Measuring Guide: How to Measure for a Tablecloth

Tablecloth remains the basic and most important accent of a dining room table. Apart from being an elegant decoration and a useful tool in setting the tone for an event, tablecloths also protect the surfaces from heat, scratches, spills and other damage. Here’s how to pick the right tablecloth size for you:

Measure your table

If your table is square or rectangular, measure the entire width and length of the table from end to end. If your table is round, measure the diameter of the table from one edge to the other passing through the center.

Choose the tablecloth drop

The drop of the tablecloth — a.k.a the space from the edge of the table to where the tablecloth ends — depends on the type of occasion you’re setting up for. If it’s a casual get-together with family and friends, a drop of around 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) on each side will suffice. For a more formal gathering such as a wedding, the drop should be longer, about 15-30 inches (38-76 cm).

Add the dimensions together

So you have your table’s width and length — to get the final dimensions of your tablecloth, you’ll have to add the desired drop to each side. In other words, if your table measures 55 inches wide and 70 inches long and you’ve decided on a 15-inch drop, you’ll have to add 30 inches to the width and 30 inches to the length of your table, ending up with an 85x100 inch tablecloth.

Same goes for a round table: just add twice the desired drop to the diameter, for example: if your round table measures at 55 inches and you want a 15-inch drop, you should buy an 85-inch round tablecloth.

To accessorize your dining room table even further, use runners, placemats, napkins, and coasters. Note that we can make a custom tablecloth to your desired measurements — just get in touch! For tips on how to care for linen tablecloths, read our Linen Care Guide.