Tablecloths for the dining table

Start with your table shape

A tablecloth only looks right when it fits the table under it. Round tables take round cloths. Rectangular and oval tables take rectangle cloths. If your table is round and up to 60 in (152 cm) across, a round cloth works. For longer tables, measure the full length and width before you shop.

Our round options include The Round Tassel Tablecloth, a cotton-linen cloth with a tassel trim in Oat grid, Stone grid, Sand stripe and Sage stripe, in seven sizes from 35 to 79 in (90 to 200 cm) across. For a single-use option, The Disposable Round Table Cover is 84 in (213 cm) round and made of PEVA.

How to measure for a tablecloth

Measure your table first, then decide how much overhang you want. A short overhang of 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) suits everyday meals. A longer drop of 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) reads more formal.

For a rectangle table, add twice your chosen drop to both the length and the width. A 30 x 48 in (76 x 122 cm) table with an 8 in (20 cm) drop needs a cloth around 46 x 64 in (117 x 163 cm). Our rectangle sizes include 32 x 38 in (81 x 98 cm) for the Halloween Lace Tablecloth, 57 x 71 in (145 x 180 cm) for The Satin Rectangle Tablecloth, and 30 x 48 in (76 x 122 cm), 30 x 72 in (76 x 183 cm) and 30 x 96 in (76 x 244 cm) for The Stretch Fitted Tablecloth.

The Stretch Fitted Tablecloth works differently. It pulls over the table and grips the edges, so the listed size should match your table size, not a drop. It comes in 30 x 48 in (76 x 122 cm), 30 x 72 in (76 x 183 cm) and 30 x 96 in (76 x 244 cm), in colors from white and ivory to navy, burgundy and dark purple.

Pick the fabric for the meal

Linen brings a matte, woven texture that suits everyday dinners and relaxed gatherings. The Pure Linen Tablecloth is 100% linen in 16 colors, including linen, light gray, sage green, turmeric, terracotta, lake blue and black. It is available in custom sizes. Linen wrinkles as it sits, and that crease is part of how linen looks.

Satin brings a smooth, shiny surface for holidays, birthdays and dinners that call for a dressier table. The Satin Rectangle Tablecloth comes in a satin weave at 57 x 71 in (145 x 180 cm), in white, ivory, rose gold, burgundy, gold, navy blue, black and more. A second satin option comes in a satin weave polyester, also rectangular, in white, black, baby blue, hot pink, royal blue, olive green, dark green, champagne, silver gray and other shades. Both satin styles list sizes as width x length and offer custom sizes.

Lace adds pattern and a little shadow to the table. The Halloween Lace Tablecloth is 100% polyester lace in black, at 32 x 38 in (81 x 98 cm), a rectangle size that suits a small table or a layered look over a plain cloth.

Stretch fabric keeps a clean line and resists wrinkles, which helps for buffets, craft tables and long events. The Stretch Fitted Tablecloth is a 100% polyester spandex weave in 16 colors.

Disposable covers keep cleanup simple for parties and messy meals. The Disposable Round Table Cover is PEVA, 84 in (213 cm) round, sold as a single tablecloth and meant for one use.

Care by fabric

Most cloths here follow the same simple routine: machine wash cold, hang dry, low iron. That covers The Pure Linen Tablecloth, both Satin Rectangle Tablecloths and The Stretch Fitted Tablecloth.

The Halloween Lace Tablecloth is machine washable. The Disposable Round Table Cover is not reusable, so it goes in the trash after the event.

A few habits keep cloths looking good. Shake out linen while it is damp and hang it straight to soften the creases. Iron satin on low with a pressing cloth to protect the shine. Wash stretch fabric cold and skip the dryer to keep the stretch in the weave.

Colors and the room

Neutrals carry a table through the whole year. White, ivory, linen and light gray sit quietly under any plate and any centerpiece. The Pure Linen Tablecloth, both satin styles and The Stretch Fitted Tablecloth all offer white or ivory.

Deeper shades set a mood. Burgundy, navy, black and dark green read warm and evening-ready. Brighter tones like turmeric, orange red, hot pink, baby blue and mint green bring a casual, lively table for brunch and birthdays.

If you change linens by season, keep one neutral base cloth and rotate runners, placemats and napkins on top. A single cloth in a color you love can carry a table for years.