small won't protect your clothes in a satisfactory manner.
Table linens, on the other hand, vary dramatically in size. Tablecloths are pieces of fabric that run along the entire length of the table while placemats only cover a small space. So when choosing table linen, be sure to check its size.
Table covers come in various sizes and shapes, so you should make sure to get the one that is compatible with your table. When purchasing napkins, make sure to get them in a size that graciously covers your lap. We found napkins that measured about 20 inches to be ideal.
Cleaning
You also have to be wary about their ease of cleaning. Both kitchen and table linens are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. You will need to wash your table linens after each use because of the spills and drips. Kitchen linens hold up better and require washing after a few days of use. Make sure that the items you choose can withstand multiple trips through the washer.
Occasion
This factor applies to table linens. When choosing a set, make sure to get one that goes with the occasion you are getting it for. A crisp white set looks regal and sophisticated in a formal setting. While a graphic printed one works wonders for your decor in day-to-day usage.
Glossary: Kitchen & Table Linens
Since the world of kitchen & table linens is quite huge, we have rounded up some terms you'll commonly come across:
Kitchen linens
They are the fabric goods that you typically use in a kitchen. These include aprons, oven mittens, kitchen towels, and pot holders.
Table linens
Table linens include napkins, placemats, table runners, and tablecloths that you commonly use on a table.
Drape
It is the way your napkin settles in your lap or how the tablecloth hangs down from the table. Cotton tablecloths tend to drape stiffly hence creating a refined and regal look. Linen, being a soft material, drapes more naturally lending well to comfortable and casual settings.
Drop
Drop is the length of the tablecloth that hangs down from the table. While you can choose the drop length according to your personal taste, we recommend not going shorter than six inches.
Mitered corner
A mitered corner is the 45° angle seam where the two edges of a napkin or tablecloth are joined together. This seam is there to reduce the bulk of overlapping materials. It gives the corners a clean and sharp look. Plus, it also enables you to iron them flat.
