How to Pick the Right Linen Size for Event Tables
TL;DR: Choosing the right table linen size ensures a polished, professional event setup. Use our guide to match table types with proper linens and overlays.
- Linen size charts for round, banquet, and cocktail tables
- Drop length tips for casual vs. formal events
- Overlay size recommendations
- Linen rental benefits
As an event planner, you go above and beyond to consider every small, crucial detail, from signage to linens. After all, you want to ensure you’re delivering a superlative experience for your client. There is nothing more frustrating than crafting the perfect tablescape only to arrive at a venue and find your linens don’t fit. After the work you put into planning, you shouldn’t have to improvise on the spot!
That’s why we’ve created this table linen size guide. We want to ensure you can easily deck out every event space with stunning tablecloths and overlays. You’ll find our table linen measurement chart below, plus tips for choosing sizes, colors, and more.
Continue reading to deliver an elegant, cohesive experience at your next event.
Table Linen Size Chart: Round Tables
We offer a table linen sizing chart on our website, but for your convenience, we’ll share it here. Let’s begin with a table linen size chart for round event tables.
| Table Size | Seating Capacity | Drop for 90″ Round | Drop for 108″ Round | Drop for 120″ Round | Drop for 132″ Round |
| 30″ Round | 2–4 people | 30″ drop (to floor) | 39″ drop (past floor) | 45″ (pooling on floor) | 51″ (pooling more) |
| 36″ Round | 4 people | 27″ drop | 36″ drop | 42″ (to floor) | 48″ (past floor) |
| 48″ Round | 6–8 people | 21″ drop | 30″ drop | 36″ drop | 42″ (to floor) |
| 60″ Round | 8–10 people | 15″ drop | 24″ drop | 30″ drop | 36″ drop |
| 72″ Round | 10–12 people | 9″ drop | 18″ drop | 24″ drop | 30″ drop |
Round tables are commonly used for weddings, banquets, and formal dinners. The diameter of the table determines the amount of linen needed for the desired “drop.” The drop refers to how far the tablecloth hangs down from the tabletop.
A shorter drop (9–15 inches) offers a casual look. Short drops are ideal for everyday events. In contrast, a longer, floor-length drop (30 inches or more) provides an elegant, formal appearance.
Larger linens like 120″ or 132″ rounds offer the most dramatic overhangs. They’ll create a pooling effect for upscale, highly formal styling.
Table Linen Size Chart: Banquet-Style Rectangular Tables
Next, find the table linen sizing chart for rectangular tables, also known as banquet tables or banquet-style tables.
| Table Size | Seating Capacity | 60″ x 102″ | 60″ x 120″ | 90″ x 132″ (Floor-Length) | 90″ x 156″ (Floor-Length) |
| 4′ x 30″ (48″) | 4–6 people | 15″ drop | 27″ drop | – | – |
| 6′ x 30″ (72″) | 6–8 people | – | 15″ drop | Floor-Length | – |
| 8′ x 30″ (96″) | 8–10 people | – | – | – | Floor-Length |
Standard banquet tables are typically 4’, 6’, or 8’ long. These rectangular event tables are staples at corporate events, buffet lines, and conference setups.
Linen sizes for banquet tables vary based on whether you want a casual partial drop or full floor-length coverage. For instance, a 90” x 132” linen will fully cover a 6’ table to the floor. In contrast, a 60” x 120” linen will provide a midway drop.
Choosing floor-length linens is often preferred for concealing table legs. It can also be used to hide stored items underneath.
Table Linen Size Chart: Cocktail Tables or Highboy Tables
Finally, our table linen size chart for cocktail tables (also known as highboy tables) is below:
| Table Size | 120″ Round (Floor-Length) | 132″ Round (Ties at Base or Floor-Length with Sash) |
| 30″ Round x 42″ High | Floor-Length with 120″ | Full coverage with sash using 132″ |
| 36″ Round x 42″ High | Partial coverage | Floor-Length with 132″ |
Highboy or cocktail tables are tall, narrow, round tables. They are frequently used for standing receptions or cocktail hours.
Cocktail tables typically stand 42” tall and are typically either 30” or 36” in diameter. A 120” round linen will provide floor-length coverage for a 30” table.
Alternatively, a 132” round is ideal for a 36” table. We also recommend a 132″ cover for when you want to tie a sash around the base for a cinched, tailored look. The extra fabric on a 132” linen will ultimately create a fuller, more elegant drape.
Sizing Tips for Achieving Table Overlays
A table overlay is a smaller square or round cloth placed over a full-length tablecloth. It adds a decorative accent that adds visual interest to a tablescape. Choosing the right overlay allows you to layer textures and play with color schemes. Your choice of overlay can potentially elevate the overall presentation of the table.
Start with the linen sizes for table sizes charts above, then consult the charts below to add some extra style to your venue.
Table Overlay Size Chart: Round Tables
| Table Size | Base Linen | Recommended Overlay Size | Notes |
| 48″ Round | 108″ or 120″ round | 72″ x 72″ square overlay | Offers a soft mid-length contrast over a floor-length base. |
| 60″ Round | 120″ round | 72″ x 72″ or 85″ x 85″ square | 85″ x 85″ offers longer drape, great for upscale events. |
| 72″ Round | 132″ round | 85″ x 85″ or 90″ x 90″ square | Covers more surface area while showing off the underlayer. |
Table Overlay Size Chart: Banquet-Style Rectangular Tables
| Table Size | Base Linen | Recommended Overlay Size | Notes |
| 6′ (72″) Banquet | 90″ x 132″ | 60″ x 120″ | Layer lengthwise to highlight center decor. |
| 8′ (96″) Banquet | 90″ x 156″ | 72″ x 120″ | Allows for an elegant drop without overhanging too far. |
Table Overlay Size Chart: Cocktail Tables or Highboy Tables
| Table Size | Base Linen | Recommended Overlay Size | Notes |
| 30″ Round x 42″ High | 120″ round | 60″ x 60″ or 72″ x 72″ square | Use a sash or ribbon to cinch the overlay at the base. |
| 36″ Round x 42″ High | 132″ round | 72″ x 72″ square | Perfect for elegant draping and dynamic texture. |
The Perfect Linens, Every Time
Our linen tablecloth size chart will ensure you arrive at your event with the correct linens every single time. For even more personalization, consider table linen rentals from ASAP Linen. You can customize color schemes and choose coordinating overlays with ease.
Best of all, you won’t have to store or launder the linens before or after the event. Simply choose the correct sizes and colors, and they’ll arrive two to three days before your event date. When the celebration is over, send them back as-is. We’ll take care of the rest so you can focus on planning the next spectacular party.
Browse our tablecloths for rent and discover how easy rental can be!