tablecloths
Tables serve us in a great many ways. We dine at tables on occasion when we eat at home. We stack our newspapers and magazines on side tables, along with the coffee we have yet to finish. We rent extra tables for parties, because no one has enough places for the 120 guests who are coming for their son's graduation or their daughter's wedding. Those who stand trade shows are familiar with the exhibit hall tables that guests do their best to avoid while exhibitors try to lure them in.
Tables are places to gather, to celebrate, and all too often, to spill things. Tablecloths offer a beautiful visual statement and are easily whisked into the laundry. They help protect a quality wooden table and help conceal an inexpensive plastic rental.
What makes the visual statement of the tablecloth succeed is choosing a tablecloth of the right size. We will review the selection of the right sized tablecloths for formal and informal dining, side tables, party rentals, and trade show exhibit tables. We will then discuss the process of shopping for the right size tablecloth for the specific needs at hand.
Tablecloths for Dining Tables
Dining tables may use tablecloths in a range of sizes depending on whether formal or informal meals are taken there.
If the table will be used for ordinary dining, allow a 6 to 10 inch drape on all sides. This allows a range in the size of the tablecloth, as will be seen in the examples and the calculations below. Formal meals may use cloths that drop to the floor, or approximately 30 inches on all sides.
Be aware that some manufacturers label their products only with metric measurements. It therefore can be helpful to convert the final range of measurements to metric so as to be armed with both metric and English measures when shopping.
For convenience, we will review the process of calculating tablecloth sizes, so any custom table may be properly fitted, before outlining a set of standard table and tablecloth sizes.
Round Tables
To calculate the correct size for a round tablecloth on a dining table:
- Measure from side to side through the center point to establish the table's diameter.
- Ordinary dining: Add 12 inches for the drop to the table's diameter to get the smallest tablecloth size. Add 20 inches to get the largest tablecloth size. Choose a round tablecloth that is no smaller than the smallest and no larger than the largest size
- Formal dining: Add 60 inches to get the tablecloth size.
- Ordinary dining: Add 12 inches to 24 inches. The smallest tablecloth would be a 36 inch round. Add 20 inches to 24 inches. The largest tablecloth would be a 44 inch round.
- Formal dining: Add 60 inches to 24 inches. The tablecloth for formal dining would be an 84 inch round. This is not a standard size so an 81 inch round, which lands 1.5 inches from the floor, is typically used.
Square Tables
To calculate the correct size for a square tablecloth:
- Measure along one side to establish the table's dimensions.
- Ordinary dining: Add 12 inches to the table's side dimension to get the smallest tablecloth size. Add 20 inches to get the largest tablecloth size. Choose a square tablecloth that is no smaller than the smallest and no larger than the largest potential size.
- Formal dining: Add 60 inches to the measured dimension to get the tablecloth size.
Rectangular Tables
To calculate the correct size for a rectangle tablecloth:
- Measure along each side to establish the table's dimensions.
- Ordinary dining: Add 12 inches to each side dimension to get the smallest tablecloth size. Add 20 inches to get the largest tablecloth size. Choose a rectangular tablecloth that is no smaller than the smallest potential size and no larger than the largest.
- Formal dining: Add 60 inches to the measured dimensions to get the tablecloth size.
Oval Tables
To calculate the correct size for an oval tablecloth :
- Measure across the table through the center point to get the longest dimension and the shortest dimension
- Ordinary dining: Add 12 inches to get the smallest tablecloth size. Add 20 inches to get the largest tablecloth size. Choose a tablecloth that is the right shape, no smaller than the smallest and no larger than the largest size.
- Formal dining: Add 60 inches to the measured dimensions to get the tablecloth size.
Common Dining Table and Tablecloth Sizes
Although far from comprehensive, this list of common dining table sizes and the standard tablecloth sizes that could be used is a good starting place.
Table Shape |
Table Size |
Tablecloth: Ordinary |
Tablecloth: Formal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Round or Square |
24 inch |
44 inch |
81 inch |
|
Round or Square |
30 inch |
52 inch |
90 inch |
|
Round or Square |
36 inch |
52 inch |
96 inch |
|
Round or Square |
42 inch |
61 inch |
102 inch |
|
Round or Square |
48 inch |
71 inch |
110 inch |
|
Round or Square |
60 inch |
81 inch |
120 inch |
|
Round or Square |
72 inch |
90 inch |
132 inch |
|
Rectangle or Oval |
30 inch by 72 inch |
52 inch by 96 inch |
90 inch by 140 inch |
|
Rectangle or Oval |
30 inch by 96 inch |
52 inch by 120 inch |
90 inch by 160 inch |
When considering the right size cloth for a table, it is important to keep in mind whether leaves will be used to extend the table during the meals when the cloth will be used.
Does the Table Have Leaves?
Many households have a dining table with leaves to allow for extension during large guest meals. If the table is being measured for a cloth that will be used during large parties, then the measurements must account for the leaves. If the cloth will be used for more intimate family events, then the table is appropriately measured without its leaves or with only those regularly used.
The Right Cloth for a Side Table
Where an end table or side table is covered, the cloth will usually fall to the floor. The correct measurement will be the diameter of the table (if round) or edge (if square) plus two times the height. So a 24 inch square side table which is 30 inches high would need a square cloth that is 24 plus 60 inches, or 84 inches.
The exception will be a table topper on a side table. This kind of table topper, which is often made of lace or lace-edged, falls only four to six inches from the top of the table.
Selecting Table Cloths for Party Rentals
Tables rented for parties are usually large rounds for the most convivial gatherings. Their size varies depending on the overall size of the space where the event will be held and the number of people expected to attend.
Party tablecloths are made from a variety of materials. The cloths selected will depend on whether the host expects to frequently host similar events, in which case a durable and washable material is appropriate, or whether this is a unique or unusual event, in which case various disposable materials might be considered.
The materials most frequently used for tablecloths at large events are:
- Heavy duty polyester
- Crinkle taffeta
- Satin
- Flocked fabric
- Damask
- Plastic
- Plastic-backed paper fiber that feels like cloth
- Paper fiber that feels like cloth
Fitted Spandex table covers are also available. These must be fitted exactly to the top dimension of the tables used. They create a sleek and colorful contemporary appearance.
Tables for events typically are selected as rounds at one of three sizes. Those sizes, with tablecloth sizes and seating capacity, are outlined in the chart below:
Table Size |
Seating Capacity |
Tablecloth (Informal) |
Tablecloth (Formal Floor Length) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
48 inches |
6-8 people |
70-90 inches |
110 inches |
|
60 inches |
8-10 people |
90 inches |
120 inches |
|
72 inches |
10-12 people |
110 inches |
132 inches |
Rectangular banquet tables are fitted with cloths similarly:
Table Size |
Seating Capacity |
Tablecloth (Informal) |
Tablecloth (Formal Floor Length) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 inches by 6 feet |
6-8 people |
60 inches by 102 inches |
90 inches by 132 inches |
|
30 inches by 8 feet |
8-10 people |
60 inches by 126 inches |
90 inches by 156 inches |
Party tablecloths may be enhanced with table overlays of such materials as:
- Organza
- Satin
- Embroidered fabrics
- Lace
- Beaded or other ornamented fabrics
Table overlays are often squares which are larger than the table top but may not reach the floor. Sometimes a square overlay is used on a round table. This means that its diagonal measurement would be no longer than the full diameter of a round tablecloth.
If specialty tables such as bistro tables, which are higher, have been selected, discuss the appropriate table covers with the caterer or rental agent.
Selecting Table Cloths for Exhibit Tables
The table cloths used for trade show exhibit tables are somewhat specialized in material and design. These tables are generally narrower and longer than the standard dining table and the cloths take a beating in packing, in transit, and in use.
It can be desirable to choose a cloth that is fitted or at least semi-fitted at the corners so it will stay in place through the duration of the event. The fabric is often a sturdy twill to resist wrinkling and to last. These tablecloths are often selected to match an organization's logo color, or may have the logo of the organization or a current product line printed or embroidered prominently on the front. Spandex table covers are coming into fashion at trade shows as well.
The correct size will be calculated according to the process for calculating the size of a rectangular table cover. If the organization rents exhibit tables of varying lengths, then a fitted table cover will not be appropriate. In that case, a fabric table cover large enough to cover the longest table rented must be chosen. One end will be folded under when a shorter table is used.
Shopping for the Right Sized Tablecloths
Needless to say, the process begins by determining what is the right size tablecloth, following the appropriate process for the kind of table being covered. Tablecloths come in tremendous varieties of fabric and many colors and prints, once the correct size has been identified.
Choosing a Tablecloth on eBay
If you are considering shopping for tablecloths on eBay, the place to begin is by searching the auction listings. You may select for the shape you prefer, from round to rectangular. If you have a particular fabric or color in mind, you may specify that as well. To specify the size, try typing in a number representing one of the dimensions after the word "tablecloth" in the search box. An example would be "tablecloth 70." This will usually generate a range of suggestions, one of which is likely to meet your needs. For example, if you have selected "round" as the shape you are seeking, the example will return "tablecloth 70 round" and will locate 70 inch round tablecloths, whether the seller has designated them as 70 inch rounds, 70" rounds, or 70-inch rounds.
Finding a Quality Seller
When eBay sellers receive positive feedback from other customers, you can see this and know that you are likely to have a good experience. When you see a ribbon next to a listing, that indicates a top-rated seller, who has demonstrated the highest level of reliability and customer service over a long history of eBay sales.
Conclusion
A wide range of tablecloths in many materials are available to set tables of different shapes appropriately for different purposes. The tablecloth used informally for home dining will be smaller than that used to set a rented table for a formal event. Cloths for side tables may be sized differently to allow for tops that are small relative to their heights. Tables used at trade shows have distinct proportions, as well as unusually rough usage, that require special cloths.
Finding the appropriate sized cloth for the table being covered begins with determining how the table will be used, then the table's dimensions. Many dining tables and party tables come in standard sizes that fit standard sized cloths readily. However, dining tables that are elongated with leaves or side tables that are high may need to be measured to be sure the cloth will fit properly.
A topper in lace or a contrasting fabric may enhance a longer tablecloth on a dining table, party table, or side table.
Once the range of sizes that will fit the table has been determined, finding a cloth that is neither too large nor too small should be a relatively simple matter of selecting among the many options available.