Best Linen Tablecloths

Buying Guide

When you’re planning a big family meal, presentation goes a long way. And while fine china and fancy glassware can all help, nothing sets the tone without showing off like a proper linen tablecloth.

Of course, tablecloths aren’t just for big formal dinners. First and foremost, they’re there to protect the table underneath. But the table is the centerpiece of any kitchen, so whatever you’re using to cover it will say a lot about you to your guests.

The first thing to know about a linen tablecloth is that it might not necessarily be made of linen fabric. The term “linen” has become so synonymous with tableware that you might find tablecloths advertised as linens that are actually made of cotton, polyester or some form of blend. First and foremost, check the materials.

That’s not to say that you absolutely need linen unless that’s what the occasion calls for. True linen is made from flax, and when it’s woven into sheets or cloths they tend to be light but strong, and somewhat coarse. That texture makes them ideal for tabletops where you don’t want things sliding around. If there are spills, linen can absorb plenty of moisture. There’s also nothing like the look of quality linen, which is why it’s a great choice for weddings or special occasions.

It does require some upkeep though, which is why cotton is a solid choice for tablecloths that see daily use. Cotton usually does better in standard washing machines, and comes out with fewer wrinkles than linen. And while it’s generally not as durable as linen, cotton cloths can be a little more absorbent.

At the more affordable end, we find polyester and polyester blends. These kind of tablecloths can vary widely in quality and a lot depends on the weave. While most polyester cloths aren’t as absorbent as cotton, they’re almost always more durable. If you’re looking for something elegant but still affordable, you can make an impression with vinyl or damask tablecloths, which are very smooth.

If you want a little flair, you might go for tassles or other fringe decorations on your tablecloth, which can work with the right decor. These accents usually work best on cloths with a shorter drop, which means they don’t hang as low. (This is especially true if you have pets who like to use the tassels for playtime.)

For the most part, choosing the shape of your tablecloth is a no-brainer. You can’t really go wrong by matching square tablecloths to a square table, for example, or circular ones to a circular ones to a circular table. There are no hard and fast rules, though. It’s perfectly acceptable to drape a square tablecloth over an oval or circular surface and letting the corners hang down, as long as the entire table is covered and the corners are even. It’s less common to see an oval tablecloth covering a rectangular table, but it can be done if you’re looking to add a little modern flair.

As for the size of the tablecloth, all it takes is a little math. Just measure the length and width of the tabletop, then add twice the desired drop amount to each of those numbers. (The drop refers to the amount of tablecloth that hangs over the edge.) For example, let’s say you have a 4 x 6 foot table, and you want a tablecloth with a one foot drop. Your tablecloth size should be 6 x 8 feet, or 4 + (1 X 2) by 6 + (1 x 2).