UPDATE: Based on your feedback, we’ve created a Tablecloth Finder to help you find the right sized tablecloth — try it out and tell us if you like it!
Table linens are essential for setting the right tone to your event and they can really transform a space. Choosing a tablecloth is easy; here are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Determining Quality
What should I look for in fine linens?
Fine linens are characterized by a combination of beautiful materials, expert construction, fine workmanship, and design. Most fine linens are made from linen or cotton because they are durable, absorbent, and soft.
What material should my table linens be made from?
Because they are strong and absorbent, we recommend cotton and linen. While they do require ironing, they are long-lasting and have the most luxurious feel and appearance.
For ease of care, there are high quality easy-care table linen collections available which are either stain-resistant or wrinkle resistant.
What is the difference between linen and cotton?
Both linen and cotton are natural fibers. Linen comes from the flax plant, which grows in the cooler climates of western and northern Europe. Cotton comes from the cotton plant, which grows in hot, humid climates throughout the world. Both fabrics are highly absorbent, durable, and become softer with use.
There are some subtle differences, however. Linen feels lighter and crisper and becomes whiter with use. It is also highly absorbent and lint-free. Cotton feels more substantial and is will shrink more than linen.
What determines quality in cotton fabrics?
Quality in cotton is primarily based on the length of the fibers. This is because longer fibers can be spun into smoother, stronger, and much finer yarns, which can then be woven to create fabrics that are softer and more durable. In particular, Egyptian cotton is prized because the humid weather and rich soil around the Nile delta produce especially delicate and long fibers. Cotton grown in Egypt has a staple length of over 2 1/4″, twice the size of that in generic cotton and 60% longer than Pima cotton.
What determines quality in linen fabrics?
Like cotton, higher quality linen fabrics are made from longer fibers because these produce finer and stronger yarns. In addition, these fibers have a very consistent thickness with almost no coarse knots or uneven slubs, resulting in a smooth hand. Irish and Belgian linen are widely acknowledged to be among the finest linen in the world.
Determining Size
What are standard table linen sizes?
Formal table linens are generously sized for elegant entertaining. Sizes will vary among different collections, but they are generally as follow:
Cocktail Napkin 6″ x 6″ Luncheon Napkin 18″ x 18″ Dinner Napkin 22″ x 22″ Placemat 14″ x 20″ Tablecloth 70″ x 90″ (seats 8) Tablecloth 70″ x 108″ (seats 10-12) Tablecloth 70″ x 126″ (seats 12) Tablecloth 70″ x 144″ (seats 12-14) Tablecloth 70″ x 162″ (seats 12-14) Tablecloth 70″ x 180″ (seats 16-18) Tablecloth 70″ round (seats 4) Tablecloth 90″ round (seats 8) Tablecloth 108″ round (seats 10-12)For more information, view our basic chart of tablecloth sizes and the tables they would fit.
What size tablecloth should I buy?
For formal settings, tablecloths should hang down 10″ to 12″ around the table. More elaborate occasions may call for a drop of anywhere from 15″ to 30″ (all the way to the floor). The longer the drop, the more dramatic the effect. In contrast, casual events call for cloths that have 6″ – 8″ drops.
To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension. For example, if your table measures 48″ wide and 84″ long, and you would like a 12″ drop on each side, you would add 24″ to each dimension:
48″ + 24″ = 72″ wide
84″ + 24″ = 108″ long
For round tables, measure the diameter of your table and add twice the desired drop. Following the example above, 48″ round tables would require 72″ round tablecloths.
What shape should my tablecloth be?
Rectangular table – rectangular tablecloth
Oval table – oval or rectangular tablecloth
Square table – square tablecloth
Round table – round or square tablecloth
My table has several leaves. What size tablecloth should I buy?
If the table is extended and shortened often, purchase separate tablecloths to fit each size. If this is not possible, you can buy a cloth that fits the size of table that is used most often, and purchase more affordable banquet cloths for larger affairs. Another solution is to simply buy a cloth to fit the largest table, and use it at all times. A third possibility is to go with a nice set of placemats and napkins.
Are custom tablecloths available?
Yes. If you can’t find a standard size tablecloth that fits your table, we are happy to offer custom sizes in many collections.
Suggested Quantities
How many table linens do I need?
We recommend that a basic collection of table linens include the following items:
1 Formal Tablecloth
12 Formal Napkins (usually to match the tablecloth)
1 Casual Tablecloth
12 Casual Napkins
12 Placemats
18 Cocktail Napkins
1 Table Liner
Design Tips
What design should I choose for my table linens?
Generally, formal linens are either solid, woven with a pattern, printed, or embroidered. White and ivory are the most traditional colors. Printed designs and more colorful embroideries, more suitable for informal settings.
What is a damask?
Unlike a print, a damask or jacquard refers to patterns that are woven into the fabric of the cloth, creating a subtle, yet elegant look. Although it is a common misconception that the term “damask” refers to a heavy cloth, damask patterns may be woven into fabrics of any weight.
What colors should my table linens be?
White is the most popular color for table linens and it is always appropriate for formal dining. Ivory and off-white colors are a popular second, especially in rooms with warmer tones. Beyond these, colors are wonderful for highlighting special elements in your tabletop collections or to celebrate festive occasions.
What should I consider in choosing linens for a special event?
– Location: Choose colors to complement the existing décor of your dining room. For outdoor events, let the setting be your guide. Generally, bright colors look better in sunny locations, while pastels are wonderful in garden settings.
– Season: Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while bolder colors are more appropriate during the colder fall and winter months.
– Theme: Colorful linens are one of the most effective ways to set the mood you want to create. Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more refined atmosphere.
Protecting Your Tables
Why do I need a table liner?
Although designed to last a lifetime, fine table surfaces are often exposed to excessive wear and tear. To help protect your tables, thick felt table liners are designed to reduce noise and protect your tabletop against heat and scratches. Unlike ordinary liners, these are plush and generously sized (approximately 5″ larger than your table) to extend over the edge of your table in order to create a softer drape underneath your fine linens. To read more, see Protecting Your Table with Felt Liners.
What size table liner do I need?
We suggests choosing a table liner that is slightly smaller than your tablecloth (but larger than your table.) Following are our recommended sizes:
Tablecloth Felt Liner 70″ x 90″ 60″ x 82″ 70″ x 108″ 60″ x 100″ 70″ x 126″ 60″ x 118″ 70″ x 144″ 60″ x 136″ 70″ x 162″ 60″ x 154″ 70″ x 180″ 60″ x 172″ 88″ x 106″ 78″ x 96″ 88″ x 124″ 78″ x 114″ 88″ x 140″ 78″ x 130″ 88″ x 160″ 78″ x 150″ 70″ round 60″ round 90″ round 80″ round 108″ round 90″ roundCaring for Table Linens
How do I care for my table linens?
Most fine linens can be laundered at home. Cottons and linens should be washed with like colors in cool water using a regular (non-bleach) detergent. Stains should be treated as soon as possible using a stain remover such as our LeBlanc Linen Wash. Bleaching agents such as chlorine, peroxide, or sodium carbonate should not be used.
Linens can be dried, but should be removed from the dryer while slightly damp in order to minimize wrinkles. They should then be spread on a large surface and pressed with a hot iron. When ironing embroideries, place them face down on a towel and press on the reverse side.
Taffetas, silks and laces should generally be dry cleaned, especially if the items are delicate or have decorative fringes.
Are there specialty linen cleaning solutions?
LeBlanc Linen Wash is a specially formulated cleaning solution for laundering fine linens. Its gentle, pH-balanced formula may be used on all natural fibers, synthetics, and blends. We particularly like it because it is concentrated, so it is effective on linens (including vintage linens) without the use of bleach, caustics, or phosphates. LeBlanc Linen Wash has been tested to remove lipstick, jam and jelly, fruit juice, coffee, tea, chocolate, red, wine, grease, cola, ink, and oil stains.
Do I have to iron my fine table linens?
For formal dining, we do recommend that you iron your fine linens. After washing, simply lay your slightly damp linens on your table over large towels or a felt table liner and press with a hot iron. Of course, you may also have your linens professionally pressed for a small charge.
How do I store my table linens?
Preparing linens for storage is easy. Make sure linens are completely clean and dry. Avoid starching them prior to storage. Fold items gently and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Do not store linens in plastic bags or cedar chests or in basements, attics, or garages to prevent large fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Check your linens periodically to ensure that they are clean and dry.
To view all our collections of table linens, click here.
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Of all the things we need to pick out for a dining room, a tablecloth seems like one of the easiest. However, picking the wrong size, shape, or color could make your dining experience less stylish, experts say.
Dressing a dining table is an art, so picking the right foundation sets the tone for the rest of the space, no matter if you are picking a full cloth, or showing off the table itself with a simple runner.
We have asked designers for their pro tips on how to choose a tablecloth, with tricks from deciding on the right drop to picking the right material and patterns.
These are the four things you have to take into account before deciding on your dining table decor, designers say.
1. Pick the right size by deciding your drop
(Image credit: Tori Murphy)
One of the most common mistakes people make when styling a dining table is picking the wrong sized tablecloth, shares Jackie Chou, interior designer and director of Archute.
‘A tablecloth that is too big will look sloppy and drag on the floor, while a tablecloth that is too small will expose the table legs and make the whole setting look cheap,’ he says. ‘To avoid this mistake, measure your table and add extra length for the overhang. A good rule of thumb is to have a six to 12-inch overhang on each side of the table, depending on the style and occasion. Typically, you want to go longer for more formal events, and shorter for everyday dining.
‘You can also use a tape measure or a string to mark the desired length from the floor before you go shopping,’ he advises.
Jacky Chou
Principal and Director at Laurel & WolfJacky Chou is the principal and director at Laurel & Wolf online interior design agency. Jacky is also the principal and director at Archute, an editorial magazine about architecture, homes and gardens. They have been referenced by The New York Times, Bustle, House & Home, Bloomberg, and Angi.
A great formula to follow for selecting the right size is the width of your table plus double the decided drop, by the length of the table plus double the drop. For instance, for a table measuring 61” by 38” with an eight-inch drop on all sides, the math would look like this:
61”+16” = 77” long
38”+16” = 54” wide
Resulting in a tablecloth size of 77”x54”
For a round table, this equation is a little simpler – table diameter plus double the drop. For example, if you have a table with a 72” diameter, and want an eight-inch drop on either side, the math would be 72” + 16” = 88” tablecloth needed.
2. Opt for natural materials
(Image credit: Future)
A classic way to make a home look expensive is to opt for natural materials, and this holds for your dining table too, says Barbara Stern, editor-in-chief at Ottoman Textiles.
‘Material choice is an area where people often go wrong,’ she begins. ‘While synthetic materials might be stain-resistant and make it easier to clean up after a dinner party, they don't have the same luxurious feel as natural fibers like cotton or linen.
‘I adore my linen tablecloth. It's timeless, and elegant, and gets softer with each wash. I've received so many compliments on it, and it has indeed been a huge upgrade for my dining setup.’
Lithuanian Linen Tablecloth
$158 at AnthropologieHandmade from soft Lithuanian linen with a rustic feel, this solid tablecloth is ideal for formal and casual tables alike.
3. Choose a neutral base to suit any occasion
(Image credit: Simon Brown)
If you want to be able to set your table for any occasion, then the color of your tablecloth will play a huge role. While it is fine to have multiple tablecloths to rotate between depending on the event or holiday, having one neutral base will make it simple to change up your decor without having overflowing storage.
‘Hues play a pivotal role in setting or upsetting an ambiance. Dabbling in color variations is enticing, but it's wise to anchor your collection with tablecloths in neutral tones,’ Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight agrees. ‘They provide a consistent base, highlighting your tableware and ornaments. For special events, explore bolder or deeper tints, but always in harmony with the ambiance of the room.’
Artem Kropovinsky
Interior designer and founder of ArsightBased in New York, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has a decade of extensive and considerable global design experience. Prioritizing minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity, Artem, alongside his team of professionals, works on projects in the US and worldwide.
4. Play it safe with patterns
(Image credit: Neptune)
Decorating with pattern is a simple yet effective way to add intrigue when decorating any space, however, Jacky Chou, designer, recommends playing it safe when it comes to table linens.
‘Another common mistake is buying the wrong pattern. A tablecloth that is too busy or too plain will either overwhelm or underwhelm the dining room. Also, one that is too trendy or too outdated will make the dining room look out of style or out of place.
‘To avoid this mistake, remember the theme and the season of your dining room and the occasion you are hosting. To be on the safe side, choose a tablecloth that matches or enhances the theme and the season of your dining room and suits the formality and the tone of your occasion.’
FAQs
If you are looking to avoid all staining on your tablecloth, then a black tablecloth is the best way to go. However, any tablecloth when treated correctly with the right laundry treatments and stain removers can be used confidently, especially if you can treat the stain quickly.
When storing your tablecloths, it can help to roll them as opposed to folding them to help with harsh creases and wrinkles. When they are on the table, weighing them down with placemats and table decor can also help to prevent them from sliding around and crumpling or creasing when in use.
If they do crease, a quick run-over with an iron or a clothes steamer should help any lines drop out for a sleek look.
Choosing the right tablecloth can make a world of difference both to your hosting scheme and styling a dining table when not in use, making your space look and feel more professional. That being said, picking the right size can also help to protect your dining table from dust and damage, ensuring that your furniture continues to last for years to come.
For more fireproofing cloth, denim fabric specification, flame retardent materialinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.