How To Keep Tablecloths From Sliding Using DIY Ways

The basic approaches for how to prevent a tablecloth from slipping revolve around securing it in place or adding grips underneath to prevent movement. Whether it's table cover weights, cushioned pads, or simple tablecloth grippers, you will discover various approaches that you can easily implement at home or in your place of business. Incidentally, we supply elastic table covers that adhere to your table and will not move if you want a simple, ready-to-use table cover that doesn’t need any makeshift solutions.

Rubber Roll Shelf Liner

A rubber roll shelf liner is a simple and effective DIY solution to keep a tablecloth from sliding. It functions as a mat to keep your tablecloth from sliding. You will need to purchase a rubber roll shelf liner from a home goods store and use some scissors. The process looks like this:

1. Measure the table to determine how much rubber shelf liner you will need.
2. Cut the appropriate amount of liner to match the measurements of your table.
3. Place the liner on a clean, dry tabletop.
4. Position the tablecloth on top of the rubber liner and smooth out wrinkles.

Your table will now grip the tablecloth far more effectively, helping avoid that pesky slippage when people are sitting around the table.

Non-Slip Table Protectors

Non-slip table protectors are an excellent alternative to rubber roll shelf liners to prevent your tablecloth from slipping. They can be purchased from most home goods stores, and you will only need some scissors to assist.

1. Measure your table to determine the size of non-slip table protectors required.
2. Purchase the appropriate protectors for your table size.
3. Unroll and place the protectors onto a clean, dry table, covering the area where the tablecloth will be applied.
4. Position the tablecloth on top of the protectors and enjoy a slip-free table.

These products are designed to keep a tablecloth from slipping, and they do so very effectively. 

Table Cover Weights

Table cover weights are available in various designs and materials and are specifically intended to keep your tablecloth in place. You should choose some that match your table setting with the right aesthetic - some are very decorative .

1. Prepare your tablecloth by laying it evenly over the table.
2. Position the table cover weights around the edges, either at the corners or along the sides.
3. Make sure the weights are evenly distributed and secure them in place with clips, magnets or other fastening mechanisms.
4. Enjoy your secure tablecloth.

This solution does what you need it to and can also add a decorative element to your table setting. However, one disadvantage is that they add another element to the table that can get in the way in some instances.

Heavy Centerpieces

A heavy centerpiece can be as effective as table cover weights for how to hold a tablecloth in place. You must ensure your table can accommodate a heavy centerpiece - it could be a decorative vase, a stone sculpture or some other weighted object.

1. Lay your tablecloth evenly over the table.
2. Position the heavy centerpiece where you need it to be.
3. Try to keep the centerpiece in the center of the table so that it prevent movement.
4. Be sure to remove the heavy centerpiece before attempting to lift the tablecloth from the table.

Heavy centerpieces essentially act as an anchor for your tablecloth. They also improve the presentation of your table setting without adding other inconvenient elements that can get in the way, but they won’t be the most effective solution for avoiding tablecloth slippage.

Cushioned Table Pad With Flannel Backing

You can buy cushioned table pads with a flannel backing at most home goods stores. They can be a very effective solution to hold a tablecloth in place, and they are inexpensive and easy to acquire.

1. Purchase a suitable cushioned table pad for the dimensions of your table. Make sure it has the flannel backing as this is what creates grip.
2. Unroll the pad over a clean, dry table and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
3. Position the tablecloth over the pad, ensuring it is evenly distributed over the table.
4. Smooth out wrinkles and enjoy a slip-free table with your tablecloth firmly anchored in place.

Cushioned table pads prevent tablecloths from sliding and also offer an additional layer of protection for your tabletops. This solution is gentle on your table and tablecloths, and will keep everything in place whilst you dine.

Tying The Corners

One popular method for how to stop your tablecloth from sliding is to tie the corners. You will need some string, ribbon or fabric ties with an approximate length of 12 inches.

1. Position the tablecloth evenly over the table.
2. Gather the excess fabric in the corners to create a ‘pocket’ or fold.
3. Tie the corners together with your string, ribbon or fabric ties, using a secure knot to hold the fabric in place.
4. Repeat this for each corner to pull the tablecloth taut over the table, being sure to avoid overstretching.

This is a practical and low-cost solution to keep a tablecloth from sliding around. It is versatile enough to work for most table sizes and shapes, and it allows everyone to enjoy being at the table without any frustrating slippage.

Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided tape is a quick, hassle-free method for how to stick a tablecloth to the table. It can be an effective and simple solution for tablecloths at events and all you need is some double-sided tape from the hardware store.

1. Choose tape that is removable or low-tack so your table and tablecloth are protected.
2. Apply the tape to a clean, dry table, peeling off the backing and sticking it around the edges of the table. Strips of around 3-4 inches in length are ideal
3. Apply the tablecloth to the tape to secure it in place. It may help to position the tablecloth first, then lift it to position the tape before pressing the table cover back down.
4. Enjoy your slip-free table.

Ensure you don’t use tape with strong adhesive, as this could leave a residue on the table and/or the tablecloth. This solution is a quick fix that you can apply when preparing for a special occasion, and it works well as a short-term measure.

Table Clips And Clamps

Table clips and clamps are readily available at many home goods stores. They are a reliable method to keep a tablecloth in place, and are particularly helpful for outdoor settings where wind can be a concern as well.

1. Purchase your table clips or clamps in the style you want, choosing your preferred materials and colors.
2. Lay out the tablecloth evenly across the table.
3. Adjust the clips/clamps to the desired size and attach them along the edges of the tablecloth, ensuring even spacing.
4. Enjoy your slip-free table.

Table clips and clamps are very visible features on a table, but they are a sturdy and reusable solution for how to make a tablecloth stay in place. They work well for both indoor and outdoor settings.

The main reason why tablecloths slide on tables is due to a lack of friction. This could be attributed to the surface of the table, but the material of your tablecloth is a significant factor. Materials like satin or silk are desirable for their aesthetics, but they are common culprits for tablecloth slipping as they don't naturally grip.

The best alternatives are materials like:

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Spandex
• Hessian or burlap

These materials are more effective at naturally gripping to the tabletop, so you will have an easier time to keep your tablecloth from sliding around.

We supply tablecloths in a range of materials. When you choose us to supply your custom table covers, you get a choice of materials like different grades of polyester, spandex and flannelette.

One of the most significant choices you face is between heavy and lightweight materials. Many lighter materials look elegant and sophisticated, but they do not grip well to the table beneath and are more susceptible to being moved by things like wind or sliding items on the tabletop. Thus, the DIY solutions listed above are more often required with lightweight materials to prevent a tablecloth from sliding.

Heavier materials may not have the same kind of aesthetic, but they can still look fantastic when you create custom designs with our service. The main benefits of heavy materials include:

• They grip better to the tabletop, so are less likely to slide.
• They protect your tables more effectively.
• You get special properties like waterproofing or fire resistance.
• Greater durability and fewer maintenance requirements.

These materials are also often less expensive to buy, so it is easier to get an elegant and effective table cover for your home or event.

Heavier, more coarse tablecloth materials tend to be better for how to make your tablecloth stay in place. Our polyester and spandex tablecloths offer super grip that helps keep them in position when applied to a table. Not only that, but you get to apply personalized designs to our print-on-demand tablecloths, so they have the ideal aesthetic for your needs.

Other tablecloth materials that are good at preventing slipping include:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Hessian
• Canvas
• Twill
• Muslin