Keeping a tablecloth from sliding is important for practical reasons when you’re running a business. It ensures safety by preventing tripping hazards and accidents, and it prevents items on display from falling off. If used in a restaurant, it can bring the decor to life while also keeping plates and glasses where they belong and protecting the table from nicks and scratches.
To keep your tablecloth from sliding, you have several options: adding a nonslip shelf liner, tablecloth clips, tablecloth weights, double-sided tape or Velcro strips. Which one is right for you will depend on the type of fabric that the tablecloth is made from and the type of table you need the tablecloth to adhere to.
Tablecloth Clips
To keep your tablecloth from sliding, tablecloth clips can do the job. Follow these steps:
Ensure your table is clean and dry, and place the tablecloth over the table evenly.
Attach the tablecloth clip to the edge of the tablecloth that hangs over the table. Depending on the clip type, how you anchor the clips in place will vary, so carefully follow the directions on the packaging. Adjustable clips: Slide the clip open, position it on the table’s edge, and release it to grip. Spring-loaded clips: Press the clip down to open, attach it to the edge of the table, and release it to secure. Clips with weights: Place the weighted clip on the edge of the table for extra stability.
Repeat this procedure along all edges of the tablecloth or table, spacing clips evenly along the table’s perimeter.
If you’re using adjustable clips, simply tighten the clips until they fit snugly.
Gently pull the tablecloth to test its stability, and make any necessary adjustments.
In some cases, depending on how the table is built, you may be able to use the clips to secure the tablecloth to the underside of the table, attaching the tablecloth to the legs or other table supports and keeping the clips out of sight.
Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape can be an easy and effective solution to prevent a tablecloth from moving while dining. Here’s how it’s done:
Measure the lengths of both sides of the tablecloth, and then cut double-sided tape accordingly. Be sure to use enough tape to cover its edges and keep the tablecloth from moving around during use but not so much that it hangs over or causes the tablecloth to bunch.
Be sure to remove the backing of the double-sided tape before carefully adhering the tape on the underside of the tablecloth along its edges, making sure the tape runs its full length along each side.
Lay the tablecloth carefully onto the table, ensuring the tablecloth aligns correctly. Press down along the edges where you applied the double-sided tape to secure the tablecloth to the table’s surface.
Gently smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles in the tablecloth so it lays flat on the table. Make adjustments as needed.
Double-sided tape gives you the ability to move the tablecloth if it begins to slip or bunch after being used, but the more the tablecloth is removed and replaced, the less sticky and effective it will be.
Velcro Strips
Using Velcro strips is a great way to prevent your tablecloth from sliding as long as it can be secured in a way that it doesn’t show as a bump under the cloth. Follow these easy steps:
Prepare your table and tablecloth by making sure both are clean and dry.
Attach one side of the Velcro strip (the hook side) along the edge of the table, close to the edge, by peeling off the adhesive backing and firmly pressing the strip down.
Take the other side of the Velcro strip (the loop side) and attach it to the underside of the tablecloth, aligning it with the Velcro strip on the table. Peel off the adhesive backing and press the strip to the tablecloth securely.
Repeat the process for all edges of the table and tablecloth, making sure the Velcro strips are evenly spaced.
Test the stability by gently pulling on the tablecloth. The Velcro should keep the tablecloth firmly in place.
Nonslip Shelf Liner
To prevent your tablecloth from sliding, use a nonslip shelf liner. Follow these simple steps below:
Place the nonslip shelf liner on the table directly under the tablecloth. The nonslip side of the shelf liner should face up, touching the underside of the tablecloth.
Smooth out any wrinkles in the liner and tablecloth to ensure both are flat on the table.
If the tablecloth hangs over the table more than the liner, trim the liner to match the tablecloth’s size.
The nonslip liner will create friction, keeping the tablecloth from sliding during meals and gatherings.
When you’re done using the tablecloth, simply lift the tablecloth along with the nonslip liner. You can wash the liner as needed and then store the liner until the next time you need it.
Tablecloth Weights
To stop your tablecloth from sliding, use tablecloth weights as follows:
Ensure your table is clean and dry. Lay the tablecloth evenly over the table, letting the tablecloth hang over the edges.
Depending on the type of tablecloth weights you have, do the following: Clip-style weights: Clip the weights to the edges of the tablecloth that hang over the table or use the clips on the underside of the table to attach the cloth to the table supports and/or legs. Clip weights with decorative elements: Clip the weights to the edges of the table where they will be visible as a decorative touch. Weights with magnets: Use the weights on metal tables by attaching the magnets to the tablecloth.
Space the weights evenly along all the edges of the table.
Test the stability by gently pulling on the tablecloth. The weights should keep the tablecloth in place.
When you’re done using the tablecloth, remove the weights, and store them to use next time.
Keeping tablecloths clean and fresh is always the first step in achieving the look you want. Trust Alsco to keep you stocked on cleaned, pressed tablecloths so you don’t have to worry about laundering, ironing or stain removal. Call now to get a quote.
References
Tasselled Tablecloth Weights. National Federation of Women’s Institute.