What Size Table Cloth for a 6' Banquet Table?

Properly decorated banquet tables help set the mood for the event. Although you have many options for decorating your banquet tables --- for example, you add a runner to the table --- you'll need to properly cover the table with a tablecloth first. Depending on the look you want, and your budget for the banquet, you may choose to rent specialty linens in contrasting colors for your table, or choose to use plain white or ivory linens to create more of a blank slate for your centerpieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Facts

While the term "table cloth" most often refers to the overlay for banquet tables, you'll also need an underlay for the table so that your guests don't see the table legs. Underlays cover the complete table all the way to the floor; overlays cover the top of the table while still showing part of the underlay.

Square and Rectangular Tables

Standard square and rectangular tables measure 30 inches across. When centered correctly, overlays typically drop about 15 inches down all the sides of the tabletop. Determine the size of the overlay you'll need by adding 30 total inches (15 inches per side) to the length and width of tabletop measurements. For example, a 72 inch long table will need a 60 inch by 102 inch long cloth for the overlay, because 30+15+15= 60 and 72+15+15= 102.

Determine the size of the underlay by adding 60 inches (30 inches per side) to the length and width of the total tabletop measurements to determine the underlay. For example, a 72 inch long table will need a 90 inch by 132 inch long underlay because 30+30+30= 90 and 72+30+30= 132.

Round Tables

Cover a 6 foot diameter round table with a 132 inch underlay that reaches the floor. Use a 120 inch round linen for a 24 inch drop around the edge of the table (72+24 +24 = 120), a 108 inch round linen for an 18 inch drop (72+18+18= 108) or a 90 inch round linen for a 9 inch drop (72+9+9= 90). The total drop length for tables will depend on the formality of your banquet, and how much color --- if any --- you want to introduce with a colored overlay.

Considerations

Some decorators suggest placing a square overlay on a round table for more visual interest. Use a small square on the table to frame the centerpiece, or use a larger square for an added splash of color.