Tablecloth Size Guide and How to Care for Linen

An old-fashioned dining table laid with a cloth and wooden chairs

A linen tablecloth changes a meal. Laid over a scrubbed farmhouse table, it turns an ordinary supper into an occasion; spread out for Sunday lunch or Christmas, it signals that this is a meal to sit down to and linger over. And unlike paper or polyester, good linen lasts for years and gets better with every wash.

The two questions people ask most are what size to buy and how to look after it. This guide answers both, with simple formulas for rectangular, square, oval and round tables, a guide to drop lengths, and practical advice on washing, stains, drying, ironing and storage.

How to measure your table

All you need is a tape measure and a few minutes.

Measure the table top. For a rectangular or oval table, measure the length and the width. For a round table, measure the diameter. For a square table, measure one side.
Decide on the drop. The drop is how far the cloth hangs down over each edge of the table.
Add twice the drop to each measurement. The drop hangs on both sides, so it is added twice.

Worked examples

Rectangular table 90 x 160cm with a 25cm drop: 90 + 50 = 140cm wide; 160 + 50 = 210cm long. You need a cloth of about 140 x 210cm.
Round table 120cm across with a 25cm drop: 120 + 50 = 170cm. You need a round cloth of about 170cm diameter.
Square table 90cm with a 25cm drop: 90 + 50 = 140cm square.

Tablecloths are made in standard sizes, so round to the nearest available size. A slightly longer drop is always better than one that is too short.

How much drop should a tablecloth have?

15 to 25cm: everyday. A short drop is practical. It stays clear of laps and knees, and is less likely to be pulled by children or dogs.
25 to 40cm: dinner parties and Sunday lunch. A deeper drop looks generous and more formal, while still clearing the knees of seated guests.
To the floor: formal occasions. Floor-length cloths are used for weddings, buffets and very formal dinners. They look dramatic but are less practical for seated meals.

Many people find 20 to 30cm the best all-round compromise.

Check your chairs

If your chairs have arms, make sure the drop stops above the height of the arms, or the cloth will catch every time someone pulls their chair in.

A quick guide by number of seats

For a rectangular table with a comfortable everyday drop:

Seats 4 to 6: around 140 x 200cm.
Seats 6 to 8: around 140 x 250cm.
Seats 8 to 10: around 140 x 320cm.

These match the three sizes of our Jemima Linen Tablecloth in Green Stripe, made from Belgian flax and woven in Lithuania. Tables vary a great deal, though, so always measure your own.

Why linen?

Linen is woven from the fibres of the flax plant and has been used for table linen for centuries.

It is strong. Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres, which is why old linen tablecloths survive for generations.
It is absorbent. Spills soak in rather than run off onto laps.
It softens with washing. New linen can feel slightly crisp; with each wash it becomes softer and more supple.
It looks relaxed. Linen has a natural texture and gentle creasing that suits a country table far better than stiff, shiny synthetics.

Belgian flax has a long-standing reputation for producing fine, strong linen fibre, thanks to the climate and soil of the region.

How to wash a linen tablecloth

Always check the care label first. Most linen tablecloths are machine washable.

Temperature: 40°C is usually ideal. Higher temperatures can cause shrinkage in some linens and fade colours.
Detergent: use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach on coloured linen.
Don't overload the machine. Linen needs room to move to get clean and to avoid deep creases.
Skip fabric conditioner. It coats the fibres and reduces linen's natural absorbency.
Wash new linen before first use. It softens it and removes any finishing from the weaving process.

Dealing with stains

Speed is the key. Fresh stains are far easier to remove than ones that have been left overnight, and especially ones that have been through a hot wash or tumble dryer, which can set them.

Red wine: blot, then rinse from the back with cold water. Cover with a layer of salt to draw out the liquid, then wash.
Gravy and grease: blot, then work in a little washing-up liquid with your fingers before washing.
Candle wax: let it harden, scrape off gently, then place brown paper over the mark and press with a warm iron to lift the rest.
Tea and coffee: rinse with cold water, then soak in water with a little detergent before washing.
Fruit and berry stains: rinse with cold water straight away and wash.

Always check a stain has gone before drying. If not, treat it again.

Drying

Line drying outdoors is best for linen. It dries quickly, smells fresh, and the breeze softens the fibres. Shake the cloth out well and peg it by the hem. If you must use a tumble dryer, check the label, use a low heat and take it out while still slightly damp. Over-drying makes linen stiff and harder to iron.

Ironing, or not

There are two schools of thought.

Crisp and pressed: iron the cloth while it is still slightly damp, on the iron's linen setting with plenty of steam. Iron the wrong side first, then the right side for a sheen. Iron folds in lightly if you want neat lines on the table.
Relaxed and natural: skip the iron altogether. Shake the cloth out well, smooth it by hand and let it dry flat or on the line. The soft creases are part of linen's charm and suit a country kitchen perfectly.

Storing table linen

Make sure linen is completely dry before putting it away.
Fold loosely, or roll it around a cardboard tube to avoid permanent creases along fold lines.
Store it somewhere dry, cool and dark, ideally in a drawer or linen cupboard.
Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause yellowing.
Refold occasionally along different lines, so creases don't wear the fibres.

Laying the table

Once the cloth is on, the rest is simple. Add candles in brass holders, a jug of seasonal flowers or greenery down the middle and good, plain plates. A board of bread or cheese makes the table feel generous. For ideas, see our guides to putting together a cheese board and hosting afternoon tea. Our Eclipse brass candle holders look especially good against green linen.

Frequently asked questions

Will a linen tablecloth shrink?

Good linen is usually pre-washed and shrinks very little, but washing hot or tumble drying on high heat can cause some shrinkage. Wash at 40°C and dry gently.