Ideas

Historically, the round table is associated with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.  The table was apparently designed to prevent arguments regarding the seating arrangements.  A round table suggests equal status amongst the guests ~ avoiding disputes, particularly important when the Knights bear swords!  

TABLECLOTHS

Today, the round table is a lovely setting for entertaining.  Conversation flows easily and everyone is included.  Finding the perfect tablecloth, however, is sometimes a challenge.  Although many custom round tablecloths are available, if you are looking for a standard tablecloth, here are a few suggestions. 

A Few Basics 

Round tables are available in many sizes, however, the most popular sizes are:

   50" Round ~ Seats 6 comfortably

   60" Round ~ Seats 8 comfortably

   70" Round ~ Seats 10 comfortably

   90" Round ~ Seats 12 comfortably

Standard tablecloths are usually available in the following sizes:    70" Round,   90"  Round,  108" Round, 120" Round

A standard tablecloth "drop" is 12".  This is based on the typical distance from the top of the table to the top of the chair.  Feel free to choose the "drop" that fits your style and taste.

The typical distance between the top of the table and the floor is 30".

To calculate the drop of a tablecloth, take the measurement of your round table at its widest, subtract that amount from the tablecloth diameter and divide by 2.  So, if you table is 60" wide and your tablecloth is 90" in diameter, you will have a 15" drop all around the table.  90" - 60" = 30"/2 = 15". 

Suggestions for a 50" Round Table
 
  A  70" round tablecloth will provide a 10" drop all around the table.  See Bodrum Leaves (70"), Garnier Thiebaut Mille Couleurs (71"), Le Jacquard Francais Tivoli (69") and Linen Way Stockholm (72").

  A 108" round tablecloth will provide a 29" drop, which is essentially to the floor.  Standard tablecloths in this size are usually solid colors. See Bodrum Leaves,  Jose Houel for Nydel Frisson, Linen Way (110") and Settings by Mona Poly Silk Dupioni.

  A very current look is to use a square tablecloth on top of a round table.  If the table has great legs, there is no need for an underskirt.  If you prefer, use a 108" round tablecloth as an underskirt as mentioned above.  For square options see Beauville (67"), Bodrum (69"), Garnier Thiebaut (69"), Jose Houel for Nydel (69"), Le Jacquard Francais (69"), Linen Way (67"), or Settings by Mona (71").

Suggestions for a 60" Round Table

   A 90" round tablecloth will provide a 15" drop all around the table.  Many of the 90" rounds are solid colors.  See Bodrum Leaves, Garnier Thiebaut (77" or 93"), Jose Houel for Nydel Frisson, Le Jacquard Francais Tivoli (94"), Linen Way Stockholm (90", 110"), Settings by Mona Poly Silk Dupioni (90", 96", 108").
   
   Some of the 90" round tablecloths are available in extra wide fabric so that there are no seams.  See Garnier Thiebaut, Le Jacquard Francais Tivoli  and Linen Way Stockholm.

  A 120" round tablecloth will be floor length.  See Jose Houel for Nydel Frisson.

  An 86" or  90" square tablecloth will also work.  See Garnier Thiebaut (91", 93"), Le Jacquard Francais Tivoli (94").

Suggestions for a 70" Round Table

  A 90" round tablecloth will provide a 10" drop all around the table.  Many of the +90" rounds are solid colors. See Bodrum Leaves, Garnier Thiebaut (93"), Jose Houel for Nydel Frisson, Le Jacquard Francais Tivoli (94") and Neva White (102") , Linen Way Stockholm (90", 108"), Settings by Mona Poly Silk Dupioni (90",96",108").

An 86" or  90" square tablecloth will also work.  See Garnier Thiebaut (91", 93"), Le Jacquard Francais Tivoli (94")

Suggestions for a 90" Round Table

Some round tables extend to a 90" round table.   A standard size 108" tablecloth will provide a 9" drop all around the table. A standard 120" tablecloth will provide a 15" drop all around the table. A standard 130" tablecloth will provide a 20" drop. 

While there are several options for for 108" standard rounds, there are few standard 108" round tablecloths that are available without a seam.  I have not found a 120" round tablecloth without seams, however, I continue to search!  See  Jose Houel for Nydel Frisson (120"), Linen Way Stockholm (130").  

Of course, there are many options for Custom round tablecloths.  Garnier Thiebaut (in many styles), Jose Houel for Nydel Frisson  and Setting by Mona (several styles).  Contact our Concierge to discuss your possibilities!    

For more suggestions, explore our Round Tablecloth section!

 PLACEMATS   

If you have a beautiful table, there are times that you do not want to cover it, even with a beautiful tablecloth.  Let your table shine with placemats!  Placemats can be used for informal breakfasts, casual luncheons  or formal dinners.  They can be placed directly on the table or placed on top of a tablecloth. They are available in a wide variety of fabrics, shapes and textures.  

Traditional rectangle placemats generally work best on rectangle tables.  But there are many options for round tables:

Round Placemats

Kim Seybert creates the most fabulous round placemats....perfect for elegant entertaining.  Whether you choose her spectacular beaded placemats or gorgeous glitter placemats or the stunning capiz shell placemats, you will set a table which will be the talk of the town!

Sybaritic offers lots of choices in faux leather for those searching for round placemats. You can choose from over 100 fabrics and with the firm suedene backing, these placemats will last for years. They are available in 14", 16" and 18" round . 

Julian Mejia offers the 16" Passamaneria Round placemats in lots of wonderful colors.  A stunning placemat alone or use as contrast on top of a beautiful tablecloth.

For the casual setting, 15" round Carousel placemats from the Home James Collection! provide a pop of color and easy care wipe off surface.

Finally, explore Chilewich options ~ round or square ~ a modern and elegant look!

Square Placemats

Depending on the size of the table,  square placemats may be an option.  Kim Seybert  offers wonderful 15" Matsaba placemats in Red, Navy, Plum and Gold/Amber. Great design and easy care.  Very versatile, you can dress them up or dress them down!
 
Julian Mejia offers his Passamaneria placemat in a wonderful 15" Square.  The curves in the weaving are a lovely compliment to a round table.

Sybartic offers custom placemats in 14" and 15" squares or a 16" octagon.  You create you own faux leather placemat with a firm suedene backing. Lots of options!

Other Shapes

Oval placemats may also work on your round table. Unfortunately, ovals are not so easy to find.  The round placemat seems to be a more current look.  However, Sybaritic does offer an oval 13"x19".

Other options are a rounded edge rectangle 14"x18",  a 15" rounded edge square and an ellipse shape 15"x18", which is a rounded top and bottom edge and straight sides. 

Or try a "wedge" shape 14" straight bottom of the placemat which angles out to a 22" wide top of the placemat. Sybartic has other a few other interesting shapes that can work well for round tables.

 As always, contact our Concierge to discuss more possibilities!

• Ask a Question
• Suggest a Subject