Tablecloths

Tablecloths are the quickest way to take your dining table from everyday to styled — they hide marks, protect the surface and give you a clean backdrop for runners, placemats and centrepieces. Whether it’s weeknight dinners or entertaining, a good tablecloth makes the whole setting look more polished.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are polyester tablecloths good for dining?

Yes, polyester tablecloths are practical for everyday and entertaining. They resist staining better than cotton, dry quickly after washing, hold colour through repeated laundry cycles, and don't wrinkle as easily as natural fibres. The trade-off is they breathe less and feel slightly less soft than 100% cotton. For a smooth, drape-friendly option, our Langham Plain Tablecloth in White is a versatile dining classic.

What size tablecloth do I need for my dining table?

Measure your table length and width, then add 30–60 cm to each side for a typical "lap" drop. A 6-foot (180 cm) rectangular table needs a 220 cm cloth, while an 8-foot table works best with a 270 cm cloth. For floor-length drops at formal events, add 75 cm per side. Our tablecloth sizing guide walks through round, oval and rectangular dimensions in detail.

What colour tablecloth suits my dining room?

White tablecloths feel formal and clean, ideal for entertaining and weddings. Linen and mushroom tones are warm everyday neutrals that hide the odd mark and work with most timber tables. Taupe and grey suit modern, stone or marble surfaces. Pair the cloth tone to your dinnerware and walls rather than the table. A Langham Taupe tablecloth is a safe everyday choice that bridges modern and traditional rooms.

How do I style a plain tablecloth with runners and placemats?

Use the plain cloth as the calm base layer. Add a runner down the centre in a contrasting colour or texture to anchor the table visually, then layer placemats at each setting over both. This three-layer approach hides marks, protects the table, and gives each diner a defined spot. Browse our placemat range for fabric and bamboo options that pair with plain tablecloths.

How do I get wrinkles out of a polyester tablecloth?

Polyester wrinkles less than cotton but can crease in storage. Iron on a low-to-medium setting on the reverse side with a light steam - high heat can shine or melt the fabric. For a quick fix, hang the cloth in a hot shower for 10 minutes; the steam relaxes the creases. Storing tablecloths rolled rather than folded prevents most wrinkles. More tablecloth care tips are in our tablecloth tips and tricks guide.

How do I keep a tablecloth from sliding off the table?

Use a non-slip table pad or thin felt liner under the cloth to grip the surface, this also protects the table from heat and water. The weight of plates, glasses and a centre runner also helps anchor the cloth at each setting. For outdoor use in light wind, tablecloth clips or weighted corner clips work well. A table runner layered over the centre adds weight where it's needed most.