Tablecloth size: how to choose?

A table covered with a beautiful tablecloth is the basis of a pleasant feast, which really helps the hostess to charm guests and household members with her culinary skills. How to choose the right size tablecloth for the dining table? Find out all the details here!

Choosing the right size tablecloth

In accordance with the accepted rules of table setting, any tablecloth should not just cover the table, but hang a little from it, covering the side of the table or even its legs. Therefore, the required size of the tablecloth is selected not only according to the size of the table, but also in accordance with the reason for the feast.

So, the tablecloth should hang from the edge of the table:

• for everyday use - by 15-20 centimeters;
• 20-30 centimeters - for holidays;
• large tablecloths hanging about 40 centimeters - for official receptions, banquets, weddings;
• descend to the floor, hiding the legs of the table - for a buffet table.

How to choose the size of a square tablecloth?

The most common is the tablecloth, which has the shape of a rectangle with sides equal or different in length. Such products are suitable for tables of a similar shape, and are also used for round (oval) table tops.

The calculation of the size of a rectangular (square) tablecloth is as follows:

• for a rectangular table: we measure its length and width, to each value we add the required edge allowance, multiplied by two;
• for a round table: measure the diameter of the tabletop and add twice the length of the overhanging edge.

An example of calculating the square size:

Simple calculations will help you figure out what size a rectangular or square tablecloth should be. For example, for a table 70x110 cm:

• for every day you need a tablecloth not less than 110x140 cm,
• for a festive feast, it is better to choose 140x180,
• and for a special celebration, look at models with a width of 150-160 by 200 or up to 280 if the table is sliding.

Choosing the size of a round tablecloth

No less popular are round tablecloths, both for round tables and for square ones. Such a thing lies flat on the table, forming soft folds.

It is not difficult to determine the size of a tablecloth of the same shape - as in the previous version, we add a double allowance of the desired length.

If you decide to cover a square table with a round tablecloth, then it is better, in addition to length and width, to measure its diagonal. If it turns out to be larger than the diameter of the selected textile accessory, you will see the corners of your table or it will puff up ugly here. In order for the tablecloth to lie beautifully on a square table, we add an allowance in double size precisely to the diagonal of the table. This will be the minimum option, and how low it will hang down will show the width of the table.

An example of calculating the round size:

For example, if the tabletop has a diameter of 100 cm, a size of 140 cm is suitable for an everyday tablecloth, for a holiday, look at models with a diameter of about 160, and for a special occasion, you can stock up on an option of 180 cm.

A square table 90x90 cm will have a diagonal of about 130 cm, so the minimum will be a round tablecloth 160 cm in diameter. A simple calculation will show that from the side its edge will drop by 35 cm. Therefore, no more than 180-200 cm can be called the maximum comfortable size.

Tablecloth dimensions for oval table

It is worth noting that the tablecloth on the oval table is also necessary for the owners of round sliding tables. For an oval table, oval tablecloths are traditionally used, and more versatile rectangular ones are also often chosen.

Here, the size of the tablecloths is calculated using a similar rectangular method:

• measure the large and small diameter of the countertop;
• to each value we add twice the length of the hanging edges, according to the event;
• we get the required diameters and buy an oval tablecloth.

An example of calculating the oval size:

An oval tabletop with dimensions of 100 by 150 centimeters - the minimum size of an oval-shaped tablecloth should be 140x190 centimeters. And an oval tablecloth 160x240 is a festive option for a table already laid out in length.

General rules for choosing tablecloths by size

Regardless of which shape you choose and for which countertop, you need to take into account the general nuances that will help you choose the most suitable option:
If, when choosing, you take into account not only the beauty of the design, but the correct size of the tablecloth on the table, taking into account the shape and event, even the simplest product will transform the interior beyond recognition. With skill and taste, a selected tablecloth can instantly make your everyday dining table elegant and luxurious.