How to measure your table for tablecloth.
•Posted on March 06 2024
Adding a tablecloth to a table, be it the kitchen table that is eaten at daily or a formal dining room table, our linen oilcloth will instantly elevate its appearance. This isn't just my view (a little biased, you might argue!), The Times newspaper recently reported the findings of an academic research paper on tablecloths of all topics, which found that dinner tasted better when eaten at a table covered with a cloth.
That said, the tablecloth needs to be of the correct size, too short, and the cloth won't drape elegantly over the edges, which is one of the qualities of our linen oilcloth tablecloth. Too long and the table will be swamped, and the overhanging excess will be an annoyance to your fellow diners.
Here is our guide to everything you need to know and consider when measuring and ordering oilcloth.
How to measure your table for oilcloth
Our step-by-step guide to measuring your table for oilcloth, ordering the correct size and how your order is dispatched.
- Clear the table of any detritus! It's so much easier to measure a clear flat surface, void of homework, stray toys and newspapers.
- If your table is extendable, consider which version of your table you are purchasing the tablecloth for. If you are measuring for the extended table, add the extra leaves or fix the gate leg to enable accurate measurements to be taken.
- Measure the width for this I use an extendable tape measure. I find it easier to hook the end of the measure on the table to get an exact measurement. Measure across the table, hooking the end on the far side of the table and taking note of the measurement on the nearest side.
- Measure the length. Again, start at the furthest end, hooking the tape on the edge of the table and then taking note of the measurement at the closest end.
- Decide on how much overhang (also referred to as drop length) you wish to have at either end. We generally recommend between 20cm and 30 cm; any less and the cloth will appear mean, and any more will be an inconvenience.
- Calculate the size of the table and the amount of oilcloth required:
How to measure an oval table for tablecloth
- Measuring an oval table follows the exact instructions as before; follow the same steps as above, deciding on your desired overhang and measuring the width of the table.
- Measure the length at the longest point of the oval table.
How to order the desired size on our website
- Head to our tablecloth category. Select the design you would like to order.
- To the right of the product image, click on the size drop-down box. Each size option, with the dimensions stated in metric and imperial, is displayed.
- Select the desired size and then use the quantity box for the number of tablecloths you wish to order.
- Our product pages offer tablecloths up to 6 metres in length. We can offer tablecloths in sizes up to 20 metres long. Please contact us to enquire about longer tablecloths and any other queries; we're here to help.
- Should you wish to trim your tablecloth, it cuts easily with a pair of scissors and doesn't require hemming.
- We always send a continuous length unless otherwise instructed.
