Pretty Linen Companies That Will Encourage You to Ditch Paper and Rethink Your Everyday Tablescapes
Courtesy of Yaya & Co
Swapping out paper napkins for cloth linens is a great way to upgrade your tablescape, but it's also the more socially conscious choice. Investing in linen napkins, tablecloths, and placemats is an easy way to live more sustainably. Studies show that it's becoming the more popular approach, too: According to a 2020 paper products industry report, only 37 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds use paper napkins (which is much less than older generations). Bottom line? It's cool to lower your carbon footprint.
And then there's the fact that cloth looks so much prettier and polished than paper. Want to instantly elevate your dinner party? If you're already ditching the basic paper plates in favor of lovely dinnerware, why not up the ante with quality linens? After all, a great tablecloth, unique placemats, and even cloth napkins all work to make your tabletop look sophisticated sans an elaborate centerpiece. That's why we pulled together this list of some of our favorite linen companies; their lovely embroidered, hand-dyed, and patterned options that will have you saying goodbye to paper for good.
Top Picks
Related: Women in the Design and Entertaining Space Explain How They Set Their Dream Tablescape
Sur La Table
For a name that literally translates to "on the table," Sur La Table is one of the premiere brands for all things tabletop. The botanical designs on these blue cloth placemats are fancy enough for a formal dinner, but are also machine washable and simple enough for everyday use.
Shop Now: Sur La Table "Couleur Nature Papillion" Blue Cloth Placemats, $59.50 for six, surlatable.com.
Maison D'Hermine
Searching for colorful table linens that are particularly suited for spring or summer? You will love all of Maison D'Hermine's offerings. This pretty floral tablecloth is perfect for an Easter brunch or summertime supper.
Shop Now: Maison D'Hermine Botanical Floral Tablecloth, $39.99, wayfair.com.
Williams Sonoma
In addition to their cookware and cutlery, Williams Sonoma has one of the most extensive linen sections on the market. These lovely napkins have a double hemstitch that lends them a vintage, heirloom vibe.
Shop Now: Williams Sonoma Linen Double Hemstitch Napkins, $23 for set of four, williams-sonoma.com.
Pottery Barn
When it comes to linens, Pottery Barn has a broad selection of affordable options. And if you're looking for cotton napkins that have a summery aesthetic, these blue-and-white floral ones are a gorgeous pick.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Sophia" Floral Block Print Cotton Napkins, $22 for set of four, potterybarn.com.
Bolé Road
All of Bolé Road's textiles are handwoven by artisans in Ethiopia. We're partial to these cotton placemats with sunflower yellow stripes, which lend them a subtly rustic vibe.
Shop Now: Sunflower Placemats, $95 for set of four, boleroadtextiles.com.
JSH Home Essentials
Known primarily for their pillow throws and table linens, JSH Home Essentials is perfect if you prefer a country cottage vibe that still feels modern. These pale blue napkins have a wallpaper-inspired pattern for a classic, but never dated, look.
Shop Now: JSH Home Essentials Light Blue Wallpaper Napkins, $34 for set of four, jshhomeessentials.com.
House & Parties
Event planner and interior designer Rebecca Garder has an exquisite shop filled with gorgeously off-beat servingware, linens, and hostess gifts. A splurge to be sure, these fanciful crustacean cocktail napkins are made impeccably with French stitch appliqué.
Shop Now: House & Parties Crustaceans Cocktail Napkins, $248 for set of four, houseandparties.com.
Yaya & Co
Known for their organic bedding, throws, and home goods, Yaya & Co boasts a stunning array of textiles sourced from makers or small, family owned businesses. This beautiful embroidered tablecloth is handmade from raw cotton by female artisans in India.
Shop Now: Yaya & Co "Kayla" Organic Cotton Tablecloth, $149, yayaandco.com.
Linoto
Beyond table linens, Linoto also makes ultrasoft sheets. If you're in the market for a set of versatile napkins that will go with virtually any dining aesthetic, these are your best bet.
Shop Now: Linen Dinner Napkins, $64 for set of four, linoto.com.
Heather Taylor Home
Heather Taylor Home's cotton linens are handmade by artisans in Chiapas, Mexico. These plaid linen napkins in sage green work for every season, from summer picnics to festive holiday parties.
Shop Now: Heather Taylor Home Harbor Plaid Sage Napkins, $82 for set of four, heathertaylorhome.com.
Hibiscus Linens
Not only does Hibiscus Linens have a gorgeous selection of handmade linens, but they also offer video classes on many stitching skills, including like hand monogramming. These delicate pieces are sold individually and will transport you to a lush field of daisies. Consider them keepsakes.
Shop Now: Hibiscus Linens White Daisies Cocktail Napkins, $37 each, hibiscuslinens.com.
Thieffry
French brand Thieffry has been producing timeless linens for over 180 years. These natural napkins with woven red stripe detailing will never go out of style and bring a bit of reserved French flair into your space.
Shop Now: Red Monogrammed Linen Napkins, $38 for set of 2, frenchdrygoods.com.