Table Linen Hire Size Guide
Table Linen Hire Size Guide
Choosing the right table linen helps create a polished finish for your event. The tablecloth size you need will depend on your table size and the drop you want to achieve.
For weddings, banquets and formal dining, a fuller drop creates a more elegant look. For parties, buffets and casual events, a shorter drop can provide a neat, practical and cost-effective solution.
Table & Tablecloth Size Charts
Use the charts below to match CaterHire table sizes with the most suitable linen option and finish.
Round Dining & Banquet Tables
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| Table Type | Seats Approx. | Best Linen Choice | Alternative Option | Finish / Drop Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3ft Round Table | 2–4 | 70" × 70" | 54" × 54" | 70" × 70" gives a better drop. 54" × 54" covers the table top only. |
| 4ft Round Table | 6–8 | 70" × 70" | — | Neat standard cover. |
| 5ft Round Table | 8–10 | 118"/120" Round | 90" × 90" | 118" gives a fuller drop. 90" × 90" gives a shorter halfway drop. |
| 5ft 6" Round Table | 9–11 | 130" Round | 118" Round or 90" × 90" | 130" gives the fuller finish. 118" gives a good drop. 90" × 90" gives a shorter drop. |
| 6ft Round Table | 10–12 | 130" Round | 118" Round or 90" × 90" | 130" gives the fullest drop. 118" gives a shorter drop. 90" × 90" gives a very short/top-style cover. |
| 8ft Round Table | 12–14 | 154"/156" Round | — | Neat standard cover. |
| 4ft Half Round Table | 2–3 | 70" × 70" | — | Best fit for 4ft half-round tables, often used with rectangular tables to create an oval shape. |
| 5ft Half Round Table | 3–5 | 90" × 90" | — | Best fit for 5ft half-round tables, often used for top tables or oval table layouts. |
Rectangular Trestle Tables
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| Table Type | Seats Approx. | Best Linen Choice | Alternative Option | Finish / Drop Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2ft × 30" Rectangular Trestle | 1–2 | 54" × 54" | — | Best for small display tables, registration tables or compact setups. |
| 4ft × 30" Rectangular Trestle | 4–6 | 70" × 70" | — | Neat cover for wider 4ft rectangular tables used for dining, buffets or displays. |
| 6ft × 24" Rectangular Trestle | 6 | 70" × 108" | 70" × 140" | 108" is practical for dining. 140" gives extra length at each end. |
| 6ft × 30" Rectangular Trestle | 6–8 | 70" × 108" | 70" × 140" | 108" is practical for dining. 140" gives extra length at each end. |
| 6ft × 36" Rectangular Trestle | 6–8 | 70" × 108" | 70" × 140" | 108" is practical for dining. 140" gives extra length at each end. |
| 8ft × 18" Rectangular Trestle | 4 | 70" × 140" | — | Best fit for longer trestle tables. Ideal for buffet setups, registration tables and product displays. |
| 8ft × 24" Rectangular Trestle | 8–10 | 70" × 140" | — | Best fit for longer trestle tables. |
| 8ft × 30" Rectangular Trestle | 8–10 | 70" × 140" | — | Best fit for longer trestle tables. |
Bistro, Poseur & Cocktail Tables
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| Table Type | Typical Size | Recommended Linen | Finish / Drop Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Bistro Table | 30" diameter × 29" high | 90" × 90" or 118" Round | 118" Round gives a fuller floor-length cover. |
| Large Round Bistro Table | 33" diameter × 29" high | 118" Round, 130" Round or 132" Round | Use a larger round cloth for the best full-length finish. |
| Round Cocktail / Pod Table | 30" diameter × 42" high | 130" Round | Best choice for a full-height elegant cover. |
| Large Cocktail / Pod Table | 33" diameter × 42" high | 130" Round or 132" Round | Creates a premium full-drop finish. |
| Square Cocktail / Pod Table | 24" × 24" × 42" high | Spandex / tailored cover | Often no loose linen is required. Use a fitted cover where available. |
What Does “Drop” Mean?
Tablecloth drop is the amount of linen that hangs down from the edge of the table. A longer drop creates a more formal finish, while a shorter drop gives a neat and practical look.
For weddings and formal events, a longer drop is often preferred. For conferences, buffets and casual gatherings, a shorter drop can provide a smart, practical finish while using less fabric.
Choose Your Desired Drop
The right drop depends on the style of your event and how formal you want the table to feel.
How to Calculate the Right Tablecloth Size
Start with your table dimensions and add your desired drop on both sides. CaterHire tables are generally 29"–30" high, so a similar drop gives an almost floor-length finish.
Rectangular Tables
Add the desired drop to both sides of the table length and width.
Tablecloth Width = Table Width + Drop + Drop
Round Tables
Add the desired drop twice to the table diameter.
Example: 6ft × 30" Trestle Table
72" length + 18" + 18" = 108"
30" width + 20" + 20" = 70"
Recommended Linen: 70" × 108" rectangular tablecloth.
Example: 5ft Round Table
60" diameter + 29" + 29" = 118"
Recommended Linen: 118" round tablecloth.
Shop Table Linen
Once you know your table size and desired drop, browse our table linen hire range to choose the right cloth, napkins, runners and covers for your event.
Rectangle Tablecloths
Browse rectangular tablecloths for trestle tables, banquet tables and event dining layouts.
View Rectangle Tablecloths → Formal DiningRound Tablecloths
Choose round tablecloths for weddings, banquets, gala dinners and formal dining.
View Round Tablecloths → Flexible StylingSquare Tablecloths
Square cloths work well on round tables, smaller tables and flexible event setups.
View Square Tablecloths → Cocktail TablesSpandex Pod Table Covers
Create a smart fitted finish for pod tables, cocktail tables and drinks receptions.
View Pod Table Covers → Complete the SettingNapkins
Finish your table setting with linen napkins in a choice of colours and finishes.
View Napkins → Styling DetailsChair Covers, Bows & Table Runners
Add colour and styling detail with runners, chair covers, bows and finishing linen.
View Styling Linen →Table Linen Hire FAQs
Answers to the questions customers most often ask when choosing tablecloth sizes and hiring linen.
How do I choose the correct tablecloth size?+
Start with your table size, then decide how much drop you want. A longer drop creates a more formal look; a shorter drop gives a neat, practical finish. Use the size charts above first and contact our team if you are unsure.
What does tablecloth drop mean?+
Drop is the amount of linen that hangs down from the edge of the table. A greater drop gives a more formal appearance, while smaller drops are often used for casual events, buffets and corporate functions.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 6ft × 30" trestle table?+
Use a 70" × 108" rectangular tablecloth for most events. It gives approximately 20" drop on each long side and 18" at each end. Use 70" × 140" if you want more fabric at the ends.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 5ft round table?+
Use a 118" round tablecloth for a fuller event finish. A 90" × 90" square cloth gives a shorter drop.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 6ft round table?+
Use a 130" round tablecloth for a full, formal drop. A 118" round gives a shorter drop and 90" × 90" gives a very short or top-style cover.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 3ft round table?+
CaterHire currently recommends 70" × 70" as the best practical fit, with 54" × 54" as a top-cover alternative. Contact our team if you would like help confirming the best fit for your setup.
Do I need to wash hired table linen before returning it?+
No. Please return the linen after your event and CaterHire will take care of laundering. Do not wash hired linen yourself.
What happens if a tablecloth gets stained?+
Accidents happen and our laundry team will try to remove stains during cleaning. If a stain cannot be removed, a replacement charge may apply.
How long is the hire period?+
Furniture, table and linen hire includes a convenient 3-day hire period, allowing time for setup, the event and post-event collection.
Can I hire tables and table linen together?+
Yes. CaterHire regularly helps customers hire tables and table linen together. Our team can recommend the correct linen size and style for your chosen tables.
Do you offer delivery and collection?+
Yes. CaterHire provides delivery across Dublin and nationwide throughout Ireland. Customers can also collect and return hire items from our Sandyford warehouse in Dublin 18.
How far in advance should I book?+
Book as early as possible, especially during wedding season and peak summer event periods when demand is highest.
Can I amend my linen order after booking?+
Amendments can usually be made up to 24 hours before delivery, subject to stock availability. Finalise numbers as early as possible during busy seasons.
Can I visit the showroom?+
Yes. Our Sandyford showroom allows you to view table linen, tables, tableware and other event hire products in person. Please book an appointment in advance by calling 01 294 3111 or emailing info@caterhire.ie.
Our Team Is Happy to Help
Send us your table dimensions and event details and we’ll recommend the most suitable table linen size and drop for your event.