Cloth Napkin Choices

Choosing Your Cloth Napkins

Cloth napkins can elevate the appearance of your restaurant's tabletops while reducing waste that can result from using disposable paper napkins. Though they have historically been relegated to fine dining restaurants, they are now used in both formal settings and casual cafes. Learning more about the available color, fabric, and size options available can help you decide which are the best option for your business.

Fabric Color & Texture

Cloth napkins are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, which should be coordinated to match or complement the tablecloth when possible. In formal settings, the napkin should be either white or the same color as the tablecloth, but on more casual tabletops, contrasting but complementary colors are sometimes preferred. Black, white, and ivory are the most common colors, but other color options include blue, gold, green, and red. Most cloth napkins are a solid color, though some have contrasting borders, such as a black napkin with a red border. Cloth napkins with patterns are much less common, but are sometimes available to match patterned tablecloths.

Bistro napkins, often used in cafes and other casual eateries, are typically white with colored stripes available in every color of the rainbow. That makes it easy to find colors to complement your restaurant's decor in the event your tables are not covered with a tablecloths.

Bistro napkins are most often basic linen napkins, but more formal cloth napkins can have thread counts similar to those you might find in bedding. While formal napkins should be soft and smooth, they will still have some texture, as overly smooth fabric does not absorb or wipe away messes very well. A higher thread count can provide a softer feel while the weave provides necessary texture.

Cloth Napkin Sizes

Sizing is another choice you will need to make prior to purchasing cloth napkins. While that decision may be driven by your preferences, there are also some basic guidelines to consider. These standards are based on the type and formality of your menu, so caterers may choose to keep multiple sizes on hand or to select medium-sized napkins that can be used in multiple settings. However, keep size in mind if you plan to impress your customers with elaborately folded shapes, as those often require larger napkins.

Bistro napkins are usually 18 inches by 22 inches, and are usually the only rectangular cloth napkins. The rest are square, with sizes ranging from 12 inches to 26 inches. Suggested sizes are as follows:1

  • Tea: 12 inches
  • Luncheon: 14 to 16 inches
  • Informal Dinner:18 to 20 inches
  • Formal Dinner (Multiple Courses): 22 to 26 inches
  • Buffet: 18 to 24 inches
  1. Napkin Use and Etiquette. Etiquette Scholar. Accessed April 2018.