My kitchen table goes from bare to covered a few times a year,depending on mood and the time of year ! You can go radical and then change your mind a few months later, go warm and cosy in the winter, bare and simple in the summer.

What Lynn said : )

If I had a nicer table, it would be without. My current ikea however is destined to be covered!

My kitchen table is large and often doubles as a more formal dining table. It is painted a bright colour, topped with protective yacht varnish,to compliment the kitchen. When I am entertaining I then use a table cloth which creates a more intimate feel and less 'kitcheny' look. Lower the lighting level, add flowers and music to quell focus on kitchen.

The one on the photo is way to big and bland for that room. I use both, depending on the mood. Right now I use table cloth, made of very colorfull fabric, it brightens my room with extra spalsh of colour, and yes it looks modern too. Table cloth shoul not be boring, it can make or break your room design, it can be ugly, it can be beautiful, moden or oldschool.

I have an oil cloth on my large dining table which seats 12 as it is an antique and my children love to do their art projects on it. I also have a felt protector on it under the cloth. I then either take off for dinners with friends and use mats or put on a smart cloth if extended family visit.

My kitchen table is always bare makes it easier to wipe clean

Exactly the same as ameliaelizabethp as far as coverings go. I don't want the dining table to be ruined so keep a felt protector and oil cloth on it. All the time. I should have bought a cheaper table as I keep it covered! My children liken it to keeping sofas covered in plastic a la My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

I MAY uncover it when we knock kitchen and dining room together. May.

Kitchen table is always uncovered.

Only use table cloth for Sunday Lunch - but how lovely does it look and makes the food tast better ! My gran had a clean one everyday and no washing machine ! Puts me to shame !

I wouldn't call that a table cloth...it looks more like an oversized bed sheet :) If it's a nice table then show it off and maybe just have a bright runner or a more luxurious lace cloth that isn't too long. It shouldn't be an afterthought, it should co-ordinate with the rest of your room as well as be practical.

I have an ugly dining table so it's covered with lovely, elegant table cloths... If I had a nicer table, I would leave it uncovered to show it off, but still use a table cloth when eating at the table, as dining without a tablecloth feels strange...

place mats for dinner, naked otherwise

Kitchen table has a new tablecloth every morning, with fresh flowers from the garden (we live in Portugal). Dining table is Georgian mahogany and left bare unless we have a formal party, then we use a bespoke Madeira cloth. Laundry is easier in a sunny climate I find.

my big kitchen table always has a lovely vintage linen cloth which is a joy to put on clean and spray starched if I can be bothered. The table is much used not only for eating but for gathering friends around and talking, coffee, wine etc. On the table is a lamp, a small carved statue, two brass candlesticks plus other current bits of life like photographs, magnets for fiddling with, poems etc. and I love it!!!

If the table is suitable, getting a glazier to make a glass table top is a good option - easy to clean and hygienic, whilst protecting the beauty of the wood underneath.

Kitchen table bare, I use it when cooking, but dining table always has a tablecloth. Lace in the day and fabric when eating.

With two small children we love our oil cloth. Wouldn't be without it and it brightens up the room.

I'm not that keen on tablecloths or runners and much prefer tables bare. I always use a tablecloth when we have people over for dinner though. I do have a habit of ruining them though (3 in as many months with red wine stains and candle wax) but I was given a Ralph Lauren one for xmas and was told it was indestructible. It did receive the obligatory red wine stain and washed out so fingers crossed. We also took the decision not to stress over the wooden kitchen table top and let it "age/wear" although our son is past the age of painting if not smearing food!

minnie101 - I wish we had bought a wooden topped table. It has a thin veneer on it which is why I keep the oil cloth on it.

On the very odd time that I use a tablecloth, I use Ace bleach on red wine and tomato sauce stains. It's in the washing detergent aisle.

Angelina, thanks for the tip. I will give that a go next time! (As I have failed on using the White wine trick!)

Placemats, sometimes small square just where we are eating

Both, depending on the occasion.

Had a pretty oilcloth when the children were younger. Still use it now as a groundsheet in the garden

I like a tablecloth or runner depending on colour scheme and season. Art deco table I dont want to be damaged beyond the existing patina.

Looks modern

What about a beautiful traditional South African print table cloth?

I normally have my table naked - However, always keep a wipe clean one handy in case you have kids/messy guests!