How to select the best size tablecloth for your table

February 25, 2025

Finding the perfect print and color might be the easy part when shopping for a tablecloth! The next question is "What is the right size for my table?"

Here is the way we figure out the proper size for a given table:

Rectangular or Oval Table

Measure the top of the table.
You will need to measure both the length and the width of the
tabletop. Example: Table length = 72 inches. Width = 38 inches.
Determine the side drop.
Most rectangular tablecloths come in width of 60 to 62 inches. (The smallest Le Cluny also come in
52 inches wide.)
Deduct the width of your table (from step 1) from the width of the tablecloth you are interested in.
Keep that number for the next step.
In our example, considering a 60 inch wide tablecloth: 60 - 38 = 22 inches
If you divide that number by 2, this is the side drop. It should realistically be between 6 and 14 inches.
Determine the length of the tablecloth.
Add the number from step 2 to the length of your table so the end drop is similar to the side drop.
In our example: 72 + 22 = 94 inches.
Select the tablecloth length closest to the number you obtained in step 3.
In our example: The tablecloth length closest to 94 inches in our catalog is 96 inches. The best size tablecloth for your table is therefore 60x96 inches. If you are unable to find a suitable tablecloth size, consider adding or removing extensions if applicable. Some tablecloths may also be cut to a shorter length. Please contact us for more information.

Round or Square Table

Measure the table diameter for a round table or the width for a square table.
Example: Diameter of the table = 48 inches.
Determine the tablecloth drop.
Our round tablecloths come in sizes between 55 and 90 inches.
Our square tablecloths come in sizes between 58 and 70 inches.
Substract the number from step 1 from the size of the tablecloth you are interested in
ordering, and divide it by 2 to get the drop.
Example:
90 inch tablecloth: 90 - 48 = 42 inches. 42 ÷ 2 = 21 inches drop
70 inch tablecloth: 70 - 48 = 22 inches. 22 ÷ 2 = 11 inches drop
60 inch tablecloth: 60 - 48 = 12 inches. 12 ÷ 2 = 6 inches drop
Choose the best size
We recommend a drop between 6 and 14 inches for most applications.
A shorter drop may look insufficient. It may look like the tablecloth is too small for the table.
A longer drop may look good, but may interfere with guests as they sit down or stand up.
In the example above, we would recommend the 70 inch tablecloth with 11 inches of drop. The 60 inch tablecloth would work also, especially if you are planning on having guests sit at the table often. The 90 inch would probably be too large for this table, unless the table is decorative and not used to seat guests.