Q: How does the shape of a table make a difference when selecting a tablecloth?
A: Tablecloths have two main purposes, and only one of them involves protecting the tables in your establishment from food and drink spills, wine stains, unintentional scrapes and scratches, or any other activity that may permanently damage your table. A tablecloth’s other main purpose, of course, is to increase the aesthetic value of the room in which it happens to be displayed.
Tablecloths come in a very wide variety of materials and styles, and you’ll certainly want to take both of those factors into account while shopping for tablecloths that will work best in your inn’s dining room or the kitchen of your bed-and-breakfast. But because tables come in such a wide are variety of shapes and sizes, the specific shape and size of a tablecloth is something you’ll need to consider as well.
There are four basic shapes of tables: square, rectangle, round and oval. But tables today are available in an incredibly wide variety of sizes and configurations based on those four basic shapes. An oblong table, for instance, is a rectangle having length greater than width. An oval also has length greater than width, but it has continuous curved sides.
Below are images of four fairly common table shapes:
No matter what shape or size the table is that you’re interested in covering, choosing a correctly sized tablecloth is crucial. You want to avoid bunching and creasing as much as possible, although it can get tricky. A rectangle table, a rounded rectangle table and a racetrack table are all considered “oblong,” for instance, and they all use an oblong tablecloth. A round table that is lengthened with leaves, meanwhile, is an oblong, racetrack-shaped table.
A customer may use an oblong tablecloth on an oval-shaped table, but she should be advised that her tablecloth will “spire” in the corners with a longer drop towards the floor than on the sides; this is perfectly normal.
If you’d like to learn how to measure a table in order to get just the right size tablecloth, click here to read a blog post we wrote about that topic last December.
At InnStyle, which has been a treasured source for innkeeper supplies and lines since 1952, we offer a wide variety of tablecloths in various shapes and sizes, and in several table linen styles. Please visit the Dining section on our website to view all the tablecloth choices that we offer
If you can’t find the tablecloth you’d like on our website, please call 1-800-877-4667 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members. They’ll be more than happy to help you find what you need, and to help you correct size tablecloth for your home or business establishment.
I never really thought about how to find a properly sized table cloth until I got a nice table. It is a race track style table and has leaves in it that I don’t normally have in. So, how do I get a good tablecloth. Do I make it fit with all of the leaves put in, or just get two tablecloths?
I would suggest purchasing tablecloths to fit both sizes (if you are going to use with and without leaves). I have a table with 2 leaves and have 3 different size tablecloths to fit for different occasions. Hope this helps you.
Thanks for your interest.
not finding the size for a woven square table cloth. Will another size fit?
Need woven table cloth for square table, Are they available?
Thank you for your interest in innstyle.com You can call 1-800-877-4667 and speak to Dorene to order tablecloths.
Thanks again.
InnStyle
I have a table in the kitchen, it is round at the front end and eventually becomes a rectangular so that it fits in the corner. Is there a table cloth for something like that and inexpensive if possible.
I have a 45 by 95 racetrack table. How do i know what size cloth to purchase?
Chuck will be emailing you about this.
Thanks for your interest in http://www.innstyle.com
I have a 3 seat triangle dinner table. Will a round cloth work???
I have a 42”x90” racetrack oval table Could you please tell me what size and shape of tablecloth I need to purchase? I was hoping for a 8” drop Thank you.
This is a very strange size tablecloth. Please call 800-877-4667 and speak to one of our sales reps for the proper size and tablecloths that are available.
Thank you for your interest in InnStyle.
I would like to purchase an oval tablecloth for an oval table, in white. Have not been able to find OVAL. Tabletop is 48″ wide and 60″ long with leaves. NOT oblong or rectangular. Suggestions. Thank you.
We do sell oval tablecloths but may not have any on the website. Please call 1-800-877-4667 and ask for Chuck. He will be able to help you. Thank you for your inquiry.
Table is oval and measures 84”x48”. I would like to purchase a tablecloth with an 8” drop. What is available with these dimensions?
The Embassy Rose and the Signature patterns can be made to order. Please call 1-800-877-4667 to talk to someone who can help you. Thank you for your interest.
I have a beautifulTommy Bahama round table, 52”. It also has 2 additional leaves that make it oval , 52” x 68”and then racetrack, 52” x 84”. I have never been able to find a table cloth to fit properly when the leaves are in. This is very frustrating because my table always looks sloppy, no matter the place settings. I would appreciate any advice and suggestions.
Sandy,
Thank you for your inquiry. We have custom table cloth size options available. Please call 1-800-877-4667 and one of our experienced consultants can help you find what you need.
looking for a rectangular tablecloth for my daughter. Her table with out leaf is 60X40 so I think a 70X84 would be perfect. Can you help? She wants red or green for Xmas.
Absolutely we can help. We have several options in red and green and can customize sizes if needed. Please call 1-800-877-4667 and speak with one of our consultants who will be able to help you. Thank you for your inquiry.
Racetrack shape
table size 48″ X 62 w/1 14″ leaf
table size 48″ X 76 w/2 leafs
Hi Bonnie,
Please call 1-800-877-4667 and ask for Alaine or Kristyn. They will be able to help you find the perfect table cloth for your table. Thanks,
InnStyle
I need to know what size tablecloths I need
to buy for 4foot and 5foot round tables, please!
For both tables you can use a 90″round table cloth unless you want it to reach the floor.