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Beyond ChiavariEvent Rentals · Chicago

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Floor-Length vs Lap-Length Tablecloths

Floor-length tablecloths reach the ground and hide the table legs for a formal, finished look, so they are the usual choice for weddings and galas. Lap-length cloths hang about 12 inches and show the legs, which is fine for casual parties, buffets and backyard events. A 60-inch round takes a 120-inch cloth for floor length.

A 120" round floor-length tablecloth (ivory) elegantly dresses reception tables adorned with towering floral arrangements and floating candles inside a romantic draped wedding tent
Option A

Floor-length cloth

From $15.68 each

A 90" round lap-length tablecloth (white) dresses an elegant guest dining table topped with candles and a tall floral centerpiece at a lavish tented wedding reception
Option B

Lap-length cloth

From $10.18 each

Side by side

Floor-length cloth vs Lap-length cloth

Floor-length cloth compared with Lap-length cloth
FeatureFloor-length clothLap-length cloth
DropAbout 30" to the floorAbout 12" to the lap
Table legsHiddenVisible
LookFormal and finishedCasual and relaxed
60" round size120" round84" or 90" round
8' banquet size90" x 156"60" x 120"
Storage underneathHides boxes and suppliesEverything shows
Rental priceSee the floor-length cloth priceSee the lap-length cloth price

Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Choose a floor-length cloth if…

  • It's a wedding, gala or formal dinner
  • You want to hide folding table legs
  • You need to stash supplies under tables

Choose a lap-length cloth if…

  • It's a casual party or backyard event
  • You want to keep linen costs down
  • Kids are around and might trip on long cloths

In detail

What to think about

Look and feel

Floor-length linens make plain rental tables look like part of the decor. They also hide anything stored underneath, which caterers and DJs appreciate.

Lap-length cloths look relaxed and can be layered with a runner or a smaller overlay for colour.

Sizes and cost

Bigger cloths use more fabric, so floor-length linens usually cost more per table. Use the tablecloth calculator to get the exact size for your tables and drop, and see a rough price from our catalog.

Run your numbers

Questions

FAQ

What size tablecloth for a 60 inch round table to the floor?

A 120" round on a standard 30"-high table.

Can I mix lengths?

Yes. Many events use floor-length cloths on guest and head tables and lap-length on buffet or back-of-house tables.

What about cocktail highboys?

A fitted spandex cover is the usual choice. A long round cloth tied with a sash is the other common look.

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Elegantly dressed wedding guests raise toasts around the Midnight gold tablescape tablescape, set along a long banquet table under glowing chandeliers inside a draped marquee reception tent