Overlays and Layered Linens: How to Build Depth on a Table

Layering turns a plain rental table into one that looks designed. It's also practical: an overlay is the cheapest way to add color or texture without replacing the whole cloth. But layers add decisions and fit problems, and it's easy to pick a size that looks sloppy. Here is how to do it well in Chicago-area ballrooms and tents.

The layers, from bottom to top

1. Base cloth. Floor length, usually white, ivory or a solid neutral.
2. Overlay. A smaller cloth adding color, pattern or texture.
3. Runner. Optional, and only if the overlay is plain.
4. Charger or placemat. See placemats, chargers and tablecloths.
5. Napkin. A contrast with whatever is underneath.

Overlay sizes

Overlays come in squares, rounds and sometimes rectangles. The most popular is a square overlay turned 45 degrees so its points drape between chairs.

These are common rental sizes; stock varies by supplier. The rule: the overlay should be at least 12 inches wider than the table, so edges reach past the tabletop, and short enough that the base shows around it.

Styles that work

Solid overlay in a deeper shade

Ivory base, champagne overlay. Quietly layered, nearly impossible to get wrong.

Textured overlay

Lace, crinkle, sequin or crushed fabric on a solid base. Texture photographs better than pattern. See textured linens for options.

Sheer overlay

Organza or chiffon over a color base creates a tint that changes with the light.

Pattern overlay

Damask or floral prints over a plain base. Use sparingly; pair with plain napkins and no runner.

What to avoid

• Overlay on overlay. Two overlays plus a runner reads cluttered.
• A busy base. Patterned base plus patterned overlay clashes.
• Slippery fabric on slippery fabric. Satin on satin slides off. Use a matte base or pin the overlay.
• Overlays on tight tables. At 48 inches the extra layer reduces room for settings.

Sequin and velvet as the top layer

Heavy fabrics such as sequin make a strong top layer because the base stays plain and protects the table. See sequin linens for glam events for sizing and care. Heavy overlays also stay put better in a breeze.

Chicago planning tips

• Ballrooms frequently have house linens. Ask whether you can add an overlay on top of house cloths.
• Tents are bright by day and dim by night; a sheer overlay can disappear in daylight.
• Seasons. Warm textures such as velvet or burlap work in fall and winter; light sheers suit summer. Check linen colors by season.
• Lead time. Specialty overlays have limited stock. Order early, as covered in how far ahead to order linens.

Pairing overlays with chairs

Chairs frame the table in every photo. A clear ghost chair lets a patterned overlay show through; a gold infinity chair suits sequin or satin. The wood of a cross-back chair goes best with natural, textured layers.

A worked example for 12 round tables

Say you are planning a Chicago fall wedding with 12 round tables of 60 inches. A reasonable layered plan: floor-length ivory base cloths (120-inch rounds) on all 12 tables, a rust or champagne 72 to 90-inch square overlay on the diagonal, a candle or low centerpiece in the middle, and napkins in deep green. That is 12 base cloths, 12 overlays and 12 sets of napkins, plus spares and the extra tables for cake, gifts and guest book.

To check your math, count the base cloths first because they are the biggest, then overlays at the same number. Add one or two spares of each. If the head table is a banquet instead, ask for one long overlay or two squares end to end, and decide whether a runner would make the layering too busy.

Keeping overlays in place

Overlays can slip on a slick polyester base. A few simple fixes: choose a base with a bit of texture, tuck a small piece of non-slip liner under the overlay, or have the centerpiece hold the middle of the overlay down. Outdoors, small weights sewn at the corners do the same job, if your supplier allows it. Do not pin or tape through rental linens unless the rental company says it is fine.

Also check the overlay's own edges. A raw or serged edge shows more on a diamond overlay than on a round one, because the corners hang. Finished or hemmed edges look better in photos, and lace overlays should be checked for snags before the event.

Layer it with the full rental list

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will work out linens, tables and chairs together, or request a quote for your guest count.