How to Layer Table Linens Like a Designer
It’s not just a table. It’s a stage. Here’s how to dress it like one.
A well-laid table is like a beautifully styled outfit. Each layer adds dimension, richness, and personality. Whether you’re planning a summer garden lunch, a Sunday roast, or a twinkling winter dinner, layering your table linens is the secret to creating something truly special.
Here’s how to do it — the Nic Brittin way.
1. Start With the Base Layer — the Tablecloth
This is your canvas. Choose a cloth that sets the tone for the meal.
For everyday elegance, go for soft, washed tones or classic stripes.
For holidays or feasts, reach for something bolder — think deep reds, shimmering golds, or joyful prints.
Make sure your cloth has enough overhang — about 20–30cm on all sides is the sweet spot.
💡 Tip: A patterned tablecloth brings instant life. A plain one lets you play more boldly with accessories.
2. Add a Runner for Structure (or Drama)
A table runner can do two things:
Define the centre of the table — anchoring your candles, flowers, or platters.
Break up a solid or patterned tablecloth — adding texture and contrast.
Try:
Pairing a red stripe runner with a soft neutral base
Laying a rich green velvet runner over a gingham tablecloth for winter warmth
Going bare table + bold runner for a more rustic, contemporary look
🎨 Contrast is your friend. But keep it tonal or complementary for elegance.
3. Napkins: The Finishing Touch (With Personality)
Napkins are where you can really have fun. Mix, match, fold, tie, tuck.
Match your napkins to your runner for a cohesive look
Mix patterns — like a floral napkin on a gingham cloth — for a more playful feel
Fold them crisply or knot them casually depending on the mood
Add a napkin ring, a sprig of rosemary, or even a ribbon bow at Christmas
🌿 Our tip: For Easter or alfresco dining, roll napkins loosely and tie with twine and herbs for an effortlessly chic look.
4. Layer in Softness With Cushions or Seat Pads
If you’re using benches or wooden chairs, add cushions in complementary colours or prints. It’s unexpected — and adds instant warmth and comfort.
Try:
Mixing in block printed cushions in similar hues
Adding plump pads in the same print as your napkins
Creating contrast with bold upholstery against subtle tableware
✨ A touch of textile elsewhere in the room makes the whole space feel more considered.
5. Think Seasonally
Let the time of year guide your palette and layers.
Spring: Lemon yellows, soft greens, playful prints
Summer: Blue stripes, citrus tones, crisp whites
Autumn: Rust, ochre, and natural linen textures
Winter: Deep reds, forest greens, gold accents
🕯️ Add candlelight in winter, wild flowers in spring — and always a bottle of wine, whatever the season.
6. Keep It Loose, Not Fussy
The best-dressed tables don’t feel overly staged. Leave the folds soft, let a corner drape naturally, embrace a crease or two.
Remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about inviting people to the table and making them feel held.
Your Table, Your Way
Layering linens isn’t about rules. It’s about storytelling. It’s about setting a mood. And most of all — it’s about elevating the everyday into something magical.
So go ahead. Mix the red stripe with the lemon yellow. Add the napkins the kids love. Throw on the runner your mum gave you.
Because the best tables are the ones that feel like home.