To find the right tablecloth size, measure your table and add twice the overhang you want to both the length and the width. An overhang, or drop, of 15 to 20cm on each side suits everyday meals, and 25 to 30cm looks more formal. For a table runner, add 15 to 30cm at each end.
So a 200 x 100cm table with a 25cm drop needs a cloth of about 250 x 150cm. The charts in this size guide do the sums for common table sizes and shapes, show which of our tablecloths and runners fit which tables, and list our napkin and placemat sizes.
- How to measure your table
- How much should a tablecloth overhang?
- Rectangular tablecloth size chart
- Round, square and oval tables
- Table runner size guide
- Napkin and placemat sizes
- Frequently asked questions
How to measure your table for a tablecloth
Use a metal tape measure and measure the tabletop itself, not the legs or frame.
- Set the table up as you will use it. If it extends, put in the leaves you plan to use. If you put a table protector under the cloth, lay that in place too.
- Rectangular and square tables: measure the length and the width.
- Round tables: measure the diameter, straight across the middle.
- Oval tables: measure the length and width at the widest points.
- Choose your drop, then add it twice to each measurement.
Extending tables are the exception to one table, one cloth. You may want a shorter cloth for everyday meals and a longer one for when the leaves go in.
How much should a tablecloth overhang?
The overhang, usually called the drop, is how far the cloth hangs below the edge of the table on each side. There is no single correct drop, but linen makers work to similar ranges:
- 15 to 20cm: an everyday drop that covers the edge of the table without falling into laps.
- 25 to 30cm: a more formal look for dinner parties, Christmas lunch and celebrations. Go longer if there is room.
If you are unsure, aim for somewhere between 20 and 30cm. It lies flat without coming too far over guests' knees.
A useful trick before you buy: drape a cloth you already own over one side of the table and see how a short or long drop looks. Then measure the drop you like.
The drop is how far the cloth hangs below the tabletop. Add it twice to the table's length and width to get the cloth size.
The tablecloth size formula
- Tablecloth length = table length + (drop x 2)
- Tablecloth width = table width + (drop x 2)
Then choose the nearest size you can buy. A few centimetres either way only changes the drop slightly.
Rectangular tablecloth size chart
All measurements are in centimetres. The first column is the tabletop, and the others show the cloth size you need for each drop.
| Table size (cm) | Everyday drop, 15 each side (cm) | Drop of 20 each side (cm) | Formal drop, 30 each side (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 x 75 | 150 x 105 | 160 x 115 | 180 x 135 |
| 150 x 90 | 180 x 120 | 190 x 130 | 210 x 150 |
| 180 x 90 | 210 x 120 | 220 x 130 | 240 x 150 |
| 200 x 100 | 230 x 130 | 240 x 140 | 260 x 160 |
| 240 x 100 | 270 x 130 | 280 x 140 | 300 x 160 |
Which of our rectangular tablecloths will fit?
Our rectangular tablecloths come in three sizes. Working backwards from the formula, this is the range of tables each one suits with a drop of between 15 and 30cm.
| Our tablecloth size (cm) | Suits tables roughly (cm) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 200 x 152 | 140 to 170 long, 92 to 122 wide | Small Snowy Village and Chocolate Brown Gingham Linen |
| 280 x 152 | 220 to 250 long, 92 to 122 wide | Medium Snowy Village and Chocolate Brown Gingham Linen, Mistletoe, Cosy Christmas, Christmas Puddings |
| 280 x 168 | 220 to 250 long, 108 to 138 wide | Rustic Red Gingham Linen, Sage Green Gingham Linen, Warm Stone Gingham Linen |
The Snowy Village Tablecloth is 100% cotton and comes in a small 200 x 152cm and a medium 280 x 152cm, so the smaller size suits a typical kitchen table and the medium one a long dining table. The Rustic Red Gingham Linen Tablecloth is 280 x 168cm in an 80% linen, 20% cotton blend, which gives a little more width for a wider table. The Warm Stone Gingham Linen Tablecloth is the same size in 100% linen. Browse every size in our tablecloths and table runners, or see the festive designs in our Christmas tablecloths.
How to size a round tablecloth (and square and oval tables)
Round tables
Measure the diameter and add twice the drop. A 120cm round table with a 25cm drop needs a round cloth of about 170cm.
| Round table diameter (cm) | Cloth for a 20 drop (cm) | Cloth for a 30 drop (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 130 | 150 |
| 110 | 150 | 170 |
| 130 | 170 | 190 |
| 150 | 190 | 210 |
Our round tablecloths are all 190cm in diameter. As the chart shows, that gives a drop of 20 to 30cm on round tables 130 to 150cm across. Choose from the Chocolate Brown Gingham Round Linen Tablecloth and the Rustic Red Gingham Round Linen Tablecloth, both 80% linen and 20% cotton, or the Snowy Village Frill Edge Round Tablecloth in cotton with a frill edge for winter.
Square tables
Treat a square table like a rectangle and add twice the drop to each side. A 138cm square table with a 20cm drop needs a cloth of 178 x 178cm.
Oval tables
Measure the length and width at their widest points, then add twice the drop to each, exactly as for a rectangle.
Table runner size guide
A table runner is a narrow strip of fabric down the centre of the table. It can go on its own over a bare wooden table, or on top of a plain tablecloth for a layered look.
How long should a table runner be?
For a runner that hangs over the ends, add 15 to 30cm at each end to the length of the table. For a modern look with no drop, choose a runner the same length as the tabletop.
How wide should a table runner be?
Aim for roughly a third of the table's width, which leaves room for plates and placemats either side. Our runners are 35cm wide, a third of a table just over a metre wide. They also sit happily on narrower tables as long as a place setting fits on each side.
| Our runner size (cm) | Suits tables roughly (cm long) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 35 x 200 (short) | 140 to 170 | Bees, Mistletoe, Rustic Red Gingham Linen, Sage Green Gingham Linen, Olive Linen, Cosy Christmas, Christmas Puddings |
| 35 x 280 (long) | 220 to 250 | Bees, Mistletoe, Holly & Berry, Hare, Pheasant, Robin, Festive Forest, Sunflower Linen |
The Bees Table Runner comes in both lengths, short (35 x 200cm) and long (35 x 280cm), in 100% cotton. For a winter table the Home for Christmas Border Table Runner has its design running around the border, so the scene is the right way up wherever you sit. See more in our Christmas table runners.
Runners on round and square tables
On a round table, lay a runner about 30cm longer than the diameter down the middle, or cross two runners to make an X. Two crossed runners also work well on a square table.
