Napkins for Restaurants, Cafes and Takeaways: Sizes, Ply and Fold
The DiscountTillRolls.ie TeamNapkins come in three main sizes: 24cm cocktail napkins for bars and drinks, 33cm lunch napkins for cafes and takeaways, and 40cm dinner napkins for restaurants and events. 2-ply napkins are softer and stronger than 1-ply, and airlaid napkins feel close to linen. 4-fold napkins are the everyday choice, while 8-fold napkins fold neatly for table settings and cutlery pockets.
Here is how to pick the right napkin for each part of your business.
In this guide
- Which napkin size do I need?
- 1-ply, 2-ply or airlaid?
- 4-fold or 8-fold?
- What other napkin types are there?
- Which napkin suits my business?
- FAQ
Which napkin size do I need?
| Size | Also called | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 24cm | Cocktail napkin | Bars, drinks, canapes |
| 30cm | Small lunch napkin | Counters, quick service |
| 33cm | Lunch napkin | Cafes, takeaways, casual dining |
| 40cm | Dinner napkin | Restaurants, hotels, weddings, events |
If you only stock one, 33cm 2-ply covers most cafes and takeaways.
Everyday white lunch napkins for cafes and takeaways.
1-ply, 2-ply or airlaid?
- 1-ply: the lowest cost. Fine for quick service where napkins are grabbed by the handful, like the Logic8 30cm 1-ply.
- 2-ply: softer and stronger. The standard for most cafes and restaurants, like the Logic8 40cm 2-ply dinner napkin.
- Airlaid: thick and soft, with a feel close to linen. Great for restaurants, hotels and events, like the Logic8 40cm airlaid napkin.
Premium airlaid napkins for restaurants and events.
4-fold or 8-fold?
- 4-fold: folded into a square. The everyday choice for counters, dispensers and table stacks.
- 8-fold: folded into a narrow rectangle. It sits neatly beside a plate or in a cutlery pocket, which suits table settings.
What other napkin types are there?
- Kraft compostable napkins: a natural brown look for eco-minded cafes and street food, in 33cm 4-fold, 33cm 8-fold and 40cm 8-fold.
- Coloured napkins: 33cm coloured lunch napkins, 40cm coloured dinner napkins and black cocktail napkins for events and branded looks.
- Dispenser napkins: interfold dispenser napkins come out one at a time from a counter dispenser, which cuts waste at self-serve stations.
- Cutlery pouch napkins: a kraft cutlery pouch with napkin keeps cutlery tidy for deliveries and events.
Counter dispenser that serves one napkin at a time.
Which napkin suits my business?
| Business | Good choice |
|---|---|
| Bar | 24cm cocktail napkins, 2-ply |
| Cafe | 33cm lunch napkins, 2-ply, 4-fold, or a dispenser |
| Takeaway | 33cm 2-ply, or 30cm 1-ply for high volume |
| Restaurant | 40cm 2-ply or airlaid, 8-fold |
| Events and weddings | 40cm airlaid or coloured dinner napkins |
For the rest of the table, see our wooden cutlery options and the cafe opening supplies checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard napkin?
A lunch napkin is usually 33cm and a dinner napkin 40cm. Cocktail napkins are 24cm.
What is the difference between 2-ply and 1-ply napkins?
2-ply napkins have two layers, so they are softer and stronger. 1-ply is cheaper.
What is an airlaid napkin?
A thick, soft napkin made by a different process that gives a feel close to linen.
What does 8-fold mean?
The napkin is folded into eighths, giving a narrow rectangle that suits place settings and cutlery pockets.
Are kraft napkins compostable?
Our kraft napkins are sold as compostable. Check with your waste provider about disposal.
The right napkin for every table.
Cocktail, lunch, dinner, airlaid and kraft napkins, dispatched from Dublin 12.
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