Gingham feels so nostalgic, conjuring up memories of sun-soaked picnics and cozy visits to grandma's. Turns out, she had good taste, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. This playful pattern is now finding its way back on our dining tables this season, just in time for spring.
Despite being labeled ‘old-fashioned’ by some, the truth is that the interior design favorite never really lost its charm. From Dorothy's iconic dress in The Wizard of Oz to today, ‘There is a gingham pattern for every season,’ making the print a perennially perfect choice, says interior designer Nicole Cullum. ‘Each season sees a new fresh take on color combinations and variations of this timeless pattern,’ though the designer admits that pattern shines the brightest during the spring and summer. Since that time of year is already upon us, our eyes are on warm tone browns and ‘a range of soft pastel colors of pinks, grass greens, and sky blues.’
From humble tablecloths to chic table settings, gingham has come a long way. Grandma knew what she was doing with this versatile fabric, and now it's stealing the spotlight in modern interiors. Get ready to jazz up your dining table with the timeless pattern — from cutlery to coasters, you’ve never seen gingham done quite like this.
Gingham Napkins
Price: $49.95
Drawing inspiration from outdoor picnics, this collection is the perfect complement to your summer table linens. Yarn-dyed and colorfast, these vibrant blues will remain brilliant over time.
Price: $85
Adoring these ultra-muted pastel picks from Anthropologie. The scalloped trim adds a playful touch to an already charming print, right on trend for 2024.
Price: $5.37
Was: $8.95
If pastels aren’t your cup of tea, consider these cotton gingham napkins from CB2. With warm butterscotch and almost chocolate brown tones, they exude decadence — the ideal accessory to any dessert spread.
Gingham Plates
Price: $71
Why settle for one shade of plate when you can have four? This intentionally eclectic patterned plate set adds visual interest while maintaining a fresh and balanced aesthetic. Pair with a simple tablescape for a design-forward dining experience.
Price: $5.38
At just about $5 for a ceramic plate, you can’t go wrong. Its vintage-inspired scalloped edges evoke the charm of an antique find, with a cooler twist. Plus, that blue-gray hue pairs beautifully with virtually anything.
Price: $108
Purists might debate whether this qualifies as gingham. With two tones and a translucent brushstroke effect, I see it as an abstract, painterly interpretation of the pattern. Stunning and sure to spark conversation.
Gingham Placemats
Price: $32
This placemat is as darling as ever, with a scaled-down approach to the print and finely quilted construction. Picture it with warm neutrals like butter yellow and beige, or as the backdrop for a standout red plate.
Price: $35
Featuring not one, but two types of gingham, both defined by a red contrast border, this patchwork design is simply mesmerizing. Worth every penny.
Price: $14.90
How charming is this set from Zara Home? Originally seeking just a placemat, I couldn’t resist the complimentary napkin, especially when it’s as darling as this. Also available in green.
More Gingham Tableware
Price: $84
Gingham flatware is a rare find, making this set a standout. The rich blue hue would pair beautifully with a classic white plate set.
Price: $78
Be the host with the most with this stunning chartreuse runner — a surefire way to add intrigue to your dining table. Available in a range of shades from ochre to coastal blue, you’re bound to find your perfect match.
Price: $48
This coaster is so charming, your guests won’t need a reminder to use it! Saving your tabletop finishes, one decorative and functional design at a time.
How should I style gingham?
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Patterns occassinally pose a challenge. With so much going on visually, how do you ensure your tablescape stays in balance?
Well, according to Nicole, gingham is surprisingly forgiving. 'Gingham works because it has a simple structure that you can easily layer other patterns on top of without clashing,’ she explains. Still, she advises being intentional about its placement. ‘Place a gingham tablecloth as a base underneath complimentary colored flatware,’ she suggests. 'Use simple chargers like a brass, or rattan under your plates to create a place for your eye to rest between pattern combinations.’
Don't feel pressured to commit fully to a gingham tablecloth if it doesn't suit your style. You can use the pattern ‘as a colorful accent with your napkins,’ says Nicole. And while you may be tempted to purchase everything on this list (trust me, I am too), Nicole recommends selecting one or two favorite gingham items to focus on, then building the rest of your tablescape from there. ‘The point is that too much of a good thing can make your table look kitschy or worse, cutesie. Use gingham in one element of the table, instead of placing it everywhere,’ she advises.
If you’re loving patterns as we are, don't miss our edit of patterned accent chairs — the perfect complement to your new table decor.
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