How the Oilcloth Tablecloth has Developed into the Stylish Table Decor it is Today

For many people, an oilcloth tablecloth is a colourful, durable and useful modern kitchen accessory. Perhaps it has been around for a few decades, but it is something that our great, grandparents knew very little about. Actually, this is not true and for centuries, this type of waterproof cloth has been a practical solution to the problem of keeping things dry in the rain. And although the arrival of oilcloth tablecloths did come much later, the range of oilcloth uses in the past is, in fact, rather surprising. From life on the sea to life in the cities, it was used throughout and, even on top of, the home. Its development into the practical and durable tablecloth was somewhat natural, if unexpected. The history of oilcloths stretches back to the 17th century when they were chiefly used as waterproof and protective coverings for roofs and floors. It might seem strange that a roof would feature an oilcloth but, in fact, these were the days of thatched and wooden roofs which could quickly suffer from the effects of rain, wind and freezing temperatures. The waterproof oilcloth helped them to last those few years longer. It meant that oilcloth was a practical option for more than just domestic purposes, and the fabled sailors of old made good use of the material when it came to dressing themselves for life on the rough seas. The hat and cape that fishermen used at the time were made of oilcloth, and did a good job of keeping them dry while at sea. Indoors, the oilcloth floor coverings were basically large rugs, that protected the floor from spillages of hot liquid and food, like soup and stews, as well as general wear and tear of everyday walking around. On unprotected wooden floors, it would not take very long for a visible pathway to develop on the surface. Of course, the process of creating these oilcloths was very, very different to those used today. The linen or canvas sheet was treated with oil or resin to keep water at bay. Because of their attributes and affordability, with oilcloths significantly cheaper than real fabric rugs, they grew in popularity and, by the middle of the 18th century, they were a common feature in the homes of prosperous landowners and industrialists. At this time, decorative designs were also being painted onto the the cloth, before being sealed in by coats of oil. However, there were some problems with the oilcloth of yesteryear. In hot weather, the coat of resin or oil could dry and crack or peel away, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the oilcloth, requiring frequent replacement. Eventually, as slate replaced thatch, roofs no longer required oilcloth while, in the home, advances in the growing textile industry through the industrial revolution saw the price of fabric rugs drop, making them an affordable replacement. This was a crucial development in terms of oilcloths in the home. A new use had to be found for them, and with outdoor activities like picnics, fetes and celebratory banquets still highly popular, the natural option was to drape tables in the cloth once used on the floor. Already, they were being used as marquees, so their use at festivals was only natural. Eventually, because of their greater durability, tables indoors were also draped in oilcloths, with the more expensive linen alternatives kept for special occasions. But it was the 1950s when manufacturers discovered that a thin film of polyvinyl over a cotton tablecloth also ensured a waterproof finish. The fact this process could be done much faster and more cost effectively than the older methods made it even more affordable, but also highly stylised for the first time. These are the most commonly available oilcloth tablecloths today, and are easily attainable in home stores around the country. However, it is still possible to purchase a version that is made from 100 per cent cotton, making them softer than the vinyl and pvc options, but are treated with a coating of special resin that make them waterproof. The oilcloth tablecloth tends to cost a little more than the other treated options, but it has some advantages over them too, not least the fact that it hangs more similarly to natural fabric. Of course, they are vastly different to the types produced so long ago, with colour now a major part of their design, making them as stylish as they are practical.