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Guide to Choosing Table Linens



Table linens are essential for setting the right tone to your event, and can go a long way toward dressing your dining room.  Choosing a tablecloth is easy; here, we’ve gathered our most frequently asked questions for you to use as a guide.

Determining Quality

What should I look for in fine linens?

Fine linens are usually characterized by a combination of beautiful materials, expert construction, fine workmanship, and design. Most fine linens are made from linen or cotton because both are durable, absorbent, and pleasant to the touch.

Fine linens are smooth and soft (no coarse knots or uneven slubs should be visible); they may also be lustrous, but never shiny. Workmanship is key: all designs must be precisely executed, all colors uniform, and all seams must be finished evenly and correctly to ensure they are suitable for a lifetime of use.

Sferra Acanthus Table Linens

What material should my table linens be made from?

Because they are strong and absorbent, we recommend natural materials like cotton and linen. While they do require ironing, they are long-lasting and have the most luxurious feel and appearance.

For ease of care, there are high quality easy-care table linen collections available which are either stain-resistant or wrinkle resistant.

What is the difference between linen and cotton?

Both linen and cotton are natural vegetable fibers. Linen comes from the flax plant, which grows in the cooler climates of western and northern Europe. Cotton comes from the cotton plant, which grows in hot, humid climates throughout the world.  Both fabrics are highly absorbent, durable, and become significantly softer with use.

There are some subtle differences, however. Linen feels lighter and crisper and becomes whiter with use. It is also highly absorbent and lint-free. Cotton feels more substantial and is generally prone to more shrinkage than linen. To some, linen is still the ultimate choice for formal occasions, but either is considered appropriate.

What determines quality in cotton fabrics?

Quality in cotton is primarily based on the length of the fibers. This is because longer fibers can be spun into smoother, stronger, and much finer yarns, which can then be woven to create fabrics that are softer and more durable.  In particular, Egyptian cotton is prized because the humid weather and rich soil around the Nile delta produce especially delicate and long fibers. Cotton grown in Egypt has a staple length of over 2 1/4″, twice the size of that in generic cotton and 60% longer than Pima cotton.

What determines quality in linen fabrics?

Like cotton, higher quality linen fabrics are made from longer fibers because these produce finer and stronger yarns. In addition, these fibers have a very consistent thickness with almost no coarse knots or uneven slubs, resulting in a smooth hand.  Irish and Belgian linen are widely acknowledged to be among the finest linen in the world.

Determining Size

What are standard table linen sizes?

Formal table linens are generously sized for elegant entertaining. Sizes will vary among different collections, but they are generally as follow:

Cocktail Napkin 6″ x 6″
Luncheon Napkin 18″ x 18″
Dinner Napkin 22″ x 22″
Placemat 14″ x 20″
Tablecloth 70″ x 90″ (seats 8)
Tablecloth 70″ x 108″ (seats 10-12)
Tablecloth 70″ x 126″ (seats 12)
Tablecloth 70″ x 144″ (seats 12-14)
Tablecloth 70″ x 162″ (seats 12-14)
Tablecloth 70″ x 180″ (seats 16-18)
Tablecloth 70″ round (seats 4)
Tablecloth 90″ round (seats 8)
Tablecloth 108″ round (seats 10-12)

For more information, view our basic chart of tablecloth sizes and the tables they would fit.

What size tablecloth should I buy?

For formal settings, we recommend that tablecloths should hang down 10″ to 12″ evenly around the table. More elaborate occasions may call for a drop of anywhere from 15″ to 30″ (all the way to the floor) and beyond. Keep in mind that the longer the drop, the more dramatic the effect will be on your room. In contrast, casual events call for cloths that have 6″ – 8″ drops.

To calculate the size of the tablecloth you need, measure the length and width of your table and add twice the desired drop to each dimension. For example, if your table measures 48″ wide and 84″ long, and you would like a 12″ drop on each side, your tablecloth should be:
48″ + 12″ + 12″ = 72″ wide
84″ + 12″ + 12″ = 92″ long

For round tables, measure the diameter of your table and add twice the desired drop. Following the example above, 48″ round tables would require 70″ round tablecloths.

What shape should my tablecloth be?

On square and rectangular tables, we suggest using the same shape tablecloth. On round tables, either rounds or squares may be used, while on oval tables, either oval or rectangular tablecloths may be used. If you have several tables that you use often and your budget is limited, a nice alternative is to use placemats and napkins, which will work in any situation.

My table has several leaves. What size tablecloth should I buy?

If the table is extended and shortened often, separate tablecloths should be purchased to fit each size. If this is not possible, there are several solutions. The first one is to buy a cloth that fits the size of table that is used most often, and purchasing affordable banquet cloths for larger affairs. Another solution is to simply buy a cloth to fit the largest table, and use it at all times. A third possibility is to purchase a series of smaller square tablecloths, each of which can be draped diagonally over the table.

Are custom tablecloths available?

Yes. If you can’t find a standard size tablecloth that fits your table, we are happy to offer custom sizes in many of its collections.

Suggested Quantities

How many table linens do I need?

We recommend that a basic collection of table linens include the following items:

1 Formal Tablecloth
12 Formal Napkins (usually to match the tablecloth)
1 Casual Tablecloth
12 Casual Napkins
12 Placemats
18 Cocktail Napkins
1 Table Liner

Sferra Juliet Easy Care Table Linens

Design Tips

What design should I choose for my table linens?

Generally, formal linens are either solid, woven with a damask pattern, or embroidered. White and ivory are the most traditional colors.  Printed designs, or more colorful embroideries, more suitable for informal settings.

What is a damask?

Unlike a print, a damask or jacquard refers to patterns that are woven into the fabric of the cloth, creating a subtle, yet elegant look. This process requires threads to be woven in contrasting directions, which creates a pattern that is visible when viewed at certain angles. It is a common misconception that the term “damask” refers to a heavy cloth. However, damask patterns may be woven into fabrics of any weight.

Damask Table Linen

What colors should my table linens be?

White is the most popular color for table linens and it is always appropriate for formal dining. Ivory and off-white colors are a popular second, especially in rooms with warmer tones. Beyond these, color is a matter of personal preference. We recommend considering the theme or tone of your event and the colors of your room, furnishings, and tableware.

Custom Color options by Sferra

What should I consider in choosing linens for a special event?

There are several important factors to take into account when choosing table linens for a special event:

- Location: Choose colors to complement the existing décor of your dining room. For outdoor events, let the setting be your guide. Generally, bright colors look better in sunny locations, while pastels are wonderful in garden settings.

Le Jacquard Francais Provence Lemon Table Linens

- Season: Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while bolder colors are more appropriate during the colder fall and winter months.

- Theme: Colorful linens are one of the most effective ways to set the mood you want to create. Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more refined atmosphere.

Protecting Your Tables

Why do I need a table liner?

Although designed to last a lifetime, fine table surfaces are often exposed to excessive wear and tear. To help protect your tables, thick felt table liners are designed to reduce noise and protect your tabletop against heat and scratches. Unlike ordinary liners, these are plush and generously sized (approximately 5″ larger than your table) to extend over the edge of your table in order to create a softer drape underneath your fine linens.  To read more, see Protecting Your Table with Felt Liners.

Felt table liner


What size table liner do I need?

We suggests choosing a table liner that is slightly smaller than your tablecloth (but larger than your table.) Following are our recommended sizes:

Tablecloth Felt Liner
70″ x 90″ 60″ x 82″
70″ x 108″ 60″ x 100″
70″ x 126″ 60″ x 118″
70″ x 144″ 60″ x 136″
70″ x 162″ 60″ x 154″
70″ x 180″ 60″ x 172″
88″ x 106″ 78″ x 96″
88″ x 124″ 78″ x 114″
88″ x 140″ 78″ x 130″
88″ x 160″ 78″ x 150″
70″ round 60″ round
90″ round 80″ round
108″ round 90″ round

Caring for Table Linens

How do I care for my table linens?

Most fine linens can be laundered at home. Cottons and linens should be washed with like colors in cool water using a regular (non-bleach) detergent. Stains should be treated as soon as possible using a stain remover such as our LeBlanc Linen Wash. Bleaching agents such as chlorine, peroxide, or sodium carbonate should not be used.

Linens can be dried, but should be removed from the dryer while slightly damp in order to minimize wrinkles. They should then be spread on a large surface and pressed with a hot iron. When ironing embroideries, place them face down on a towel and press on the reverse side.

Taffetas, silks and laces should generally be dry cleaned, especially if the items are delicate or have decorative fringes.

Are there specialty linen cleaning solutions?

LeBlanc Linen Wash is a specially formulated cleaning solution for laundering fine linens. Its gentle, pH-balanced formula may be used on all natural fibers, synthetics, and blends. We particularly like it because it is concentrated, so it is effective on linens (including vintage linens) without the use of bleach, caustics, or phosphates. LeBlanc Linen Wash has been tested to remove lipstick, jam and jelly, fruit juice, coffee, tea, chocolate, red, wine, grease, cola, ink, and oil stains.

Leblanc Lavender Linen Wash

Do I have to iron my fine table linens?

For formal dining, we do recommend that you iron your fine linens. After washing, simply lay your slightly damp linens on your table over large towels or a felt table liner and press with a hot iron. Of course, you may also have your linens professionally pressed for a small charge.

How do I store my table linens?

Preparing linens for storage is easy. Make sure linens are completely clean and dry. Avoid starching them prior to storage. Fold items gently and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Do not store linens in plastic bags or cedar chests or in basements, attics, or garages to prevent large fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Check your linens periodically to ensure that they are clean and dry.

To view all our collections of table linens, click here.