How To Choose The Correct Size Tablecloth For Your Table
Tablecloths are a restaurant essential, helping to generate a distinctive style and preventing your table from any dents or scratches. Our range of luxurious restaurant tablecloths are available in various sizes, shapes and colours. Having the correct size tablecloth in your restaurant is crucial to ensure your venue looks up to the mark.
Our commercial linen collection features various elegant designs, from plain designs to beautiful detailed damask rose designs. Our commercial linen is stain-resistant and provides low shrinkage for longer lifespans. At Linen Connect, we help you choose your desired tablecloth size for all events.
Table of contents
What is drop length?
Drop length is the length of a tablecloth hanging over a table’s edge. The drop length of the tablecloth you need will depend on the size and shape of your table and the occasion. You will have to measure your table to ensure you find the right drop length for your tablecloth. Drop length is available in different styles, depending on what you will need your tablecloth for.
A tablecloth with a short drop length is recommended for dining tables in your home. Tablecloths with a short drop length hang over the edge of your table but do not reach down to the floor. Short drop lengths are not recommended for formal events, as showcasing the table legs could detract from the extravagant aesthetic.
Formal events such as weddings and galas are best suited for floor-length drops. A floor-length drop is where a tablecloth hangs over the table’s edge and reaches down to the floor. Floor-length drops look stylish and sophisticated compared to short drop lengths, which is why they are suitable for high-end events.
![Blue rose tablecloth](https://www.linenconnect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cezanne-royal-blue-damask-rose-table-cloth-p61-85_medium.jpeg)
Puddle drops are where the tablecloth is longer than the height of the table, so it puddles on the floor. Puddle drops are often used for events that don’t seat guests, such as fundraiser tables or reception card tables. Puddle drops add luxury to any venue and are not suitable for seating guests to avoid the risk of trips and slips.
How to find the right size tablecloth
You must measure your table correctly to ensure you find the right tablecloth size. If you have an extendable table, you will need to decide whether you will be extending the table or keeping it at its normal length. Deciding the table size you will be using is important to enable you to find the correct length for the tablecloth.
You will need to measure the table’s length and width to find the right size tablecloth. The easiest way to measure your table length is by starting from the centre of the table and measuring outward, then multiplying the measurement by two. Alternatively, using a tape measure with a hook on the end will enable you to measure the table accurately.
Calculating tablecloth sizes
Finding the right tablecloth size for rectangular, oval or round tables is simple; you just need to follow the drop length equation. Each table shape requires a different equation to calculate the tablecloth size.
![White square tablecloth](https://www.linenconnect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/gabriella-clare-marino-FvgjdZ3hjkk-unsplash.jpg)
If you have an extendable table, you will need to decide whether you will be extending or shrinking it. Purchasing two tablecloths may be the best option if you often use both sizes. If you would only prefer to purchase one tablecloth but use both table sizes, buying the bigger size is recommended. However, the overhang will be different and may not be your preferred length. Having a drop length that is too long will result in the tablecloth interfering with your guests while they are sitting, which could be distracting.
For the equation to work, you must decide how much drop length you want. Read on to find out how to calculate the tablecloth size for rectangular, oval and round tables.
Rectangular tables
Firstly, you need to measure the length and width of your table. Use a tape measure to find out the measurements of your table. Then, you will need to decide how much drop length you want. If you are seating guests, adding approximately 20-30cm of drop length is recommended.
Once you have decided on your preferred drop length, you will need to double this number and add it to the length and width of your table. This will bring you to your final tablecloth size.
For example, if your table is 110 x 200cm and you want a drop length of 30cm, then the calculation would look something like this:
- 30cm x 2 = 60cm (This is the total drop length on each side).
- Length = 200 + 60 = 260cm
- Width = 110 + 60 = 170cm
- Total tablecloth size = 170 x 260cm
So if you had a table size of 110 x 200cm and wanted a drop length of 30cm, you would need a 170 x 260cm tablecloth.
Round tables
Measuring the tablecloth size for a round table is simple as it only requires one measurement. You need to measure the diameter of the table with a tape measure, ensuring that your measurement passes through the centre of the table for a more accurate reading. A drop length of around 15-25cm is ideal if you are sitting guests.
Like rectangular tables, you will need to double your decided drop length so your tablecloth will hang at the same length all around the table. For example, if you decide on a drop length of 20cm and your table is 100cm in diameter, your calculation would look something like this:
- 20cm x 2 = 40cm (This is the total drop length on each side).
- Total length = 100 + 40cm = 140cm diameter
So if you had a table with a diameter of 100cm and wanted a drop length of 20cm, you would need a tablecloth that is 140cm in diameter.
![White rectangle tablecloth](https://www.linenconnect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/forta-100-polyester-plain-table-cloth-white-p54-79_image-700x700.jpeg)
Oval tables
Firstly, you need to measure your table’s length and width using a tape measure. A 20-30cm drop length is recommended if you have guests sitting.
After deciding your preferred drop length, you will need to double this number and add it to your table’s length and width to find the final tablecloth size.
For example, if your oval table is 70 x 140cm and you want a drop length of 25cm, then the calculation would look something like this:
- 25cm x 2 = 50cm (This is the total drop length on each side).
- Width = 70 + 50 = 120cm
- Length = 140 + 50 = 190cm
- Total tablecloth size = 120 x 190cm
So if you had a table size of 70 x 140cm and wanted a drop length of 25cm, you would need a 120 x 190cm tablecloth.
Browse the luxurious tablecloth range at Linen Connect
Linen Connect stocks a wide range of luxurious tablecloths fit for any occasion. Browse our range of luxurious 100% Polyester tablecloths or 100% cotton tablecloths to update your venue. Tablecloths at Linen Connect are available in various colours and designs to protect all furniture. For stylish, high-end venues, why not browse the latest collection of elegant and stain-resistant Cezanne damask rose tablecloths?
Related Articles
The Ultimate Guide For Choosing The Best Hotel Bed Linen
Comments are closed here.