Short answer
For everyday use, cotton, cotton-polyester blends and polyester are the easiest to live with: they are generally washable and affordable. Linen gives a refined, textured look for dining but wrinkles and needs more care. Vinyl and oilcloth are wipe-clean options for messy meals or outdoor tables. Whatever you choose, check the fabric width before buying, since it decides whether you will need a seam.
Fabrics compared
| Fabric | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, casual look, widely available | Wrinkles; may shrink; stains if not treated | Everyday and farmhouse styles |
| Cotton-poly blend | Less ironing, easier care | Less natural feel | Family tables |
| Linen | Textured, high-end look | Wrinkles, absorbs spills, needs ironing | Formal dining |
| Polyester | Affordable, wrinkle-resistant, often stain-resistant | Can look shiny or feel less natural | Events, outdoor tables, frequent washing |
| Vinyl, PVC, oilcloth | Wipe clean, waterproof | Not breathable, can crease or hold folds; not a dressy look | Messy meals, patios |
| Damask, jacquard, velvet, lace | Decorative texture (see jacquard fabric vs cotton) | Specialty care, often costlier | Holidays, weddings |
Care needs vary by fabric and finish, so follow the label.
Is polyester a good tablecloth material?
Yes, for many purposes. Polyester and poly-blends are widely used because they resist wrinkles, wash easily and tend to hold color. Heavier polyester poplin or similar weaves can give a fuller drape and a more opaque look. The trade-offs are that thin versions may look shiny and the fabric does not absorb liquid, so spills can sit on the surface until wiped up. It is also worth knowing that some polyester finishes can be sensitive to high heat, so check ironing guidance, such as our ironing tips by fabric type.
Best tablecloth fabric for daily use
For daily use, most households do well with a washable cotton or cotton-polyester blend in a mid-weight weave. It handles regular laundering, and a pattern or medium color helps hide small marks. If young children or messy meals are involved, a wipe-clean surface or a washable cloth with a tight weave may be more practical. Save linen and delicate fabrics for occasions when you are happy to iron.
Fabric width and seams
Many dress and home-décor fabrics are around 110-150cm (about 45 to 60 inches) wide, though widths vary. Some table-linen fabrics are woven much wider, up to around 300cm, which can cover large tables without a seam. If your table is wider than the fabric, you will need to join panels. A common approach is to place a full panel in the center and add narrower panels at each side so the seams fall to the sides rather than down the middle, or to hide the join under a runner. Check the width on the bolt or product page before ordering.
How much fabric you need
A common method:
- Measure the length and width of the tabletop.
- Decide on the drop, the amount hanging over each edge. A typical decorative drop is roughly 25-50cm (10 to 20 inches); a shorter drop suits everyday use, and a longer one looks more formal.
- Add twice the drop to each dimension.
- Add hem allowance on every edge.
Example: For a rectangular table 150cm long and 90cm wide with a 30cm drop, the finished cloth is 150 + 60 = 210cm long and 90 + 60 = 150cm wide. With a 2cm hem on each side (add 4cm per dimension), you would cut about 214cm by 154cm. If your fabric is 150cm wide, you would probably need a small seam allowance or wider fabric. Buy a little extra for squaring up and for shrinkage if the fabric is cotton or linen.
Prewashing, hemming and care
Prewash cotton and linen before cutting, because they can shrink (see does cotton shrink in the wash and how to prepare fabric for sewing). Press the fabric flat, cut square to the grain and hem with a double-fold hem or mitered corners for a tidy finish. For slippery fabrics such as satin, use fine pins and a sharp needle. Remove stains promptly and launder according to the fabric’s care instructions.
Formal and event tables
For weddings and events, many people choose polyester or poly-blend table linen because it stands up to repeated use, along with sheer overlays, metallics or textured weaves for effect. Sheer layers such as voile and organza work well as overlays; you can learn about them in our guide to sheer fabric types. If you already sew your own home textiles, the same principles of prewashing and checking width apply as for kitchen curtains.
What is the cloth on a table called?
The cloth that covers a table is called a tablecloth. Smaller pieces include table runners (a long strip), placemats and napkins, and an overlay is a second, smaller cloth laid over the main one.
FAQ
What fabric is best for a tablecloth you will wash often? A cotton-polyester blend or polyester is generally the easiest.
Does a tablecloth need to be hemmed? Yes, hemming prevents fraying and gives a finished edge, unless you use a fabric that does not fray, such as some oilcloths.
How long should the drop be? There is no single rule; roughly 25-50cm is common, with floor-length reserved for formal occasions.