There are many reasons to use tablecloths today. They protect the table, make any setting look more formal and are able to coordinate with decor for a unified look. These were not necessarily the reasons they were used centuries ago.
Charlemagne, a Roman Emperor, would use a table cloth to display his uncompromising powers. He used cloths made of asbestos and at the completion of the meal would toss the cloth in the fire, proving it would not burn, a warning to those who would attempt to cross him.
Early Use
Tablecloths during medieval times were often used as a status symbol. While all but the poorest of families would generally use tablecloths, only the wealthy could afford fine linens. Poorer households had cloths made of hemp or old sacks converted to table coverings.
Notable families would compete with each other to have their cloths be the whitest and the least wrinkled, thereby proving they were the wealthiest because they could afford the largest household staff.
It was also common for the wealthy to have cloths made specifically for their tables and to use multiple cloths on one table. Eventually, these cloths were accented with lace and gold threads as the battle for the most elaborate style began.
Victorian Tables
Dark, heavy and ornate fabrics were common in the Victorian Era. It was during this time period that white was no longer the color of choice. Instead tables were often covered with drapery style fabrics which hung all the way to the floor.
Today
It is not uncommon to see tables without any cloths today, but for people with formal dining sets or antique tables, tablecloths are still a necessity. Sometimes a cloth may not be enough to protect a treasured family heirloom. Table Top Pads, made by Superior Table Pad Co. Inc., fill that need by adding an extra layer of protection over the table, protecting it from scorch marks and gouges or scratches from cutlery.
Pads are easy to install and remove, can be custom fit for any table and are guaranteed to not slip or damage the table in any way. Homeowners are still able to use a tablecloth as they normally would and feel secure their prized table is protected from any harm.
