Choosing the right linen for your event is crucial. It all comes down to how you want the tables to look against your theme, style, and décor, and how you want the linen to drape around them.
Some of the things to consider when selecting linen for your event, is the length of the table itself. Typically the length of rectangular tables are 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft. With round tables usually coming in at 3ft, 5ft, 5ft6 and 6ft, although, you can find table shorter, longer, or wider.
The size of the table makes a considerable difference in the size of the linen you require. The standard drape of linen on a table is usually between 8 – 12 inches, however, you are free to choose whatever length you desire.
People tend to go for a longer drop for more formal settings, whereas a shorter drop will create a more casual look. Again, it all comes down to personal preference.
| RECTANGLE TABLE SIZE | SEATS (NO. OF PERSONS) | TABLECLOTH SIZE | DROP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96″ x 30″ / 244 x 76cm / 8ft x 2.5ft | 8-10 | 90″ x 156″ RECTANGLE90″ x 132″ RECTANGLE70″ x 144″ RECTANGLE70″ x 126″ RECTANGLE70″ x 108″ RECTANGLE60″ x 102″ RECTANGLE | 30″ (ALL SIDES)18″ ON SHORT SIDE / 30″ ON LONG SIDE24″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE15″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE6″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE3″ ON SHORT SIDE / 15″ ON LONG SIDE |
| 72″ x 30″ / 183 x 76cm / 6ft x 2.5ft | 6-8 | 90″ x 132″ RECTANGLE70″ x 126″ RECTANGLE70″ x 108″ RECTANGLE60″ x 102″ RECTANGLE90″ SQUARE | 30″ (ON ALL SIDES)27″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE18″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE15″ (ALL SIDES)9″ ON SHORT SIDE / 30″ ON LONG SIDE |
| 60″ x 30″ / 152 x 76cm / 5ft x 2.5ft | 5-6 | 70″ x 126″ RECTANGLE70″ x 108″ RECTANGLE60″ x 102″ RECTANGLE90″ SQUARE70″ SQUARE | 33″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE24″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE21″ ON SHORT SITE / 15″ ON LONG SIDE15″ ON SHORT SIDE / 30″ ON LONG SIDE5″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE |
| 48″ x 30″ / 122 x 76cm / 4ft x 2.5ft | 4 | 70″ x 108″ RECTANGLE60″ x 102″ RECTANGLE90″ SQUARE | 30″ ON SHORT SIDE / 20″ ON LONG SIDE27″ ON SHORT SIDE / 15″ ON LONG SIDE21″ ON SHORT SIDE / 30″ ON LONG SIDE |
| ROUND TABLE SIZE | SEATS (NO. OF PERSONS) | TABLECLOTH SIZE | DROP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72″ / 183cm / 6ft | 10-12 | 132″ ROUND 120″ ROUND 108″ ROUND 90″ ROUND | 30″ 24″ 18 “9” |
| 60″ / 152cm / 5ft | 8-10 | 120″ ROUND 108″ ROUND 90″ ROUND | 30″ 24″ 15″ |
| 48″ / 122cm / 4ft | 6-8 | 108″ ROUND 90″ ROUND 70″ ROUND | 30″ 21″ 11″ |
| 30″ / 76cm / 2.5ft | 2 | 90″ ROUND 70″ ROUND | 30″ 20″ |
Table linens come in a variety of patterns, designs, and styles to suit every occasion. Firstly there is the choice between standard, stretched, and fitted. Let’s explore these options a little deeper to get a better understanding of what they are.
Standard Table Linen
The standard table is just that. It contains no stretch or spandex. These linens can also be called throws.
Stretched Table Linen
The stretched table linen is designed to fit snugly over a table. These linens can also be called tension covers
Fitted Table Linen
The fitted table linen is designed to fit the exact dimensions of a table and is typically made from polyester or spandex. These linens can also be called fitted table covers.
Now that we have covered the different types of linen, let’s now look at the different materials that these linens can come in. Although there are many different types of material, we’ll be exploring some of the more well-known ones.
Cotton
The cotton table linen is a common and popular option for many people. It comes in various styles and it has good texture.
Polyester
The polyester linen is a synthetic material that has the same look and feel as cotton. What makes polyester stand out is that it is inexpensive, machine washable, and very quick to dry.
PVC – Coated
You would expect to see this type of table linen at a kid’s birthday party or even at a casual gathering. The PVC material makes this linen super easy to wipe clean, therefore this linen does not need much to keep them maintained.
Damask
Damask is a design that is made from higher quality and more durable material. Damask table linen is usually smoother than normal linen and more often than not they are wrinkle-proof.
So in conclusion, choosing the right table linen has many factors to consider. But rest assured that guides like these are here to help point you in the right direction enabling you to make an informed decision on what linen you will choose for your next event.
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