The Best Rectangular Tablecloth

Buying Guide

Having the right rectangular tablecloth can make an impact on your meal. The tablecloth not only helps to create an ambiance – whether you’re going for something elegant or casual – but also helps to make cleanup easier and protects your table. With so many different rectangular tablecloths available, it can be really difficult to figure out what kind you should get.

Start by considering the material the rectangular tablecloth is made from. If you’re looking for a brightly colored table cloth and want your choice of colors and styles, microfiber is a good option. This material is also machine washable and tumble dryer friendly. Plus, it doesn’t wrinkle so you don’t need to spend any time ironing it. Similarly, polyester has many of the same qualities, though it may need to be spot-cleaned if you have any stubborn stains.

Many people like cotton tablecloths because of the durability and elegance. However, keep in mind that while you can machine wash and tumble dry cotton, you will likely need to iron it as well to ensure it looks smooth. Keep in mind that cotton often needs to be spot cleaned when you have stubborn stains.

If you are all about convenience and ease, a good choice may be a vinyl tablecloth. This material has a casual vibe and it’s easy to clean. All you have to do is wipe it down with a damp sponge or cloth. It doesn’t require any washing. You can also get laminated fabrics which have similar qualities to vinyl. They have the look and feel of fabric but many of the qualities of vinyl. Some are water and stain resistant as well.

• When it comes to determining what size of rectangular tablecloth you will need, there are two things you need to consider: the size of the table and the drop length you want. Measure the length and width of your table using a tape measure, and write down those measurements. For the drop size, there are two options: casual and floor length. A casual drop length is about halfway between the top of the table and the floor. A floor-length drop, as it sounds, has the tablecloth going all the way down to the ground. This has a more formal and sophisticated look. When figuring out the size of rectangular tablecloth you need, add the drop length multiplied by two (to accommodate each side of the table) to both the length and width of the table. The result will be the measurements for the rectangular tablecloth you need.
• If you want to ensure your table doesn’t get any dents and scratches from your dishes and diners, you may want to add another layer underneath the tablecloth. Use a table pad protector, which is made from a thick material, under the tablecloth to provide additional buffer between the table and your guests.
• For those that like the look and feel of a fabric tablecloth but the convenience of a vinyl one, you can put clear tablecloth protector on top of your fabric tablecloth. These tablecloth protectors are made from a vinyl material, so they repel liquid and stains. They also save you from having to wash your fabric tablecloth.