A distinguishing feature of fine dining restaurants is the use of white tablecloths to emphasize the clean and sophisticated look enhancing a classy ambience. Based on surveys, white tablecloths have always been preferred by restaurants because they immediately give the impression of cleanliness, which nowadays, ia extra important. While it is undisputed as the preferred color, there’s a growing debate, if a water-repellant or waterproof tablecloth is more sustainable as an alternative to the natural organic linen type.

Origins of White Tablecloths

While white linen tablecloths have always been the original choice for a table cover, historians traced its origin in as far back as 103 AD. A poet named Martial actually simply wanted to place a table cover to keep the furniture’s surface clean after every meal. Back then, there was no other choice but the same colorless textile used for garments.

The use of tablecloths gained popularity during the Victorian era as furniture, especially for the long dining tables that were relatively expensive. White tablecloths remained the only choice because it was only during the industrial era that textiles in different colors, designs and thickness became available as choices of table linens.

As textile technology advanced through the years with the production of polyester fabrics, manufacturers of tablecloths latter introduced waterproof, stain-proof or water-resistant and stain repellent covers for all sorts of furniture. Unlike in the Medieval Ages, when white tablecloth was also recognized as a status symbol among wealthy aristocrats. Having numerous white tablecloths and bed linens hanging out to dry indicated the owners were wealthy. They can afford to maintain a fleet of servants whose main task was to wash white tablecloths and bed linens.

Quite interestingly as the years passed, cotton textile soon became expensive, which was quickly replaced by synthetic polyester fabrics. Moreover, Victorian influence in the use of white tablecloths was overpowered by the attractive appearances of garments and linens in different colors and designs.

As practicality and sustainability using tablecloths that required enormous amounts of labor, water, soap and electricity also became issues, innovators came up with easy to clean waterproof or water-repellent table covers.

Actually, the manufacture of covers became extensive as nearly all types of equipment are now provided with covers. Apparently, the amount of pollution present in the environment gave rise to the increasing demand for protective covers.

Aside from tablecloths of which the choices for perfect covers range from waterproof, to oil-proof, stain-proof and scratch-proof, car covers also improved as protection against the elements and worsening effects of global warming and the resulting climate changes.

However choosing a car cover can also be tricky for some vehicle owners. Many became frustrated when their car showed streaks of stains caused by water leaking out of seams. Also, in order to get the appropriate protection against the harsh elements, your choice of car cover weatherproof feature depends on the kind of weather and climate conditions in which you and your car are located.

Some regions have tropical weather while others experience long months of cold and snow. Unlike tablecloths, car covers can produce water condensation when moisture gets trapped inside the enclosures. When moisture and road or sea water salt combines, rust formation and eventually, corrosion can cause greater problems.