Selecting the right tablecloth is important as it is the foundation of your tablescape. It is the base layer for your color palette, which sets the tone for your event. You will want to take into consideration the material and color of your tablecloth, but also the right dimensions.
SFERRA offers a range of tablecloth sizes for rectangular, square, round and oval dining tables. This guide will assist you in appropriately measuring your table, selecting the best tablecloth shape and dimensions, as well as determining the best drop length for your dining table.
Measure Your Tabletop
Before you begin to measure your table, add or remove any leaf extensions you plan to use as this will determine the final tablecloth size you will need. Clearing your table will help you more accurately measure it from edge to edge.
For rectangular tables, measure the length and width, and for round and oval tables, measure the diameter of the tabletop. For an oval table, be sure to measure the diameter of the longer length of the tabletop.
To achieve a more modern look, a square tablecloth can be an option for a round table. Simply use the diameter measurement of the round tabletop as you would the length of a square tabletop.
Determine Your Drop
The length of your tablecloth drop corresponds to the formality of your table setting. For a casual setting, a 6-8” drop is considered appropriate while a 10-12" drop or more is recommended for a more formal occasion. Ensure that your chairs are pushed in when measuring the desired drop length for accuracy. To help visualize the length of the drop, place a flat sheet over your table and adjust the edge of the sheet at varying drop lengths according to your personal preference. Measure from the edge of the table to the bottom of the sheet as your drop.
Calculate
For rectangular and square tables, multiply your desired drop by two and add that number to both the length and width of the tabletop. For round and oval tables, multiply your desired drop by two and add that number to the diameter of the table.
RECTANGULAR TABLE ROUND TABLE
Table Length + Drop x2 = Tablecloth Length Table Diameter + Drop x2 = Round Tablecloth Size or,
Table Width + Drop x2 = Tablecloth Width Length/Width if using Square Tablecloth
OVAL TABLE
Table Length + Drop x2 = Tablecloth Length
Table Width + Drop x2 = Tablecloth Width