Square tables need square linen. Sizes available, the right drop for different table dimensions, and when to use square tablecloths at an event.
Square tables need square linen. Sizes available, the right drop for different table dimensions, and when to use square tablecloths at an event.
Square tables are less common at events than round or rectangular, but when you have them, you need square linen. A rectangular cloth on a square table looks wrong at a glance.
\\n\\nWe hire square tablecloths in three sizes: 54 inch, 70 inch, and 90 inch. The right size depends on your table dimensions and the drop you want. A 54 inch cloth on a 30 inch square table gives a 12 inch drop on each side, which sits at roughly seat height. A 70 inch cloth on the same table gives a 20 inch drop; a 90 inch cloth gives a full floor-length drop.
\\nFor a cocktail table or small display surface, 54 inch is usually enough. For a formal dinner table, 70 or 90 inch gives a smarter result.
\\n\\nWe stock square cloths in black, burgundy, gold, ivory, and white. White and ivory are available in all three sizes. For specific colours or sizes, check availability before booking as stock on square cloths is more limited than our round and rectangular ranges.
\\n\\nSquare tables suit smaller events where a round table would take up too much floor space and a rectangular table would be too long for the number of guests. They also work at cocktail parties where the shape is a deliberate design choice. Market stalls and exhibition stands sometimes use square tables as display surfaces alongside standard trestle tables.
\\nIf you need help confirming the right cloth size for your tables, contact us with the table dimensions and we will advise.
\\n\\nBrowse our full range of furniture, linen, crockery, glassware, and catering equipment. Select what you need, choose your delivery date, and order online. Expo Hire delivers throughout England and Wales seven days a week.
\nRound cloths on square tables leave the corners of the table exposed. On a 5ft square table, a 90-inch square cloth covers the corners properly and gives an even drop on all four sides. For exhibition tables set end-to-end in a row, square cloths align better than round ones. Read the linen hire guide for full sizing tables.
\nSquare tablecloths are available in white, ivory, black, and gold. White is standard for formal dining and catering events. Black suits exhibition and corporate brand setups. Gold works for awards nights and gala dinners where the linen is part of the room design. Order one cloth per table with 10% extra for replacements during service.
A square tablecloth fits a square table when the cloth size matches the table with enough drop. For a 90cm square table, a 132cm (52") square cloth gives a 21cm drop on each side. For a formal dinner with a floor-length skirt, a 228cm square cloth reaches the floor on a standard 75cm high table. All linen hire sizes are listed on the linen page with drop calculations per table size.
Square cloths on round tables were a significant trend in the early 2000s and are still used at some traditional formal events. The cloth corners hang down between the legs, creating a pointed drape. It is a period detail — it reads as intentional at traditional venues, dated at contemporary ones. For modern events, match cloth shape to table shape.
Long rectangular trestle tables are the standard buffet table. For a full-length buffet cloth, order a rectangular cloth. Square cloths work for corner pieces and individual serving stations where the table is positioned at an angle or dressed as a feature. The Linen Hire Guide covers quantity calculations for all table types and buffet setups.
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