Our top pick, the Pottery Barn Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Tablecloth, can be used indoors or outdoors, is mildew- and stain-resistant, and comes in 5 awning stripe colorways. Here are the best outdoor tablecloths. The awning-stripe design is perfect for setting the outdoor vibe, and it comes in four classic colors—black, navy, taupe, and red—so you can find the one that works best for your patio or outdoor event. The tablecloth comes in 10 sizes of square or rectangle shapes, and you can choose from over a dozen color options, from classic white to bright red to an earth-toned rust. The Ellerkamp tablecloth has a convenient zippered design, so you don’t have to worry about the wind taking it away. Just wrap it around a patio table umbrella and secure it into place and you’re ready for your outdoor feast. The rectangular tablecloth comes in three size options and two dozen colors, so you are bound to find one that matches your decor or theme. The Joy Fabric Cotton Linen Tablecloth comes in four different colors—with four different patterns—and round or rectangular designs. It comes in three shapes—oval, round, and rectangular—and, for some options, you can choose whether or not you want an umbrella hole.
Size
Choosing a tablecloth size isn’t an exact science—some of it comes down to personal preference—but generally, it’s recommended that for casual events you have an 8-inch drop and for formal events you have a 15-inch drop. When it comes to round tables, measure the table diameter and then multiply the desired drop length by two and add the numbers together. For example, if your table is 30 inches and you want an 8-inch drop, you would add 30 plus 16 to come up with a round tablecloth size of 46 inches. For a rectangular table, measure the length and width of your table. Multiply the drop length by two, then add that number to both the length and the width. For example, if your table is 36 x 48 inches, you would add 16 to each number to come up with a tablecloth size of 52 x 64 inches.
Style
Style is another important part of the process. In addition to making sure you’re choosing the right tablecloth shape—round, oval, rectangular—you want to consider the event or reason you need a tablecloth. For casual get togethers, you can get away with laminated or vinyl fabrics, but for more formal events, you want something that’s a little more high-end, like polyester or linen.
Why Trust The Spruce
Lindsay Boyers writes about lifestyle, home, and decor for The Spruce. She has a keen eye for detail and knows how important it is to create a space you love. Much to her younger self’s dismay, you can likely find her watching home improvement shows on HGTV. Additional reporting was done by Nadia Hassani, a writer and master gardener with over 20 years of experience.
