How Do I Know Which Tablecloth Size To Choose?

Choosing Your Tablecloth: A Buying Guide

To ensure the right size tablecover for you event, you need to determine three things:

1. Table Size

The first consideration is table size. Be sure to find out the height, length and width of the table.

2. Drop (Overhang)

The second factor you will need to consider is the overhang, also called the drop.
A 15" drop is known as a lap-drop, since it will drop down to the height of people's laps, and is comfortable for sit-down dining. Others prefer a 30" drop, also known as a full-drop, for dining, since it hides people's legs and creates an attractive, unified appearance to the room. The buffet, drink or salad bar tablecloth almost always hangs to the floor. Most tables are 30" high, thus requiring a 30" drop for your smorgasbord or any other full-drop preference.

3. Shape

Square and rectangle tables:
Double your desired drop and add the width of the table to determine the tablecloth size you need.
Round tables:
Double your desired drop and add the diameter of the table. Diameter is measured from edge to edge, straight down the center.

A final note about shapes: Square tablecloths drape well over round tables, but never try to put a round tablecloth on a square table. Or a round peg in a square hole. Or is it a square peg in a round hole? Well, you know what we mean.