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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
Linen tablecloths have a practical elegance suitable for casual and special occasions alike. "Linen is highly absorbent, which is a good property for a tablecloth whose function is typically to protect the table beneath from food and drink spills," says Preeti Gopinath, Associate Professor of Textiles at Parsons School of Design.
With Gopinath's expertise in mind, we researched durable, easy-to-clean designs of various shapes, sizes, and styles.
Scroll down for the best linen tablecloths on the market.
Best Overall
Rough Linen Smooth Linen Tablecloth
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Rough Linen
Simple yet sophisticated
Ultra-fine texture
Mitered hems
Pricey
Prone to wrinkling
Our favorite design comes from Rough Linen. The Smooth Linen Tablecloth is loomed from 100 percent European flax fibers. According to the brand, the "Smooth" collection is the most closely woven fabric it offers, with an ultra-fine texture that arrives perfectly flat and supremely crisp.
Since it's not pre-washed, it'll shrink slightly to its intended size the first time you launder it, and like most linen products, you can expect it to wrinkle a bit. (Rough Linen recommends spraying it with water and smoothing it out with your hands to release creases.)
This simple yet sophisticated tablecloth comes in three sizes and seven colors ranging from black to natural (undyed flax) to white. The mitered hems prevent fraying while lending an upscale appeal without looking too fancy. In the end, we just wish the price was a little more accessible.
Price at time of publish: $135 for a 60 x 60-inch tablecloth
Dimensions: 60 x 60 inches, 72 x 118 inches, 90 x 144 inches | Shape: Rectangle, square | Colors: Black, blue, sea green, gray, natural, ivory, white
Best Budget
Everly Stonewashed French Linen Tablecloth
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Midweight weave
Suitable for all occasions
Limited colors
Linty at first
Since flax plants (the raw fibers used to make linen) can only be grown in certain parts of the world, linen is one of the most expensive fabrics. So if you want a 100 percent linen tablecloth, you can expect the most affordable versions to be pricier than other textiles. All that said, this one from Everly is very reasonably priced, around the $50 range.
It's loomed from French flax to a midweight weave that works for everyday use and special occasions alike. Just a heads up, this tablecloth might be slightly linty until you run it through the wash. Beyond that, we just wish it came in a few more colors.
Price at time of publish: $46 for a 60 x 84-inch tablecloth
Dimensions: 60 x 84 inches, 60 x 108 inches, 60 x 120 inches, 60 x 132 inches, 60 x 144 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Colors: Natural, gray, white
Best Rectangular
Bed Threads 100% French Flax Linen Tablecloth
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Bed Threads
Luxurious drape
Lots of colors
Oeko-Tex certified
Expensive shipping
If you're looking for a classic rectangular design, Bed Threads has you covered. The French Flax Linen Tablecloth is available in three sizes and a whopping 13 colors ranging from terracotta to turmeric to lilac.
Woven at 170 GSM (grams per square meter), it boasts a luxurious drape and an easy-breezy appeal. This tablecloth is also Oeko-Tex certified to ensure safety from potentially harmful substances. The only downside is that shipping is expensive ($50 for U.S. and Canada).
Price at time of publish: $100 for a Small (59 x 94.5 inches)
Dimensions: 59 x 94.5 inches, 71 x 118 inches, 71 x 157.5 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Colors: 13 colors available
Best Square
Magic Linen Linen Tablecloth
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Magic Linen
Custom sizes available
Lots of colors
Stonewashed for softness
Prone to wrinkling
May not fit extra-large tables
Magic Linen's take on the linen tablecloth is available in six sizes, including three squares. But since the largest is 79 x 79 inches, we should note it may not fit extra-large tables. However, you can request a custom size if needed.
This tablecloth comes in 24 designs, including neutrals, statement hues, and farmhouse-chic stripes. Woven from 100 percent European flax, Oeko-Tex certified for chemical safety, and stonewashed for optimum softness, you can count on quality.
Price at time of publish: From $41 to $100
Dimensions: 39 x 39 inches, 39 x 59 inches, 59 x 59 inches, 59 x 79 inches, 59 x 98 inches, 79 x 79 inches | Shape: Square, rectangle | Colors: 24 colors/prints
Best Round
Pottery Barn Belgian Linen Round Tablecloth
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Pottery Barn
High-quality design
Made in Fair Trade facility
Lots of colors
Takes weeks to ship
May not be returnable
Pottery Barn makes the best round option. As the name suggests, this circular tablecloth is woven from flax fibers grown in Belgium. It's made in a certified Fair Trade facility, ensuring workers are treated ethically and paid a living wage.
It comes in three sizes, with diameters ranging from 70 to 100 inches. Not only that, but you can choose from 25 colors, from forest green to mauvy fig to classic ivory. We should note that since this product is made to order, it takes weeks to ship and may not be returnable.
Price at time of publish: $119-$149
Dimensions: 70, 90, or 100 inches | Shape: Round | Colors: 25 colors available
Best for Large Tables
Williams Sonoma Italian Washed Linen Tablecloth
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Williams Sonoma
Laid-back yet luxurious
Stonewashed for softness
Oeko-Tex certified
Expensive
Only one size
If you need something to cover a table for eight to 10 people, Williams Sonoma's Italian Washed Tablecloth might be your best bet. While it only comes in one size (70 x 108 inches), it should work for most large seating arrangements.
This elegant linen tablecloth is finely woven, tailored, and stonewashed for softness in a family-run facility in Italy. With a crinkled finish and mitered corners, it's the perfect balance of laid-back and luxurious.
Price at time of publish: $160
Dimensions: 70 x 108 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Colors: White, cream, natural, charcoal, navy
Best Oversized
Crate & Barrel Marin Oversized Linen Tablecloth
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Crate & Barrel
Good for large tables
Mitered corners
Thoughtfully curated colorways
Pricey
Only one size
Need something even bigger? Measuring 80 x 144 inches, the Marin Oversized Tablecloth effortlessly covers tables that seat 10 to 14 people. Or if you like a drapey look that kisses the floor, place it on a smaller table.
This 100 percent linen tablecloth only comes in one size, but there's something for every decor theme and tablescape among the thoughtfully curated colorways. And thanks to the durable material and mitered corners, it holds up well in the wash. We just wish it was a little more affordable.
Price at time of publish: $150
Dimensions: 80 x 144 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Colors: Natural, white, gray, orange, yellow
Best for Small Tables
Linen Hygge Custom Stonewashed Linen Tablecloth
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Etsy
Reasonably priced
Lots of colors
Stonewashed for softness
Prone to wrinkling
This reasonably priced tablecloth from Linen Hygge is available in 11 sizes. The smallest two are 39 x 39 inches and 59 x 59 inches—ideal dimensions for two-top tables, four-tops, and breakfast nooks. Custom sizes are also available upon request.
There are 15 colors to choose from. We're talking heather gray, mustard yellow, muted brown, and everything in between. This table covering is also stonewashed, so you can count on a super-soft feel, even before laundering it.
Price at time of publish: $37-$130
Dimensions: 11 sizes available | Shape: Square, rectangle | Colors: 15 colors available
Best for Everyday Use
Solino Home Classic Hemstitch Tablecloth
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Lots of colors/sizes
Low-maintenance
Prone to wrinkling
Solino Home makes one of the best tablecloths for everyday use. Available in 21 sizes and 38 colors, this reasonably priced piece is woven from 100 percent flax fibers, so you can count on a durable textile that gets softer over time.
You can toss it in the washing machine with your other table linens. It's dryer-friendly, but if you're concerned about wrinkles, try air-drying it or removing it from the dryer when it's 90 percent dry and smoothing it out with your hands.
Price at time of publish: $120 for 60 x 120-inch tablecloth
Dimensions: 21 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, square, round | Colors: 38 colors available
Best for Wood Tables
Linoto Linen Tablecloth
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Linoto
Heavyweight weave
Double-layered mitered trim
Custom sizes available
Expensive
Takes weeks to ship
As Gopinath notes, linen tablecloths are great for wood tables, as the highly absorbent material helps protect the surface from cup rings and inevitable spills. We like this one from Linoto, which flaunts a heavier-than-average weight for extra absorbency and a double-layered mitered trim to ensure a nice drape.
You can choose from 12 sizes (or request a custom size) and 13 stylish hues. Bear in mind since this tablecloth is made to order, it takes weeks to ship. It's also one of the most expensive options we found, but the artisanal quality is undeniable.
Price at time of publish: $159
Dimensions: 12 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, square, round | Colors: 13 colors available
Best Blend
Frontgate Classic Hemstitch Tablecloth
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Frontgate
Absorbent and durable
Hand-sewn with mitered corners
Monogrammable
Expensive
Limited sizes
Interested in a fabric blend? The Classic Hemstitch Tablecloth from Frontgate is loomed from 55 percent linen and 45 percent cotton, a naturally absorbent and durable combination you can count on to protect the table underneath.
Hand-sewn with a thick trim and mitered corners, it's just the thing for holidays, weddings, dinner parties, and other special occasions. You can even opt to have it monogrammed and pair it with a set of matching napkins and placemats. The price is pretty steep, and we wish there were more sizes available, but other than that, we have no complaints.
Price at time of publish: $59-$217
Dimensions: 66 x 120 inches, 66 x 138 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Colors: Green, red, white
Overall, we like the Rough Linen Smooth Linen Tablecloth. Perfect for everyday use and special occasions, this simple yet sophisticated tablecloth boasts mitered seams, an ultra-fine texture, and a durable design that'll last years to come. But if you're looking for something more affordable, the Everly Stonewashed French Linen Tablecloth is an excellent choice.
What to Look for in a Linen Tablecloth
Size and Shape
Size and shape are among the most important considerations when buying a tablecloth. Be sure to measure your table before ordering one to ensure it'll not only cover the surface but also drape down at least 8 inches on each side.
As with dining tables, the most popular tablecloth shape is rectangular, though you'll also find squares and circles. If you have a round or square table and can't find a tablecloth in the same shape, a rectangular design like the Bed Threads French Linen Tablecloth should work as long as it covers the entire surface and hangs down over the edges.
Durability
Linen's inherent durability is due to the raw flax fibers it's woven from. "These fibers are among the strongest of all natural plant fibers," says Preeti Gopinath, Associate Professor of Textiles at The New School Parsons School of Design, noting that they don't break easily when spun into threads. "They can be washed and dried and can withstand high temperatures while ironing."
This is why many consider linen the best tablecloth material. The durability makes it a great choice for everyday use, as with the Solino Home Classic Hemstitch Linen Tablecloth.
Washability
Generally speaking, linen tablecloths are machine-washable and dryer-friendly, as with Crate & Barrel's Marin Linen Tablecloth. However, some designs have more particular care instructions, like washing with cold or warm water, using a delicate cycle, or air-drying to prevent wrinkles.
"Sometimes, the label may indicate dry-cleaning is preferred, [usually] when finishes are applied to make the linen fabric wrinkle-resistant," Gopinath adds.
Color and Design
Textile expert Saana Baker of The Textile Eye is a fan of unbleached and undyed linen. "It has the beautiful taupe color of the fiber itself," she says. "The color will fade out to a soft oatmeal over time." While you can keep it simple with a neutral tablecloth in white, ivory, or a natural beige hue, those are far from your only options.
For instance, Magic Linen's Linen Tablecloth comes in 24 colors and prints, ranging from statement cinnamon and muted blue to classic stripes and windowpane print. Consider the rest of your dining room decor and what you envision for your tablescape, and go from there.
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What are the benefits of a linen tablecloth?
"Linen is considered a luxurious and sophisticated material for tablecloths due to its hand (how it feels to touch), appearance, and functional properties," says Gopinath. She explains that it's highly absorbent, so it protects tables from drinks and spills, and tends to dry faster than cotton. "It is also a strong fabric and lasts for many years."
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How should you pick a tablecloth?
When choosing a tablecloth, the most important considerations are size, shape, material, and color. Be sure to measure your table carefully before ordering anything. Ideally, the tablecloth should be the same shape as your table, but a rectangular design can work for all shapes in a pinch as long as they're large enough.
Next, figure out your price range (under $50, up to $100, or over $150. Decide whether you want a natural fabric, such as linen or cotton, or something more affordable and less prone to wrinkling, like a polyester blend. Then think about the occasion, the season, whether you're using it indoors or outside, and your table settings to determine what color or design will work best.
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How big should a tablecloth be?
Selecting the right size tablecloth requires a little math. Know your table's dimensions, then decide how much drop you want. ("Drop" is how far it hangs over each side of the table.) An overhang between 8 to 12 inches is average. It's mostly a matter of preference, though longer drops are more common for formal dinners.
For a rectangular table, you'll do two calculations: First, multiply the desired drop in inches by two, then add the table length. Repeat this calculation with the table width, and you'll get the ideal dimensions for your tablecloth. For squares, you can use the initial measurement for both the length and width. For a round table, use the same formula but with the table's diameter instead.
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How do you remove stains from a linen tablecloth?
To remove stains from a linen tablecloth, you can try your luck by popping it into the washing machine right after dinner, or pre-treat it before washing. Take extra care when attempting to remove stains from a linen tablecloth that has been dyed in a dark color to avoid discoloration. For best results, do not use bleach, which can damage linen’s natural fibers.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in home decor and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed Preeti Gopinath, Associate Professor of Textiles at The New School Parsons School of Design, and San Francisco-based textile expert Saana Baker of The Textile Eye. With their expertise in mind, she researched the best linen tablecloths and narrowed it down to options that stood out for durability, versatility, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering household linens, kitchen essentials, and cleaning products.