Whatever the fashion dictates, a properly selected tablecloth can emphasize the significance of the celebration, bring maximum coziness and comfort to the room. Modern industry produces tablecloths for any type, different shades, with or without ornaments, from natural, semi-synthetic materials. It can be safely attributed to the element of table setting, because it performs three main functions.

  1. Aesthetic - a bare table looks simpler.
  2. Reduces the sound of cutlery during meals.
  3. Reduces sliding of dishes on the surface.
Tablecloth for the table
The tablecloth on the dining table is always the center of attention

How to choose the size of a tablecloth, make the right choice?

The tablecloth should hang down on the sides
According to the accepted rules of table setting, the tablecloth should not just cover the table, but hang down a little, covering the side of the table or even its legs.

Modern industry offers its potential buyers very original sets of linen and cotton sets. The only downside of such products is that they wrinkle easily. Therefore, it is recommended to give preference to underwear made of mixed fabrics with artificial fibers.

Selecting a tablecloth depending on the number of people
Considering the number of people at the table when choosing a tablecloth

The following parameters are suitable for serving:

  • 130x160 cm – for a rectangular shape;
  • 130x230 cm – for a rectangular shape;
  • 130хх150,160 in diameter – for round folding tables.
Tablecloths with dimensions
Tablecloth to table size chart

According to the rules of table setting, the blanket should cover not only the surface, but also hang neatly along the edges, covering some part of the side, and in some cases even the legs.

Tablecloth size
The size of the fabric table cover depends on the dimensions of the tabletop and the amount of overhang

The tablecloth should hang over the edges of the table:

  • for daily use 15-20 cm;
  • festive dinner by 20-30 cm;
  • ceremonial reception by 40 cm;
  • buffet serving - completely cover the legs.
Long tablecloths
For formal events such as wedding receptions, longer tablecloths are required.

The most popular among buyers is the rectangular form of bedspreads with equal or different sides in length. They can be perfectly used when serving a round or oval tabletop.

Tablecloth according to the shape of the table
Most often, a tablecloth is chosen taking into account the shape of the table, although other options are possible.

How to correctly calculate the size of a rectangular tablecloth?

Table dimensions
To determine the size of the tablecloth, you need to determine the size of the table

The rectangular tablecloth is the most popular. This is not surprising because it is perfect for use on different types of tabletops. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the parameters when buying. We suggest using the following recommendations:

  • rectangular shape - measure the length and width, add the recommended allowance to each value, multiplied by two;
    Rectangular tablecloth
    Choosing the right tablecloth size for a rectangular table
    Square table
    Choosing the right tablecloth size for a square table
    Rectangular table with dimensions
    Tablecloth for a rectangular table with allowance on the edges in inches (1 inch = 2.54 centimeters)

    Oval shaped tablecloth
    For a rectangular table, you can use an oval tablecloth.
  • round table tops - measure the diameter, add the recommended edge length allowance multiplied by two.
    Tablecloth for a round table
    Choosing the right tablecloth size for a round table

    Tablecloth for a round table
    Round Tablecloth Size in Inches

Tablecloth dimensions for oval tabletop

First of all, it should be noted that tablecloths for oval tabletops are ideal for owners of round extendable tables. Rectangular shapes look no less interesting. When buying, you need to take into account the following recommendations:

  • measure the large and small diameter of the table top;
  • Add double the length of the hanging edges to each measurement.
Tablecloth for oval table
Choosing the right tablecloth size for an oval table

For example, if the dimensions of an oval tabletop are 100 x 150 cm, then the minimum tablecloth size is 140 x 190 cm. An oval tablecloth measuring 160 x 240 cm is already a formal option for an unfolded table.

Making the right choice of tablecloth

There is no clear advice on which tablecloth is best to choose. First of all, it should fit beautifully into the overall interior of the room, elegantly harmonize with the cutlery, and match the shape and size of the surface.

Tablecloths by type
Any tablecloth is used for a specific purpose and is appropriate in different situations or simply in different rooms of the same house.

We have already learned how to choose a textile product, but the quality of the fabric remains an important criterion. It is also necessary to take into account the design and decorative elements.

  • Cotton products are easy to care for and pleasant to the touch. Ideal for the living room or on the veranda.

    Cotton tablecloth
    Tablecloth Provence Large pink rose with edging and lace made of cotton fabric
  • The linen product has a beautiful aesthetic appearance, emphasizes the significance of the celebration. The disadvantage of the products is their fragility, they wrinkle easily.

    Linen tablecloth
    Linen tablecloth with themed kitchen embroidery
  • A tablecloth made of synthetic material is suitable for the kitchen.

    Synthetic tablecloth
    Tablecloths made from synthetic materials are inexpensive, easy to wash, and come in a variety of colors and textures.
  • Teflon, plasticized fabric. The peculiarity of such tablecloths is that they have a water-repellent coating.

    Teflon coated tablecloth
    Tablecloth with Teflon coating - a tablecloth made of the same cotton or synthetic fabric, treated with a special substance PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)

Tablecloth design and color

The right design and color of the fabric will allow it to perfectly “fit” into the overall interior. While there are no problems with single-color materials, you should be extremely careful when choosing a tablecloth with a multi-colored pattern. Therefore, when choosing the ideal product, you need to follow several rules.

  1. The design and color of the tablecloth should be neutral, matching the color of those elements in the room that are most often found there.

    Different tablecloths for different occasions
    Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of tablecloth designs – in terms of shape and size, choice of fabric and decor, color and print.
  2. Expensive items should only be used on special occasions.

    Festive and everyday tablecloths
    According to the intensity of use, all tablecloths are divided into everyday and festive
  3. For extendable tables, it is most rational to buy two identical tablecloths and use them for different occasions.

Decorative elements on the tablecloth

Ornaments and decorative elements give any product a festive look. A tablecloth is no exception.

  • Embroidery, fringe, lace. These decorative elements give the tablecloth a rich appearance, so they are recommended for special occasions.

    Tablecloth with embroidery and lace
    A festive tablecloth with embroidery and lace looks beautiful and festive.
  • The clever use of several tablecloths allows you to achieve unique results. For example, you can lay a narrower tablecloth-runner on top of the main covering. They can be made of different fabrics or different color shades.

    Tablecloth runner
    Tablecloth runner or early used as a decorative element on its own or together with a regular tablecloth
  • Openwork napkins are a great replacement for the somewhat boring tablecloth.

    Openwork tablecloth
    An openwork handmade tablecloth will decorate any table

And finally, when preparing for a special event in the family, it is worth thinking about the children - setting the doll table. The dimensions of the doll tablecloth can be calculated exactly like tablecloths for the dining table. You can sew it yourself, choosing it according to the color scheme and the overall interior in the house.

Video: Choosing a tablecloth

Photo gallery of woven tablecloths for tables of different sizes and shapes: