Tabling Fabric for Sale Online

Shop our range of tabling fabric for sale at MHC World. Buy online and receive free delivery over R650.00 & within a 60km radius from our store.

Apart from our tabling fabric for sale, we also offer sheeting fabric, kids fabrics and curtaining material for sale.

Tabling fabrics, available at MHC World, are specially designed textiles used for dressing tables, providing both visual appeal and functional surface protection. Whether used for formal dinners, casual family meals, or decorative displays, tabling fabrics bring a sense of style and elegance to any setting. They are made in a variety of colours, textures and materials to suit different occasions, seasons and interior themes. From sleek satin weaves for wedding banquets to homely checked cotton for everyday use, tabling fabrics offer flexibility and charm.

MHC World provides a wide range of high-quality tabling fabrics, helping customers to buy the best options that meet their needs and budgets. Whether you are looking for a luxurious table runner for a special event or an affordable everyday cloth, the store ensures excellent value for the price. This article explores every essential aspect of tabling fabrics, helping you make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing these versatile home textiles.

What Are Tabling Fabrics

Tabling fabrics refer to the materials specifically manufactured and used for covering tables. Their purpose is not only to protect the table surface from scratches, heat and spills but also to contribute to the overall aesthetic of a room or event setting. These fabrics can be used in the form of tablecloths, table runners, placemats or overlays. While traditionally used for formal dining, tabling fabrics are now commonly found in homes, restaurants, hotels and event venues.

The fabrics used for tabling are selected based on durability, drape, texture and appearance. Common materials include cotton, polyester, linen, jacquard and damask. Each material serves a different function, with some better suited to high-use environments and others chosen for their decorative quality. The best tabling fabrics are those that balance beauty with practicality, ensuring easy care while enhancing the table's look.

The Development of Tabling Fabrics Through the Years

Tabling fabrics have a long and fascinating history that mirrors changes in lifestyle, fashion and textile technology. In ancient times, only the wealthy could afford to use cloth on their tables. Linen, derived from the flax plant, was prized in Roman households and was often elaborately embroidered. In mediaeval Europe, heavily starched linen tablecloths became a symbol of status. Over time, tabling fabrics became more accessible to the general population, especially with the advent of the cotton trade and the Industrial Revolution.

During the Victorian era, tabling fabrics became more decorative, with lace, fringes and embroidery featuring prominently. In the 20th century, the development of synthetic fibres allowed for affordable, stain-resistant fabrics that required less maintenance. Polyester blends became a popular choice due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

Today, tabling fabrics are widely available to purchase in a range of materials, from natural fibres to high-tech synthetics. At MHC World, traditional craftsmanship meets modern convenience, offering customers timeless classics alongside contemporary designs, all at competitive prices.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Tabling Fabrics

The best tabling fabrics offer a balance between visual appeal and practicality. Whether you want to buy something luxurious or something affordable, understanding the pros and cons will help you make a smart choice that suits your lifestyle.

Why Tabling Fabrics May Differ from Other Fabrics

Tabling fabrics differ from general-purpose fabrics due to their specific function and construction. While upholstery or dressmaking fabrics are chosen for strength or drape, tabling fabrics are selected for surface presentation, ease of cleaning, and resistance to common dining mishaps such as stains, heat or food spills.

The structure of tabling fabrics often includes tighter weaves and special treatments. For example, some polyester-based tabling cloths are coated with stain repellents or are made from wipe-clean materials, unlike general cottons which may be untreated. In formal settings, tabling fabrics are designed to fall evenly and elegantly over a table’s edge, requiring precise sizing and good weight distribution.

Tabling fabrics are also more frequently exposed to food and drink than other fabrics in the home. As a result, they are often made to be more washable and resilient. Their design focus is different as well. While curtain fabrics may emphasise light filtering or insulation, tabling fabrics prioritise surface appearance, wrinkle resistance, and coordinated patterning with tableware.

Different Types and Styles of Tabling Fabrics and Their Features

There are several common types of tabling fabrics, each offering distinct qualities suitable for different uses:

• Cotton: Natural, breathable and soft to the touch, cotton tablecloths are ideal for casual and everyday use. They are easy to wash and come in many patterns, from floral to checkered.
• Linen: Known for its luxurious texture and elegant drape, linen is perfect for formal events. Though it wrinkles easily, it adds a classic, timeless quality to the table.
• Polyester: Affordable and low-maintenance, polyester is highly durable and resists stains and wrinkles. It is often used for both home and commercial settings.
• Damask: Woven with a subtle pattern, damask is usually made from a cotton or polycotton blend and is used for sophisticated table settings such as weddings and high-end restaurants.
• Jacquard: Similar to damask but often more intricate in weave, jacquard fabrics offer textured patterns that bring elegance and interest to a table.
• PVC or Vinyl-Coated: These tabling fabrics are water-resistant and wipe-clean, making them ideal for children’s tables, outdoor use or casual kitchen settings.

How to Clean and Care for Your Tabling Fabrics

begin by checking the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most cotton and polyester tablecloths can be machine washed using a gentle detergent and cold or warm water.

Linen should be washed separately on a gentle cycle and air-dried if possible. Iron while slightly damp to preserve smoothness. PVC or vinyl tablecloths should never be machine washed; instead, they can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Blot spills rather than rubbing them, and pre-soak if necessary. Avoid twisting or wringing fabrics, which can damage the weave.

For storage, fold your tabling fabrics neatly and place them in a drawer or cupboard. Roll up delicate fabrics around cardboard tubes to prevent creasing.

How to Choose Tabling Fabrics

When choosing tabling fabrics, consider the intended use, style preferences, maintenance requirements and budget. For everyday family meals, look for easy-care fabrics like polyester or PVC that can withstand frequent washing. For formal dinners, select elegant options such as linen, damask or jacquard.

Colour and pattern should complement your existing décor. Neutral tones offer versatility, while bold patterns can make a statement. Measure your table carefully before purchasing, allowing for overhang if desired.

Best Brands of Tabling Fabrics Available on MHC World

At MHC World you can purchase all reputable brands of cotton, poly cotton and polyester Tabling Fabrics at a reasonable price.