Oilcloth on the table for the kitchen: types and selection

Someone will say that buying oilcloth on the table is the last century, and they will be wrong. How can an object that serves both practical and aesthetic functions become obsolete? Moreover, the range of these products is only expanding every year, the design is becoming more modern, more interesting forms appear. In this article, we will consider all the features of oilcloth on the kitchen table.

High-quality oilcloth on the table has the following advantages.

• This is a high-strength product with durability and resistance to various mechanical influences. There are options, the quality of which does not suffer even when cut with a knife or when using hot dishes on its surface.

• A high-quality specimen is resistant to cracking, deformation and flaking of the coating due to the additional varnish layer.

• Good oilcloth does not stick to the surface of the table and does not damage its coating, it has elasticity.

• All offered modern products are moisture resistant.

• The main function of any oilcloth is to protect the table surface. Even a low-quality product usually does its job.

• Stores offer a wide range of oilcloth designs, among which each hostess can choose the most suitable option for a particular kitchen interior.

Before you go for kitchen oilcloth, study the disadvantages of this product.

• If it's a cheap, low-quality tablecloth, it won't last long.Firstly, damage quickly forms on it, which is not able to protect the tabletop, and secondly, the paints will soon fade, so such oilcloths require frequent updating.

• There are low-grade specimens that themselves quickly deteriorate and can damage the surface of the table. For example, oilcloth can stick to the surface, leaving stubborn stains on the countertop when removed.

Oilcloth can be bought as a daily table cover or as a tablecloth only for special occasions. Products made from the following materials are popular.

• Cotton. Attractive, colorful pieces with bold patterns are most often purchased for use at a gala dinner. Due to this oilcloth, the table looks luxurious, in addition, the material is easily washed and ironed. Their downside is quick wear. If you take a modern copy with polyester or viscose, then it will be easier to remove grease or wine stains from such a tablecloth.

• Teflon. Due to the additional Teflon layer, these samples are of high quality and water-repellent properties, have a long service life.

• Silicone. Ideal for daily use. In stores, such specimens are presented both in a transparent form and with an interesting design. The oilcloth is made on a dense, resistant base and is characterized by wear resistance.

• Oil. High quality product obtained by cooking drying oil and subsequent production of kaolin and paint primers. The base is covered with multi-layer primer and varnished.

• Polyvinyl chloride. Made of emulsion and suspension polyvinyl chloride, which provides the product with durability and strength. Suitable for any table, even glass.

When choosing an oilcloth, it is important to pay attention to its shape.

Sometimes the difference in shape, on the contrary, looks very original and is specially used to maintain a certain style of the kitchen interior. In general, the designers give their recommendations for the selection of the shape of the oilcloths.

• For an oval table, a rectangular oilcloth is quite suitable, but try to add interesting sets that emphasize the shape of the overall image. You will get a very effective appearance.

• Even if you already have an oilcloth, do not pass by oval and rectangular napkins, which will look aesthetically pleasing on the surface of the tablecloth.

• Round or oval oilcloths are suitable for any table shape. For example, you can place a round tablecloth on the countertop and place a square cloth napkin in its center. This serving option looks modern and original.

• A square product can be laid in a rhombus shape, but symmetry is important.

• For a solemn occasion, paths on the table are suitable.

Oilcloth parameters are determined by the size of the table top. Therefore, it is important to measure the table length and width before purchasing. Another important factor is the length of the overhanging edges.

Usually such a voluminous option is selected for holiday dinners, and for daily use, a silicone pad is suitable, which should ideally match in size and configuration with the table.

In general, the sizes of tablecloths are offered in accordance with the standard parameters of kitchen tables, but if the table is made to order according to individual sizes and it is not possible to choose the perfect overlay, then you can purchase a product slightly larger in size and cut off the extra edge at home. For everyday use, many people prefer to buy PVC oilcloths in rolls, which allows you to unwind as much material as the table top requires.

As a rule, the design of the tablecloth is selected taking into account the general style of the kitchen area. These can be modern ornaments and patchwork prints. Summer motives with the image of vegetables and fruits fit beautifully into the kitchen interior, this design is a symbol of prosperity in the family. It is especially appropriate in the rustic style.

If the hostess prefers modest inexpensive oilcloths made of simple materials, then it is recommended to buy products with holographic volumetric prints.

For the winter, you can buy tablecloths with summer ornaments, they will create a pleasant, warm, homely atmosphere and will warm you with their coziness on a winter evening. In summer, on the contrary, the room needs freshness and lightness, and then coatings with airy frosty patterns are more suitable. For a touch of luxury, buy oilcloths with soft, elegant embossing and colorful scenery.

When buying oilcloth for your dining table, first of all consider the style of the room. It is better not to buy products that are contrasting in color and not to accentuate the oilcloth, the color scheme should fit into the overall design theme. So, if the interior is created in cool snow-white or blue colors, then the tablecloth should be transparent. For a room made in a warm brown or yellow color, an instance in warming shades is more suitable.

You don't need to save on tablecloths. The more expensive the product, the higher its quality and the longer it will be used in the kitchen. Kitchen conditions are not simple, there is constant humidity, oilcloth is regularly exposed to thermal and mechanical stress, and therefore its quality is very important to consider when buying. In addition, cheap, low-quality options can be made from chemicals that are out of place in the kitchen and have an unpleasant odor.

The most durable option is an oilcloth on a fabric basis or on a non-woven fabric. The top coat of PVC protects the surface from cuts, deformation, water absorption. For a solemn feast, it is better to give preference to graceful openwork oilcloths; for daily use, this option is not recommended, since it is problematic to wash it. Check the elasticity of the oilcloth. The higher this indicator, the higher the performance properties of the product.

Even if the oilcloth is made of high quality materials, it needs careful maintenance. With proper use, the product will serve in the kitchen as long as possible, its integrity will be preserved, and the colors will not fade over time. Basic rules for caring for kitchen oilcloth.

• After purchase, rinse the oilcloth with soapy water and dry well. Do the same for stubborn dirt during use.

• Do not wash the oilcloth with abrasives, do not use aggressive chemicals and products that contain acids and alkalis. Under their influence, the top layer will quickly lose its integrity, moreover, it is harmful for people who have to eat at this table.

• Place hot dishes on special coasters. You can replace them with regular oven mitts or even heat-resistant cutting boards.

For an overview of PVC oilcloth on a non-woven basis, see the video below.