When planning your event, there are number things to consider when selecting your linens: like the materials, colors, patterns, texture, and so on. With a wide array of options at your fingertips, it can be a little daunting when planning.
One of the more confusing decisions is picking the size of linen that you need. So, to help ease your planning process, we have created a Linen Sizing Guide for you.
In this guide, we aim to provide the basics for understanding linen sizes. You will find lists of common sizes for different drop lengths, whether you would like the linen to touch the floor or simply reach the knees.
Also, you will find the formulas that we recommend for calculating the sizes for different styles of tables. So, if you come across a table size not listed, you will be able to calculate the best size for it.
Rectangular Tables
When dealing with a rectangular table, you will look at the height, width, and length of the table.
[Height A” + Width A” + Height B”] X [Height 1” + Length 1” + Height 2”]
This will give you the Width x Length dimensions of the linen needed. For example, if you have a table that is 8’ long x 30” wide x 30” tall, your equation will look like this:
[30” + 30” + 30”] X [30” + 96” + 30”] = 90” x 156” Rectangular Linen
| Linen Size | 8′ x 30″ Table | 6′ x 30″ Table | 4′ x 30″ Table | 8′ x 48″ Table | 6′ x 18″ Table | 8′ x 18″ Table |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60″ x 120″ | Lap Length (15″ Drop) | 18″ Drop on Width side, 15″ Drop on Long Side | ||||
| 90″ x 132″ | 18″ Drop on Width side, Floor Length on Long side | Floor Length | 12″ Puddling on Width Side, Floor Length on Long Side | Floor Length | ||
| 90″x 156″ | Floor Length | 12″ Puddling on Width Side, Floor Length on Long Side | Floor Length | |||
| 108″ x 156″ | Floor Length |
Round Tables
With round tables, you will look at the diameter of the table, or the length from one side of the circle to the other side going directly through the middle point.
[Height 1” + Diameter” + Height 2”]
For example, if you have a table that is 72” in diameter x 30” tall, your equation will look like this:
[30” + 72” + 30”] = 132” Rd Linen
| Linen Size | 72″ RD Table | 60″ RD Table | 48″ RD Table | 36″ RD Table | 30″ RD Table |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 132″ RD | Floor Length | Floor Length, with 12″ of Puddling | |||
| 120″ RD | 24″ Drop (3/4 to floor) | Floor Length | |||
| 108″ RD | 18″ drop (1/2 to floor) | 24″ drop (3/4 to floor) | Floor Length | ||
| 96″ RD | 15″ drop (Lap length) | 18″ drop (1/2 to floor) | 24″ drop (3/4 to floor) | Floor Length | |
| 90″ RD | 9″ drop (1/4 to floor) | 15″ drop (Lap Length) | 21″ drop | 27″ drop | Floor Length |
Square Tables
A similar formula may be used to calculate the linen size needed for a square table. Instead of Diameter, you will use the Length of the table For example, if you have a table that is 30” long x 30” wide x 30” tall, your equation will look like this:
[30” + 30” + 30”] = 90” Square Linen*
* Note that you can use a round linen of the same size to cover a square table. For example: 90″ Rd Linen will cover the same area as the 90″ Square linen.
| Linen Size | 30″ x 30″ Table | 36″ x 36″ Table | 48″ x 48″ Table | 60″ x 60″ Table |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 132″ RD or SQ | Floor Length | |||
| 120″ RD or SQ | Floor Length | |||
| 108″ RD or SQ | Floor Length | |||
| 90″ RD or SQ | Floor Length |
Cocktail Tables
When dealing with Cocktail Tables, also commonly referred to as High Boys, you can use the same formulas. You will just need to make sure you are using the correct height. The standard cocktail height is 42”.
For example, if you have a table that is 36” in diameter x 42” tall, your equation will look like this:
[42” + 36” + 42”] = 120” Rd Linen
With cocktail tables, there is also the option of adding a sash to sinch the linen around the leg of the table. When doing this, you will want to go up in the size of the linen to prevent the foot of the table from showing.
| Linen Size | 30″x42″ Table | 36″x42″ Table | 36″X36″X42″ Table |
|---|---|---|---|
| 132″ RD | Floor Length with Sash | Floor Length with Sash | Floor Length with Sash |
| 120″ RD | Floor Length, with 3″ puddling | Floor Length | Floor Length |
| 108″ RD | 39″ drop | 33″ drop | |
| 96″ RD | 33″ drop | 30″ drop | |
| 90″ RD | 30″ drop | 27″ drop |
Unique Tables
If you find yourself with a unique shape or size of table, our Event Consultants always happy to assist. Contact us today to talk with them and get your free quote!