How to Choose the Best Napkin Rings?

Table of Contents
Top Best Napkin Rings Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Need Good Napkin Rings?
The napkin ring is an indispensable item anywhere there is food. Also called napkins holders, they are useful in the kitchen, living room, restaurant table, or office pantry. The different napkin holder designs seem endless. They are a hygienic and practical way to store napkins. With this in mind, we’ve put together the most useful information that’ll help you choose the best napkin rings.
9 Things to Consider Before Buying Napkin Rings
1. Vertical or Horizontal Napkin Holder?
Two types of diners use napkin holders. Some use vertical napkin rings, and those who use horizontal napkins. The dichotomy is the essential variety of the product.
Vertical napkin rings: The vertical ones are types that sandwich napkin between two surfaces. With these, you have to learn to use the correct amount of napkin in the container. Too many napkins can clog it. And too few napkins can be at the mercy of the wind and drafts in the room. It’s the best option for tables and surfaces that do not have much space since it is very compact.
Horizontal napkin rings: Horizontal napkin rings are usually slightly larger. They are generally about 18cm by 19cm in dimension. This makes the model ideal for larger surfaces. Most horizontals hold the napkins by fitting them to the bottom in the same way. They secure the napkins with a kind of handle that does not press but rests under the napkins. In this way, there is no way to link the set. But there is a clear limit of roles. In this case, too many roles reduce its resistance to wind. Also, they are often not compatible with larger napkins.
2. Napkin Holder or Napkin Dispenser?
There is a variety of the napkin ring that is so specific that it becomes a product in itself – the napkin dispenser. The dispenser is a device that allows you to take one napkin at a time, and without touching the other sheets.
It is a metal box with springs inside. It presses the napkin under the lid, with a rectangular opening in the center. It is large enough for the hands to pull the napkin easily. But it is small enough to hold the rest of the set inside the box.
The napkin dispenser is widely used in restaurants, bars, and less in homes. This is due to its practicality and hygiene, and because it adapts to many more napkins. Its standard design often does not match the meticulously decorated environments of homes.
3. Standard Napkin Ring or Figural Napkin Ring?
There are two types of napkin rings. These are the standard and simple napkin rings and the figural napkin rings.
Standard napkin rings: The standard types are the simplest in design and may look just like a piece of bracelet. They don’t usually feature elaborate designs or figures. They are all just simple rings with basic designs. They are the most inexpensive types, depending on the material.
Figural rings: This is where we start to have more fanciful models. These types may have distinctive designs or feature small figures it sculptures, which may be in the form of any motif or shape. For example, the rings could have some kind of butterfly or bird. They can be crafted in several jewels or enameled metals. They are more expensive than standard ones. They will also be very decorative in certain outdoor events, such as an elaborate wedding banquet.
4. Place or Event of Use
It’s essential to know, even before choosing your model, where or what you intend to use the napkin holder for. Each place and each event “asks” for a different type of napkin ring. For banquet and buffet events, for example, the napkin ring is best. It is also the most suitable for home use, whether in the bedroom, dining table, or kitchen.
Meanwhile, a dispenser is more ideal for restaurants and other hospitality businesses. As for the horizontal and vertical variations, the available space will be necessary, not only the location.
5. Find a Balance Between the Functional and the Decorative
There are two primary purposes of buying or using napkin rings. You want it to decorate your table, whether for home use, event purpose or commercial use in hospitality businesses. Also, you want an item that will serve the traditional functions of a napkin ring. For example, users have to be able to pull out the napkins easily, without touching the rest in the fold. Then, it’s also okay if they can have some brand customizations, i.e. logo, name or advert.
However, there are models that have stronger attributes of the functional aspect and lags in the other, and vice versa. Although the purpose of use will determine what you place as priorities. However, the best napkin rings are those which have a balance of the functional and decorative elements.
6. What is the Available Space?
Another thing to consider before the purchase is the available space. This can also refer to the size of the surface on which the product will be placed. For large tables and benches with abundant space, a large horizontal model will go down well.
However, will the model stand on a small coffee table or share space with sauces, condiments, or salt shakers? The vertical napkin holder is the most suitable here. It’s also a great choice even when it comes to harmonizing with its “table companions.”
7. What’s the Best Material to Choose?
The appearance dictates the durability of the product. This increases with the quality of the material from which the model is made or coated. In the case of the napkin holder, the best materials tend to be plastic, wood, steel, and silver. These materials are in order of quality and durability. However, the materials are options for all tastes, needs, situations, and pockets.
The napkin ring price range is quite extensive, between $5 and $500. Much of this is due to size and especially material. Plastics, vinyl, and cloth materials are the most affordable. Meanwhile, items with silver, stainless steel, and precious woods can be found at the other extreme. The material determines the price of the piece. Ensure you match the rings’ materials and finishing to the dining room or table decor or outdoor setting.
Silver, gold, and other precious metals are trendy rings as they help elevate the table decorations effectively. However, if you want a traditional style but you have a tight budget, consider the stainless steel or silver-plated models. Do you want natural decor? Choose rings with wood, ceramic, or glass materials.
8. What’s the Best Size and Shape?
The size: Generally, there are a lot of varieties when it comes to the shapes and sizes you can choose from. While there is no standard size or fast rule when it comes to size, the size range of napkin rings is between 1″ to 1.5″. This all depends on personal style or taste. If you have smaller napkins, buy smaller rings. The same rule applies to when you have larger or denser napkins.
The shape: Regarding the shapes, traditional styles are often circular. Meanwhile, there are also square and traditional napkin rings. Bead and cutout napkin rings are also suitable for elaborate decorations.
9. Choose the Right Design
The napkin holder has and is used to carry out useful functions. But they have decorative values. Pay attention to the color of the model, its format, and design. Does the design harmonize with the furniture, cutlery, and tableware? Ensure it matches the items already in your home. This is not to say that the napkin rings have to match with the specific colors of the room decor, table linens, runners, or placemats. All you need is a common and compatible decorative thread between each element, in style, material, and color.
Here’s one last advice: after choosing the best napkin rings for you, ensure you record the model, style, name, and manufacturer. This is to ensure you can find the exact or suitable replacement in case some go missing or you need more.
Conclusion
Some criteria for choosing the best napkin holder include the place and event, the space, choice of material, and design. Before choosing your napkin holder, ask and answer yourself the question of the environment or situation of use.
There are a wide variety of types of napkin holders. These include the vertical, horizontal, rings, dispensers, the DIY types for home use, to mention a few. Each one better adapts to a specific environment or event. In the market, its price varies a lot, from $5 to $500. And the price range of each product is mainly determined by its material, its design, and even its functionality. There are as many styles for every dining table. It all depends on your pocket. But keep in mind that a more expensive model can often last for many years and pay off the investment.