The size of the tablecloth affects the aesthetics of the dining room and determines how comfortable it will be to use.
You can’t choose the tablecloth size randomly as it depends on plenty of factors.
It means if you have a 6-foot table and don’t know what size tablecloth for 6 foot table, a few simple calculations can help you out.
In the following, we have listed some standard-size tablecloths that require a 6 foot table and revealed the theory to calculate the exact size based on the shape of the table.
What Size Tablecloth For 6 Foot Table?
For a 6-foot rectangular table, a tablecloth measuring 90 inches x 132 inches is ideal, providing a 15-inch drop on all sides. If you prefer a shorter drop, a 60-inch x 102-inch tablecloth offers a modest overlap. Always consider the desired drop length when selecting a tablecloth.
Tablecloth Size Chart for 6 Foot Table:
| Shape of table | Minimum Dimensions of Table Cloth |
|---|---|
| Round | 120 inches |
| Rectangle | 132 inches x 90 inches |
| Oblong | 132 inches x 90 inches |
| Square | 84 inches |
How to determine the right size tablecloth for a 6 foot table
Whether your table is 6 feet or 12 feet, picking the right size tablecloth largely depends on the shape of the table.
In general, a table can come in different shapes, including rectangular, round, square, and oblong.
If you want a tablecloth to complement your table, you must be aware of its size based on the shape as it affects the aesthetics of the décor.
So you can’t choose a tablecloth randomly thinking that it will fit on your table.
If you want a perfect-sized tablecloth for your different table shapes and want an aesthetically pleasing look, follow these measurements:
Round Table Linen
To determine the right size tablecloth, you’ll require two measurements, including the size of the table and the desired drop. Since you have a 6-foot table, let’s find out the second one.
The table drop is the length of the tablecloth that remains hanging from the tabletop.
The length of the table drop depends on the shape and size of the table.
For the round table linen, you can determine its size simply by subtracting the table diameter from the diameter of the linen and then dividing by 2.
For example, if you have a 72-inch round table and a 120-inch tablecloth, then the calculation will be:
120-72= 48/2=24
It means you will need a 24-inch drop for your 120-inch tablecloth on the 72-inch table.
Once you know the table size and desired drop, you can then estimate the right size tablecloth very easily.
Let’s say you have a 72-inch table and you are considering a 24-inch drop. The calculation will be:
24×2= 48,
After adding the table size
72+48= 120
It means you will need a 120-inch tablecloth for your 72-inch table.
Square Table Linen
You can follow the same formula to determine the right size tablecloth for your 72-inch square table.
To determine the drop, subtract the length of the table from the linen size and then divide the result by 2.
For your 72-inch square table and 84-inch table linen, the calculation will be
84-72= 12/2= 6
It means the drop should be 6 inches from the table to the floor.
After measuring the table length and finding the desired drop, let’s determine the actual size of the tablecloth. Following the formula
6×2=12
For 72 inch table
72=12=84
So you’ll need an 84-inch tablecloth for your 72-inch square table.
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Rectangular Table Linen
To figure out the drop length of the tablecloth for your rectangular table, you have to deduct the length of the table from the length of the linen and the width of the table from the width of the linen.
And then you have to divide the differences by two.
For example, if you have a 6-foot standard rectangular table, then its length will be 72 inches and its width will be 30 inches.
And you can consider a 70×120 inch rectangular tablecloth for your 6 foot table at the initial stage. So the calculation will be:
For the length
120-72=48/2=24
The length of the drop will be 24 inch
For the width
70-30=40/2=20
The width of the drop should be 20 inches.
Now that you have got the table dimensions and the desired length and width of the drop, move to the next step to determine the right size tablecloth.
The formula is that you have to multiply the drop length by two and add the dimension of the table.
But if you wish for a non-uniform drop, you’ll need to calculate length-wise and width-wise separately.
For example, if you have a 6-foot table that is 72 inches long and 30 inches wide and want a 20-inch drop, the calculation for the tablecloth will be:
For the 20×2=40
Then add the table length and width individually with this amount of drop
For the length
72+40= 102
For width
30+40= 70
It means you’ll require a 70×102 rectangular tablecloth for your 6-foot rectangular table.
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The Amount Of Drop Should Be Considered On A Tablecloth
After checking all those calculations based on the shape of the table, you may feel confused.
Don’t worry; the drop length is only a matter of personal preference. It means you can consider any amount of drop.
But the drop length affects the overall size of the tablecloth and considering too much or too small can make the appearance of the table awkward.
Thus, it’s worth following a few basic rules to get the standard look on the dining table.
Standard drop
If you want a casual look or need to use the tablecloth regularly, consider a shorter drop. It means the drop length should be between 6-8 inches.
For formal occasion
For formal events like birthday parties and anniversaries, you can consider a half drop. It means the tablecloth should hang 14-16 inches off the table.
For big events
If you need to decorate the dining tables for large events like banquets, weddings, or conferences, you can consider a full drop.
It means you can let the tablecloth drop to the floor and the length of the drop will be 30 inches.
Special occasions
In this case, you should go for a puddle drop that extends beyond the table height.
The amount of drop depends on the material of the table and the look you want.
For this, you can consider a 2-inch drop. Choosing this smaller drop will also prevent your material from falling.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tablecloth for a 6-Foot Table
Occasion or Event
For formal events like weddings or corporate dinners, satin or silk tablecloths are preferred due to their luxurious feel and shiny appearance.
For casual events like barbecues or children’s parties, cotton or polyester tablecloths are ideal because they are durable, easy to clean, and less likely to show stains.
Desired Drop Length
The drop length of a tablecloth is the amount of fabric that hangs over the edge of the table. For casual settings, a standard drop length is between 6-8 inches.
For more formal settings, a drop length of about 15 inches, which reaches halfway to the floor, is common. This creates a more dramatic and elegant effect.
Material and Fabric
Cotton tablecloths are durable, machine-washable, and available in a variety of colors and patterns. Polyester tablecloths are stain-resistant, long-lasting, and often used in restaurants.
Satin tablecloths provide a glossy finish that adds a touch of elegance to any event, while lace tablecloths add a vintage or rustic charm.
Color and Design Preferences
Choose colors that complement the event’s theme or the room’s decor. Patterns can add visual interest to your table setting.
But remember that a solid color tablecloth will showcase your dishes and decorations better.
Maintenance and Care
Most cotton and polyester tablecloths are machine-washable for easy care. If your tablecloth has wrinkles after washing, iron it on low heat to smooth them out. When storing your tablecloth, make sure it’s clean and dry to prevent mildew growth.
Cost and Budget
Cotton and polyester tablecloths are generally more affordable options, making them great for everyday use or large events.
Satin, silk, or lace tablecloths tend to be more expensive due to their high-quality materials and elegant appearance.
Environmental Impact
Consider purchasing tablecloths made from organic cotton or recycled materials for an eco-friendly option.
These sustainable choices not only reduce environmental impact but also support manufacturers who prioritize environmentally friendly practices.
Return and Exchange Policies
Before purchasing a tablecloth, always check the vendor’s return policy. Some stores offer exchanges if the tablecloth is not the right size or color for your needs. This can save you from potential disappointment after your purchase.
FAQs
How Much Bigger Should A Tablecloth Be Than The Table?
The drop length of the tablecloth depends on the table size itself and the table you are decorating. For a casual event, you can consider a 6-8 inch drop, while a 15-inch drop would be advisable for more formal occasions.
How To Know What Size Tablecloth Is Required?
To determine the right size tablecloth, you must measure the length and width of your table. To make the job easier, you can measure from the center to the outside and multiply the measurement by 2. Then you have to consider the drop length and multiply it by two and add it to the original dimension of the table.
Can I use a round tablecloth on a rectangular table?
Yes, but it may not cover the table uniformly and may look unconventional.
Is a 24-inch drop too long for a casual dining experience?
Typically, a 6-8 inch drop is preferred for casual settings, so 24 inches might be considered lengthy.
Are all 6-foot tables the same width?
No, while many standard 6-foot tables are around 30 inches in width, dimensions can vary based on design and manufacturer.
Final words
Wrapping the table with the right size tablecloth is crucial to elevate the look of the décor and ensure a comfortable experience.
After understanding all those formulas and examples, now do you realize what size a tablecloth is for 6 foot table? Hope yes.
However estimating the right size table isn’t the last step of having the desired appearance and performance.
The quality and look of the tablecloth is also important factor to consider which we’ll discuss later.
