What size and material napkin should I choose?

Hosting a beautiful table is an art. And while the plate is the first thing that catches the eye, napkins play a vital role in the elegance of a table setting. Their size and material aren't just details: they influence the comfort of the guests, the style of the table, and even the ambiance of the meal.
Here I share with you my advice for choosing your napkins, depending on their use, your habits and the desired result.

What size napkin should I choose?

Napkins generally range in size from 30 x 30 cm to 60 x 60 cm . At Amphitria, we even have tiny 23 x 23 cm napkins! Each size has its own advantages and is suitable for different occasions.

👉 Small napkins (30 × 30 cm to 35 × 35 cm)

• Ideal for everyday use.

• Convenient for breakfast, a quick lunch or an informal meal.

• They take up little space in the washing machine and fold easily.

My opinion: if you like to use towels every day, these sizes are perfect!

👉 Standard napkins (40 × 40 cm to 45 × 45 cm)

• The most versatile and widespread size.

• Suitable for both family meals and dinners with friends.

• Big enough to be stylish, yet practical.

My advice: this is the format to choose if you only have to choose one.

👉 Large napkins (50 × 50 cm to 60 × 60 cm)

• Widely used for festive meals or refined dinners.

• Allows you to create beautiful napkin folds.

• Offer optimal comfort, especially if the meal includes several courses.

My feeling: they immediately give a “gourmet restaurant table” effect and impress your guests.

What material should you choose for your napkins?

Beyond size, material influences comfort of use, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Here's an overview of the main towel materials.

👉 Cotton and cotton gauze napkins

• Advantages: soft, absorbent, resistant, easy to wash.

• Use: Ideal for everyday use or for a timeless style.

• Bonus: available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

👉 Linen napkins

• Advantages: elegant, natural, very durable, they become more beautiful over time.

• Use: perfect for festive meals or for a chic and authentic table.

• Little extra: the crumpled linen gives a relaxed yet refined charm.

👉 Cotton-linen napkins (blend)

• Advantages: combine the softness of cotton and the hold of linen.

• Use: suitable if you want a chic look without too much maintenance.

• Little extra: easier to iron than pure linen.

👉 Napkins made from innovative materials (hemp, bamboo, recycled)

• Advantages: ecological, soft, resistant, original.

• Use: perfect if you favor a sustainable and responsible approach.

• A little extra: they reflect a real ecological awareness in the art of hosting.

My personal advice for choosing the right napkins

If you set the table every day, invest in a set of 40 x 40 cm cotton napkins : easy to use, they suit everything.
For special occasions, take out your 50 x 50 cm linen napkins : they instantly create an elegant and refined atmosphere.
And if you like to vary, don't hesitate to mix sizes and materials to adapt your napkins to the moment shared around the table. Personally, I really like cotton gauze, very soft and very practical for everyday use, and what's more, we have plenty of pretty models on Amphitria.com!

In summary

• Size :

  • 30 × 30 cm → simple daily use.

  • 40 × 40 cm → versatile format.

  • 50 × 50 cm → elegant dinners.

• Matter :

  • Cotton → practical and durable.

  • Linen → chic and timeless.

  • Cotton-linen → perfect balance.

  • Ecological fibers → modern and responsible.

Choosing your napkins is all about finding the balance between practicality and aesthetics . And believe me, a beautiful napkin really changes the experience of a meal: it signifies your art of entertaining.

Discover our selection of towels made in France and made in Europe in natural materials HERE and choose, using the filters, the dimensions and materials you prefer!