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Table Linen Hire Size Guide

Tablecloth Sizes for Round, Banquet & Trestle Tables

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 practical and cost-effective solution.

Round Dining / Banquet Tables Linen Size Guide

Table Type Seats Approx. Best Linen Choice Alternative Option Finish / Drop Guide
3ft Round Table 2 - 4 70" x 70" 54" x 54" 70" x 70" gives a better drop.
54" x 54" covers the table top only.
4ft Round Table 6 - 8 70" x 70" — Neat standard cover.
5ft Round Table 8 - 10 118"/120" Round 90" x 90" 118" gives a fuller drop.
90" x 90" gives a shorter halfway drop.
5ft 6" Round Table 9 - 11 130"/132" Round 118" Round or 90" x 90" 130" gives the fuller finish.
118" gives a good drop.
90" x 90" gives a shorter drop.
6ft Round Table 10 - 12 130"/132" Round 118"/120" Round or 90" x 90" 130" gives the fullest drop.
118" gives a shorter drop.
90" x 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" x 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" x 90" — Best fit for 5ft half round tables, often used for top tables or oval table layouts.

Rectangular Trestle Tables Linen Size Guide

Table Type Seats Approx. Best Linen Choice Alternative Option Finish / Drop Guide
2ft x 30" Rectangular Trestle Table 1 - 2 54" x 54" — Best for small display tables, registration tables or compact setups.
4ft x 30" Rectangular Trestle Table 4 - 6 70" x 70" — Neat cover for wider 4ft rectangular tables used for dining, buffets or displays.
6ft x 24" Rectangular Trestle Table 6 70" x 108" 70" x 140" 108" is practical for dining. 140" gives extra length at each end.
6ft x 30" Rectangular Trestle Table 6 - 8 70" x 108" 70" x 140" 108" is practical for dining. 140" gives extra length at each end.
6ft x 36" Rectangular Trestle Table 6 - 8 70" x 108" 70" x 140" 108" is practical for dining. 140" gives extra length at each end.
8ft x 18" Rectangular Trestle Table 4 70" x 140" — Best fit for longer trestle tables. This table is best used for buffet setups, registration tables & product displays.
8ft x 24" Rectangular Trestle Table 8 - 10 70" x 140" — Best fit for longer trestle tables.
8ft x 30" Rectangular Trestle Table 8 - 10 70" x 140" — Best fit for longer trestle tables.

What does "drop" mean?

For weddings and formal events, a longer drop is often preferred as it creates a more luxurious finish. For conferences, buffets and casual gatherings, a shorter drop can provide a neat, practical look while using less fabric.

Tip: For the smartest event finish, choose the larger recommended cloth size. This gives a fuller drop and helps create a more polished look. For casual events, a shorter drop or top-cover option may be suitable.

Choose Your Desired Drop

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.

Finish Typical Drop Best For
Luxury / Floor-Length 29"–30" Weddings, gala dinners and formal banquets.
Formal Event 24"–26" Weddings, hospitality events and premium dining setups.
Standard Event 18"–20" Corporate events, dining layouts and general event hire.
Practical / Buffet 12"–15" Buffets, conferences, parties and casual gatherings.
Overlay / Top Cover 0"–9" Display tables, casual setups and budget-friendly options.

How to Calculate the Right Tablecloth Size

To calculate the right tablecloth size, start with your table dimensions and add the drop on both sides. CaterHire tables are generally 29"–30" high, so a 29"–30" drop gives an almost floor-length finish.

Rectangular Tables

How to calculate tablecloth size for rectangular trestle tables

For rectangular tables, add the desired drop to both sides of the table length and width.

Round Tables

How to calculate tablecloth size for round tables

For round tables, add the desired drop twice to the table diameter.

Table Shape Formula Example Recommended Linen
Rectangular Table Tablecloth Length = Table Length + Drop + Drop
Tablecloth Width = Table Width + Drop + Drop 		6ft x 30" trestle table
72" length + 18" + 18" = 108"
30" width + 20" + 20" = 70" 		70" x 108" rectangular tablecloth
Round Table Tablecloth Diameter = Table Diameter + Drop + Drop 5ft round table
60" diameter + 29" + 29" = 118" 		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 →

Round Tablecloths

Choose round tablecloths for weddings, banquets, gala dinners and formal dining.

View Round Tablecloths →

Square Tablecloths

Shop square tablecloths for round tables, smaller tables and flexible event setups.

View Square Tablecloths →

Spandex Pod Table Covers

Create a smart, fitted finish for pod tables, cocktail tables and drinks receptions.

View Pod Table Covers →

Napkins

Complete your table setting with linen napkins in a choice of colours and finishes.

View Napkins →

Chair Covers, Bows & Table Runners

Add styling details to your event with chair covers, bows and table runners.

View Styling Linen →

Frequently Asked Questions

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 CaterHire size chart first and ask 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. Smaller drops are often used for casual events, buffets and corporate functions.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 6ft x 30" trestle table?
Use a 70" x 108" rectangular tablecloth for most events. It gives approximately 20" drop on each long side and 18" drop at each end. Use 70" x 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" x 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" x 90" gives a very short/top-style cover.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 3ft round table?
CaterHire currently recommends 70" x 70" as the best practical fit, with 54" x 54" as a top-cover alternative. Please contact our team if you would like help confirming the best fit for your event 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 the 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. The team can recommend the correct linen size and style for the 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 the 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, and we highly recommend it. Our showroom allows you to view table linen, tables, tableware and event hire products in person.

Please book an appointment in advance by calling 01 294 3111 or emailing info@caterhire.ie.
Still unsure which tablecloth size you need?
Our team is happy to help. Contact us with your table dimensions and event details, and we'll recommend the most suitable table linen size and drop for your event.

Call us on 01 294 3111 or email info@caterhire.ie.

Planning an Event?

Our team is here to help with table layouts, guest numbers and event hire recommendations.

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