How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Nice (15+ Elegant Ideas) - TableCoversNow.Com
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How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Nice: DIY Methods For A Unique Table Setup

Plastic tablecloths can be a budget-friendly and stylish table setting resource if you use the right techniques. In this guide, we explore some simple yet effective DIY approaches for how to make plastic tablecloths look nice. Create eye-catching centerpieces at any events using tricks like layering techniques and fabric overlays to develop creative looks for your tables.


These tips will help you transform an ordinary plastic table cover into an impressive accessory. Whether you’re preparing for a party, picnic, family gathering, or anything else, these ideas will ensure a polished, professional, and memorable presentation without breaking your budget.

How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Nice: DIY Methods For A Unique Table Setup

Key Takeaways

  • Make plastic tablecloths look nice with elegant fabric overlays, lace runner, or burlap toppers to add texture and sophistication to table setups.
  • Enhance the appearance of your plastic table covers by adding ribbon ties, bows, and stylish centerpieces like floral arrangements and candles to match event themes.
  • Align tablecloth colors and patterns with the overall aesthetic at your event. Apply complementary or thematic accessories to achieve a polished look.
  • We supply high-quality custom tablecloths and runners that you can combine with plastic table covers for any occasion to add a personalized, professional touch to the aesthetic.

How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Nice

Learning how to make plastic tablecloths look elegant revolves around adding creative touches to elevate their appearance. This often starts by layering the plastic tablecloths with overlays or fabric toppers. Common choices include:

  • Lace
  • Burlap
  • Paper runners

These add texture and elegance. By placing a table runner down the center, you can break up the solid color and add a more polished look to your setup. Opt for colors and patterns that align with your event theme for a cohesive aesthetic, like pastels for a baby shower or bold tones for a birthday party.

Add a little extra detail with ribbon ties at corners or fabric drapes along the edges to make your plastic tablecloths look nice. You can also fold and pleat the tablecloth for a more structured appearance, and incorporate stylish centerpieces like:

  • Floral arrangements
  • Candles
  • Themed decor


You could even use our service to create a custom linen table runner with a personalized design to add on top to further enhance the setup.

a simple arrangement with a plastic table cover for how to make plastic tablecloths look nice

How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Elegant And Fancy

Making plastic tablecloths look nice with an elegant and fancy setup can be achieved with the right techniques and accessories. Begin by incorporating fabric overlays or lace runners, as they soften the appearance of the plastic with a touch of sophistication. Metallic accents can work well, with popular choices like:

  • Gold or silver chargers
  • Napkin rings
  • Candlesticks

Use them for a glamorous touch that elevates the overall appearance.

Choose elegant dinnerware and glassware that complements your color scheme. Even with plastic tablecloths, you can lift the aesthetic with high-quality plates, cutlery, and crystal glassware. We also recommend adding fresh floral centerpieces or candle arrangements for an inviting ambiance that draws attention away from the tablecloth.


Never overlook the small details. Stylish napkin folds and layered table settings contribute to a personalized aesthetic. Learn how to set a table with a runner and placemats for maximum effect. Thoughtful accessorizing and creative layering can make plastic tablecloths look refined and fit into a formal occasion.

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How To Dress Up Plastic Tablecloths

Exploring how to dress up plastic tablecloths doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as adding decorative items like:

  • Bows
  • Ribbons
  • Decorative clips

These can gather and accentuate the tablecloth’s corners or edges. With these small details, you can add texture and charm along with visual interest to your setup.

For a polished look, consider using our service to create a custom table skirt that covers the sides for a finished appearance. These work particularly well for formal events like buffets where you need a clean, elegant presentation. You could also layer fabric runners or cloth overlays atop the plastic tablecloth to add depth and style.

For holidays or themed events, incorporate decorations that align with the occasion. Good options for this include:

  • Seasonal garlands
  • Themed centerpieces
  • Festive confetti

Explore colors that enhance the ambiance or match the surrounding decor, like red and green for Christmas or pastels for springtime.


These creative enhancements can enable plastic tablecloths to create stylish and festive table settings.

What Are Some Alluring Table Decor Ideas With Plastic Tablecloths?

Learn how to make a plastic tablecloth look good to tap into their potential as a versatile base for various table decor themes.

  • Rustic: Choose tablecloths in earthy tones and add burlap runners, wood centerpieces, and mason jar candle holders. Take the rustic look even further with fairy lights draped across the table or around the centerpiece.
  • Vintage: Plastic tablecloths that feature classic patterns like lace or floral prints work well for this. Complement that look with vintage-inspired accessories like delicate china, ornate candlesticks, and lace doilies. You could add candles in antique holders or even lanterns to deepen the charming, nostalgic atmosphere.
  • Modern: This calls for sleek, solid-colored plastic tablecloths. These should be combined with minimalist decor like metallic accents, geometric vases, and contemporary candle arrangements. LED candles or small fairy lights could add a chic, sophisticated touch that doesn’t undermine the clean lines.

Thoughtful lighting choices are an important consideration for any decor idea to create an enchanting, cohesive table setting.

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DIY Decoration Ideas To Make Plastic Table Covers Look Nice

Explore how to dress up plastic tablecloths with DIY decorations to elevate their appearance with a stylish, personalized touch. One creative approach is to design custom patterns or motifs using fabric paint or permanent markers. You can create unique looks like geometric shapes or floral designs, which you can apply by stenciling or freehand painting. Apply painter’s tape to create clean lines and avoid smudging.

For a textured appearance, consider adding unique embellishments such as:

  • Adhesive gems
  • Sequins
  • Faux pearls

Simply glue these accents onto the tablecloth in your desired pattern to add a little glamor. Alternatively, you could add decorative washi tape to outline the table edges or create patterns, adding a swift and removable solution.

If you are seeking a more polished solution, you could explore iron-on transfers. The DIY approach would be to print your design onto transfer paper and follow the manufacturer instructions to adhere it to the tablecloth for a professional look. These methods let you customize your table runners at home.

Can You Customize And Paint Plastic Tablecloths?

You can customize and paint plastic tablecloths to make the look elegant in unique ways. For the best results, we recommend:

  • Acrylic paints: Versatile and adheres well when applied with a brush.
  • Fabric spray paints designed for plastic surfaces: This provides a smooth, even coat.

Before you paint, you should prepare the surface thoroughly. Clean the tablecloth to remove any dirt or oils. It may be helpful to lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper for better paint adhesion. Apply a plastic primer afterwards to aid the paint in sticking effectively.

Creative painting ideas include stenciling and freehand painting. The former enables precise, repeatable designs, and you could also use painter’s tape for geometric shapes or strips. The latter allows for more personal and artistic expressions.


If you want a truly professional yet personalized appearance, you could design with us. We create custom print-on-demand tablecloths based on our clients’ unique designs. Work with us to achieve a polished look without all the hard work, and enjoy competitive pricing and high-quality craftsmanship.

How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Stay In Place

It can be challenging to keep plastic tablecloths in place, but there are several effective methods available to you:

  • Double-sided tape: Apply this along the edges of the table to keep the tablecloth flat and avoid slipping.
  • Tablecloth weights: These can be hung from the corners to weigh the tablecloth down in its original position.
  • Clips: These can be decorative, and applied at regular intervals to secure the tablecloth to the table.

Learning how to use tablecloth clips and clamps is a particularly popular method as they grip the edges tightly for a reliable attachment. It can help to place a non-slip tablecloth pad under the table cover as well, adding grip to prevent the tablecloth from sliding.

For outdoor events, consider using a combination of all of the above for the best possible security. With a non-slip pad on the surface and double-sided tape around the edges, the cover will be prevented from sliding. Clips and tablecloth weights will then help hold the cover down, resisting gusts of wind.

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How To Smooth Out Plastic Table Covers

Smoothing out plastic table covers is an important component of making plastic tablecloths look elegant. One of the simplest methods is to use a hairdryer on a low heat setting. Hold it a few inches away and move it back and forth to relax the wrinkles. Alternatively, you could place a protective cloth over the table cover and gently iron it on a low heat setting. This way, the risk of the plastic melting is reduced.

Stubborn wrinkles could be tackled with warm water or a handheld steamer. Lay the table cover flat and steam from a suitable distance so that the warmth smooths out the creases without damaging the plastic.

The best solution is to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the first placeHere’s how:

  • Avoid tight folds when storing.
  • Roll the tablecloth loosely.
  • Use larger folds if folding is necessary.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep the tablecloth in its original packaging until use.

Proper care and storage helps keep table covers wrinkle-free.

What Is The Best Way To Clean A Plastic Tablecloth?

The best solution to clean a plastic tablecloth begins with regular maintenance. With daily use, wipe down the tablecloth with a damp cloth of sponge after every use to remove crumbs, spills, or debris. If tougher stains occur, combine mild soap with warm water and apply with a soft cloth or sponge. Scrub the stained area gently until the stain lifts, and rinse thoroughly with clean water before drying with a separate cloth.

Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach and steer clear of abrasive scrubbing pads as they might damage the plastic. If you have a sticky residue, a gentle solution of water and white vinegar may help remove it. This can also help neutralize odors. It is simple to wash a polyester tablecloth in a washing machine, but this is not the same for plastic ones.


During cleaning, take care around decorative prints and designs. Excessive scrubbing could cause them to wear off. But regular maintenance and careful cleaning are important to make your plastic tablecloths look nice for the long-term.

children sitting beside an undecorated plastic tablecloth for how to make plastic tablecloths look nice

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What Are Some Creative Hacks For Decorating With Plastic Table Covers?

Plastic table covers are surprisingly versatile beyond their use on tables. One creative solution is to use these table covers for backdrops in photo booths. Simply hang a few covers side-by-side to create a vibrant, themed backdrop. Alternatively, you can repurpose them as gift wrap, particularly for larger items or those with irregular shapes. With their wide surface area and variety of colors, plastic tablecloths are great for wrapping and creating custom bows.

If you host an outdoor event, plastic tablecloths work well as picnic blankets or ground covers. They provide a clean and waterproof sitting space for guests. You could even cut your tablecloths into strips to make festive banners or garlands, adding a splash of color to parties. Layer different colored tablecloths to add depth and visual interest, or pleat and gather them to create a chic table skirt.

With these flexible, budget-friendly hacks, you can turn your plastic tablecloths in functional, decorative tools for a range of events. They are more than just disposable table protectors.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Nice

What Are The Ways To Make Plastic Tablecloths Look Nice?

You can make plastic tablecloths look nice by layering with runners, placemats, coasters, and more. You can even personalize them with paints and markers, and combine with different decor elements to create a theme or style.

How Can You Make Plastic Tablecloths Stay In Place?

There are several solutions for this. You could use a non-slip mat and double-sided tape under the cover. Or you could apply tablecloth clips or weights to hold it in place. Heavy centerpieces can also be helpful for this.

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