Choosing the Perfect Tablecloth
Although tablecloths were traditionally used to protect nice furniture from scratches and spills, these linens serve a more aesthetic purpose today. Whether it’s time to entertain guests, host for the holidays, or celebrate a special day, a lovely tablecloth adds a just-right accent to your dining room. Explore these three easy steps to finding the perfect tablecloth, from picking the right size and material to choosing your favorite pattern.
1. Determine What Size Tablecloth You Need
The first step to finding the best tablecloth is choosing the right size. Consider three factors: the length of your table, the shape of your table (round, square, or rectangular), and how much of a drop you want. The “drop” refers to how far over the edge the tablecloth hangs; traditionally, the longer the drop, the more formal the occasion. Once you have these measurements and preferences in mind, you can find the right size tablecloth to suit your needs.
The Company Store Tablecloth Size Chart
Consult this handy chart to find the right size tablecloth for your rectangular table depending on a rough estimate of its length. Note that you should consider the length of your table plus any leaves or extenders you plan to use. If your table falls between these common tablecloth dimensions, select whichever option creates your desired drop.
| Tablecloth Dimensions | Table Length |
|---|---|
| 70 in. x 90 in. | 62 in. to 72 in. |
| 70 in. x 108 in. | 80 in. to 92 in. |
| 70 in. x 120 in. | 96 in. to 110 in. |
2. Choose Table Linens Made with Natural Materials
Some tablecloths are made of synthetic materials that promise stain or wrinkle resistance, but natural linens look and last better. When choosing tablecloths, we recommend the classics: cotton or linen.
Cotton Tablecloths
Cotton is among the most popular materials for tablecloths because it is durable and versatile. The natural fiber can be made into fabrics with different properties depending on the weave and design. You’ll find cotton tablecloths in solid colors, yarn-dyed prints like checks or stripes, elaborate florals, tempting textures, and seasonal patterns.
Linen Tablecloths
Linen is woven from the fiber of the flax plant and is three times stronger than cotton. When used for a tablecloth, it brings an elegant, relaxed texture to your dining room or kitchen. Most linen tablecloths feature solid, neutral colors—such as tan, white, navy, or gray—perfect for mixing and layering with other table linens.
3. Find the Right Tablecloth Color or Pattern
Whether to choose a solid or pattern tablecloth is a matter of personal preference—the best tablecloth is the one you love. However, the room’s decor, the season or celebration, and the event’s formality can also influence your choice. For example, solid colors and intricate florals often feel more formal, while seasonal prints or checked designs offer a casual vibe. Here are some more ideas to guide you toward the perfect color or pattern for your tablecloth:
- Neutral Essentials: A solid white or ivory tablecloth is an essential for every home. It can be used for a range of occasions, from holiday brunches to bridal or baby showers.
- Timeless Tones: Colors like beige, gray, and taupe are as versatile as white or ivory—but offer an unexpected foundation for a sophisticated table design.
- Say It with Color: Whether red or pink for a Valentine’s party, butter yellow for a spring brunch, or orange for a trick-or-treating spread, look to traditional color associations when choosing a tablecloth. Some hues span multiple holidays—for example, you can use red for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Fourth of July—so keep this in mind if you’re trying to stock up on multi-season linens you can use time and time again.
- Seasonal Florals: Florals work in any season—simply choose a floral tablecloth in a color palette to suit the season. We love the look of pastels in spring, bright hues in summer, and deep jewel tones in autumn and winter.
- Festive Details: Level up your table linens for special gatherings with details that create a formal feel. Embroidery, beading, or metallic threads contribute to an elegant tablescape for Thanksgiving feasts, Hanukkah gatherings, Christmas dinners, or anniversary celebrations.
- Casual Cheer: Playful prints are perfect for casual occasions like cookie-decorating gatherings, kids’ birthday parties, or family-friendly holiday celebrations. We update our tablecloth selection with exclusive prints every year, so check back to see what speaks to you.
- Summer Classics: Yarn-dyed gingham checks, bold stripes, blooming florals, and playful novelty prints are perfect for summer’s warm days. You’ll often find outdoor tablecloths sporting these designs, perfect for backyard barbecues or summer cookouts, but they also pop up on indoor linens.
- Smart Stripes: Vertical stripes can elongate a dining table, while horizontal stripes can make a narrow table feel wider. Consider the scale of a tablecloth’s stripes in the context of the size of your room and the overall look you’d like to achieve.
Keep several tablecloths on hand so you always have an option for the occasion and space, making party planning and holiday hosting stress-free. At the very least, we recommend a neutral tablecloth plus a couple of prints that could serve as decor across seasons or mixed and layered with other linens like placemats, table runners, or cloth napkins. For more tips on choosing top-quality textiles for your home, explore our Guides.