Linen Fabrics Compared: Polyester, Lamour, Satin, Velvet & More

Rental linens are sold under confusing names. Two cloths both called "ivory" can look nothing alike in a photo because one is flat polyester and the other is a satin with a sheen. Knowing the fabric lets you read a rental catalog, plan how it will look in a Chicago ballroom or tent, and avoid surprises on the day.

The seven fabrics

Fabric by fabric

Polyester

The default rental cloth. It resists wrinkles, takes a lot of washing and comes in a wide palette. It can look flat in photos, which is why planners add napkins, runners or overlays in a second fabric.

Lamour

A soft, matte satin-finish polyester. It reads as upscale without the shine of satin, which makes it a favorite for weddings. It drapes in long lines on floor-length cloths.

Satin

Shiny and light. It looks glam but shows every crease and can snag on rough table edges. Satin napkins and runners are common; full satin cloths work best when pressed on site.

Velvet

Plush with a soft depth of color. Velvet suits Chicago fall and winter events and goes with gold or dark wood. It can crush or show marks, so handle it carefully and fold it gently. See textured linens.

Sequin

A statement. Used as an overlay or runner it catches light; as a whole cloth it can overpower. See sequin linens for glam events.

Linen

True linen has a lived-in texture and wrinkles easily, and that is part of its charm. Linen-look polyester gets the appearance with fewer wrinkles. Ask which one a supplier means.

Burlap

Natural, coarse and rustic. It sheds fibers, so avoid dark tabletops and black clothing nearby, and use burlap runners instead of full cloths. See farm table linens.

How to choose

Chicago considerations

• Humidity and heat. Summer tent events soften lamour and satin; lightweight fabrics also blow more in the wind off the lake.
• Cold. Velvet and heavy overlays feel warmer in winter dinners.
• Photos. Matte fabrics photograph more evenly than shiny ones under flash.
• Cleaning. Delicate fabrics usually carry stricter care terms; read the policy in linen stain and damage policies.

Pairing fabric and chair

The chair sets the tone. Cross-back chairs go well with linen or burlap, ghost chairs are neutral against any fabric and velvet dining chairs look best against a matte tablecloth.

Ask the right questions at the quote

Fabric names are marketing as much as description. When you compare rental quotes, ask each supplier these four questions so you are comparing like with like.

1. What is the fabric content, and is it 100 percent polyester or a blend?
2. Does it come pressed, or does it arrive folded with creases?
3. What is the thread count or weight, and does it show the table through the cloth?
4. Do you have a photo of the exact color on a table, not only a swatch?

Weight is worth a closer look. A thin cloth may show the table seams through it, particularly with white or ivory. A heavier cloth drapes well but is harder to press, so ask whether steaming is included. For floor-length cloths on a 72-inch round, heavier fabric hangs straight and moves less in a draft from a door or tent flap.

Fabrics for the head table and details

Many planners use a different fabric on the head table, the cake table or the sweetheart table. A velvet runner or sequin overlay marks the couple's table without changing the rest of the room. Satin napkins at the head table are a subtle upgrade. Limit this to one or two special spots, so the room reads as a set. Our guide to chair covers and sashes covers a similar idea for chairs.

Get fabrics priced with the rest of the list

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help match fabrics to your chairs and venue, or request a quote.