The Best Cotton Tablecloth

Buying Guide

Using a tablecloth is a great way to protect your table from scratches and spills.  With so many different types of tablecloths on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Cotton tablecloths are a popular choice because the material is durable and easy to clean. All you have to do is throw the tablecloth in the washer and dryer, and it will come out fresh and ready to use. If you have stubborn stains, you can spot treat them before the washing machine. In most cases, cotton blends don’t need to be ironed. If they do, you likely just have to spot iron them in the areas where they have wrinkles.

One of the most difficult things to figure out is which size cotton tablecloth to get. This will depend on the shape of your table, the dimensions of your table as well as the drop length you want to have. When it comes to shape, the most common are circle, square, oval and rectangle. For circle tables, you need to measure the diameter. For oval tables, you have to measure the length and width at the longest and widest parts of the table. For square and rectangle tables, you’ll need to know the length and widths. You may be tempted to use just these measurements to figure out your ideal tablecloth size, but don’t stop here. You still have to determine one more measurement: the drop length.

The drop length refers to how far you want your tablecloth to drop over the edge of the table. The two most common options are a casual drop or a formal drop. A casual drop goes to about halfway between the table and the floor. As the name suggests, it’s best for casual meals and parties. A formal drop length goes all the way down to the floor and is best for formal occasions like weddings. To determine your ideal cotton tablecloth size, you must add double the drop length to both the length and width of your table (or to the diameter if your table is a circle). This will give you the dimensions of your perfect cotton tablecloth.

• Many cotton tablecloths are made with a water-resistant or waterproof coating, which makes cleanup even easier. The coating repels liquid from the tablecloth, so it doesn’t take on stains as easily. All you have to do is wipe up the spill.
• Want your table to look even more put together? Consider other linens you can add, such as matching cotton napkins and a matching table runner. This is a great way to add visual interest to your tablescape and make it look more inviting. Play with contrasting and complimentary colors and textures.
• If you have an antique or precious table and want to avoid getting any dents or scratches on it, consider using a table pad protector under the cotton tablecloth. This is a thick material that adds a layer of protection so that the dishes and silverware don’t end up nicking the table.
• Should you use placemats with a tablecloth? There is no hard and fast rule – it all depends on your taste. While most people don’t use placemats when they have a tablecloth, you can if you want to add more color or texture to your table setting.
• For those that want to avoid having to wash their cotton tablecloths after each use, a good option is to get a clear vinyl overlay. It sits on top of the cotton tablecloth and protects it from spills and stains. All you have to do is wipe off the overlay when you’re done eating.