Linen tablecloth size guide
Updated · Delmara Baltic Living
Measure your table and add the drop you want on every side: 20–30 cm for an everyday look, 40 cm or more for a formal table. A 90 × 160 cm table for six with a 25 cm drop needs about 140 × 210 cm. A round table of 100 cm needs a cloth of about 150–160 cm. Linen can shrink slightly, so lean towards the larger size.
Tablecloth size chart
| Table | Typical table size | Tablecloth (about 25 cm drop) |
|---|---|---|
| Round, 4 seats | Ø 90–110 cm | Ø or square 150–160 cm |
| Square, 4 seats | 90 × 90 cm | 140 × 140 cm |
| Rectangular, 4 seats | 80 × 120 cm | 130 × 170 cm |
| Rectangular, 6 seats | 90 × 160 cm | 140 × 210 cm |
| Rectangular, 8 seats | 100 × 200 cm | 150 × 250 cm |
| Rectangular, 10 seats | 100 × 250 cm | 150 × 300 cm |
For a formal table, add another 15–20 cm to each measurement. A square cloth on a round table falls into soft points, which looks relaxed and festive.
Runners, napkins and placemats
- Table runner: about 30–50 cm longer than the table, so it hangs 15–25 cm over each end. Width 40–50 cm suits most tables.
- Dinner napkins: 45–50 cm square; 40 cm for lunch and breakfast.
- Placemats: around 45 × 35 cm, with enough room for a plate, cutlery and a glass.
Light or heavy linen?
Light, open weaves with hemstitch look airy and festive and drape beautifully, but they are washed more gently. Dense and double-layer linen is heavier, hangs straighter and suits everyday use. Linen softens with every wash in both cases.
Questions and answers
- How much should a tablecloth hang over the edge?
- 20–30 cm for everyday use, so it does not get in the way of laps; 40 cm or more for a formal table. Some people let a festive cloth reach almost to the floor.
- Does a linen tablecloth shrink?
- Linen can shrink a little on the first wash, especially at higher temperatures. Follow the care note and choose the slightly larger size if you are between two.
- What size napkins do I need?
- 45–50 cm square for dinner napkins and about 40 cm for lunch or breakfast.