How to Measure for Tablecloth Size for Octagon Tables

An octagonal table takes a round tablecloth.

In order to set an attractive table it's important that the tablecloth be the right size. Nothing detracts from your décor more than a tablecloth that touches the chair seats on two ends but doesn't quite reach the edge of the table on the other two. To avoid this it's important to measure the table correctly before buying or making the cloth. When a tabletop is an unusual shape, such as an octagon, the process may seem even trickier. Fortunately the process for an octagonal table is exactly the same as for a round one.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the table (the distance across the tabletop at the widest point).

2. Decide how long a drop you want the tablecloth to have. Multiply this length by two.

3. Add the diameter of the table to the doubled length of the drop. The total measurement is the diameter of the round tablecloth you will need.

Tips & Warnings

• For example: If your tabletop is 60 inches across, and you want the tablecloth to hang down 12 inches, you would multiply 12 by 2 to get 24 and then add the 24 to the 60. You would need a tablecloth 84 inches in diameter.

• The distance you want the tablecloth to hang down the sides from the outer edge of the table is called the "drop." A standard tablecloth drop is between 10 and 14 inches.

• The usual drop for a floor-length tablecloth is 30 inches, but any drop longer than 14 inches is considered to be a "formal" drop; the longer the drop, the greater the degree of formality.

References

• Linen Lovers: How to Measure for a Tablecloth
• Decorating With Lace: How to Measure for Tablecloths and Table Covers
• Fitted Tablecloths: Measure Your Table