3 Easy Steps To Choosing The Right Table Cloth Size

Tablecloths are a great way to add a pop of colour and polish to your dining areas, while also protecting your table from spills and scratches. What’s more, they can set the mood for different occasions, helping to transform your space from ground zero for a kid’s birthday party to an intimate setting for a dinner party among friends.

This said, many of us don’t actually have the right size tablecloth for our tables. Maybe your linens are hand-me-downs, or maybe you are using tablecloths for tables you no longer have.

Whatever the reason for your ill-fitting table linens, there’s no excuse not to find one that’s made for your table.

How?

You’re reading this article, and that’s the best place to start.  Just follow these three easy steps.

1) Measure

Seems obvious, right? Well, this first step is often the most overlooked. Before you buy, bust out the measuring table and record the exact dimensions of your table.

If you have a square or rectangular table, measure both the length and width.

Do you have a roundtable? No problem. Simply measure the diameter of your table.

2) Determine the Drop

The drop is the amount of tablecloth that hangs over the edge of your table. You want to add twice the amount of drop you desire.

How much do you desire?

That’s a matter of personal preference, but in general, you want it long enough to cover the edges of the table and short enough to not hinder chair movement. In other words, you don’t want your tablecloth so long that your chairs become entangled, or end up sitting on the cloth.

In general, a good drop size ranges between 6 inches and 10 inches.

3) Calculate Drop for Table Shape

Finally, calculate your drop.

Example for a square or rectangular table: Your table is 50 inches wide and 80 inches long and you want a drop of 10 inches. Add 20 inches to each side. This will give you the dimensions you want for your tablecloth: in this case, 70×100. N

Example for a roundtable: If you have a 50 inch round table and want a drop of 8 inches, you would get a 69 inch round tablecloth.

So now you know the technicalities of selecting the right tablecloth for your table. Next, you have to select a look and feel you like. This is largely a matter of personal preference and the existing style of your space.

Also, keep in mind you’ll likely want different tablecloths for different occasions. Select more durable, washable materials like cotton and linen for everyday use, and more finicky (but elegant) materials like damask, lace or jacquard for special affairs. Two or three tablecloths are usually enough, but no matter what you decide, be sure to opt for a quality tablecloth from a reputable vendor, like tablecloths from In Bed. These pieces of linen can last your whole life, and even become family heirlooms, so choose what you love, and choose wisely.