We love linen tablecloths because they possess a distinct, classic elegance that suits both casual and formal tables. Linen fabric, made from flax fibers, is breathable, durable, and becomes softer to the touch the more it’s washed.
Crinkly or crisp, linen’s grain and texture give the fabric a sophisticated quality that other tablecloths, even a less wrinkly cotton, can’t achieve. However, linen-cotton blends offer your table the best of both worlds.
Typically, linen tablecloths come in neutral colors rather than jewel tones or bright hues, which keeps the table simple, understated, and elegant regardless of the home decor style. We love that you can find them both with a frayed or mitered hem, which affects the drape when the fabric lies on the table. We researched linen and linen blend tablecloths and found classic, washable options that will last for years to come.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CultiverLinenTablecloth-a2d48ecac385422b84aba695918c8d70.jpeg)
If you want to invest in a breezy but elegant linen tablecloth, this Cultiver tablecloth is a strong choice. In addition to its range of 17 colors (including a couple of subtle striped patterns) and four sizes, the fabric comes pre-washed, so it’s soft as soon as you get it, and it won’t shrink.
We love the thick 2-inch hem that helps the tablecloth drape well. Though a round shape is unavailable, the brand suggests trying its square-shaped tablecloth on round tables anyway.
The material is OEKO-TEX certified, which guarantees the fabric is free from potentially harmful chemicals.
Dimensions: 59 x 94 inches, 87 x 87 inches, 71 x 118 inches, 71 x 157 inches | Material: 100 percent European flax | Shapes: Rectangle or square | Colors: 17 options | Machine Washable: Yes
What We Like
-
Round available
-
Soft, relaxed touch
This linen tablecloth from Quince offers unbeatable value, along with free shipping and returns. It has an elegant simplicity that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It’s certified to meet OEKO-TEX’s Standard 100, which means it was responsibly manufactured without harmful chemicals.
This tablecloth is prewashed, like the Cultiver option (our best linen tablecloth), to soften the fibers, set the dye evenly, and ensure the table cover retains its size and shape after you wash it at home.
We love the warm ivory and dusty mauve colors, but the sage green and terracotta hues look lovely, too. It’s even available in a charming gingham pattern.
Dimensions: 70 x 90 inches, 70 x 108 inches, 70 x 126 inches, and 70 inches round | Material: 100 percent European flax | Shapes: Rectangle | Colors: 13 options | Machine Washable: Yes
Williams Sonoma’s Italian Washed Linen Tablecloth is exceptionally soft from the stonewashing process the fabric has endured. In addition, the wash gives the fabric a lovely, relaxed, and crinkled finish that can be ironed out, if preferred.
The tablecloth can be machine-washed and becomes even softer after each wash. Because this tablecloth is available in three lighter colors, you may want to purchase a spray fabric protector made specially for linen, which will help protect the material from stains. Though the color options are limited, the available hues are classic and sophisticated.
Dimensions: 70 x 108 inches | Material: 100 percent linen | Shapes: Rectangle | Colors: White, cream, flax, charcoal, or navy | Machine Washable: Yes
What We Like
-
Many color options, including brighter shades
-
Beautiful drape
-
Thicker, heavier fabric
-
Smooths out without ironing
Rough Linen’s Orkney linen tablecloth is heavier and thicker, making it an ideal table covering for daily use. The round tablecloth has a lovely, fluid drape, made possible by the stabilized raw edge, rather than a hem that might have made it less organic.
However, the raw edge may be a little casual or too rustic for some occasions, so keep aesthetics in mind if you typically lean toward a polished look. You also may need to take some time to smooth the raw edges after washing.
It’s recommended to partially dry the tablecloth in the dryer and then use your hands to smooth out wrinkles when it is placed on a flat surface to air dry. If the Orkney tablecloth is still extra wrinkly when you’re ready to use it, prep it by placing it on your table, lightly spraying it with water, then smoothing out the creases with your hands.
Dimensions: 72-inch diameter or 90-inch diameter | Material: 100 percent European flax | Shapes: Round | Colors: 12 options | Machine Washable: Yes
Larger than a table runner but offering slightly less coverage than a tablecloth, this linen table throw from Pottery Barn is the perfect soft touch for your dining table. It has an eye-catching fringe border and comes in two neutral colors that will make any table setting.
We especially love this table throw because it can be monogrammed for the perfect wedding or housewarming gift.
You could even drape it over another, brighter linen if you want to cover your table completely. We think it would also look elegant tossed onto a rustic farmhouse wood table. This OEKO-TEX certified throw can be machine washed on a delicate or gentle cycle only, and it’s recommended to line dry or tumble dry on low heat for a soft finish.
Dimensions: 50 x 50 inches with 1 inch long fringe | Material: 100 percent linen | Shapes: Square | Colors: White or flax | Machine Washable: Yes
What We Like
-
Cotton makes it soft
-
Fewer wrinkles
-
Can be dry cleaned
For a truly soft tablecloth, opt for a linen and cotton blend like this one from H&M. Adding cotton to the mix also means the tablecloth will look less wrinkled.
This design only comes in two neutral colors (white or beige), and you’ll have to click into a separate product listing for the longer 126-inch size. This tablecloth may also feel thinner than 100 percent linen designs, but it’s easier to care for since you can opt to have it dry cleaned.
Dimensions: 55 x 94 inches or 55 x 126 inches | Material: 55 percent linen, 45 percent cotton | Shapes: Rectangle | Colors: Beige or white | Machine Washable: Yes
If you have a 12-foot-long table, this oversized linen tablecloth from Crate & Barrel is made for your needs. Even if you don’t have an extra-large table, an oversized linen tablecloth like this looks wonderful when it’s dramatically draped and pooled on the floor.
Precise mitered corners with 2-inch-wide hems help weigh this tablecloth down and pool on the floor, while the softness of the fabric achieves a billowed look. Crate & Barrel also has coordinating linen napkins to complete the set.
Keep in mind that this tablecloth’s large size may make it more challenging to wash and fold properly for storage.
Dimensions: 104 x 144 inches | Material: 100 percent European flax | Shapes: Rectangle | Colors: Warm natural or white | Machine Washable: Yes
It’s not always easy to find a small, square 100 percent linen tablecloth like this one from Linen World. We love the vision of this tablecloth paired with white dishware for a modern look, earthenware dishes for a rustic feel, or fine china and crystal glassware for a formal feel.
We also love the classic hemstitch border options (available in navy, natural linen, white, and sage green), which add more visual interest to the tablecloth. It’s also available in brighter colors like peach and Christmas green.
We only wish it were a little easier to decipher which colors are available for the square size on the product listing, since the gray outlines (showing the colors as in stock) are challenging to see.
This tablecloth should fit compact tables for two people that typically measure between 27.6 inches to 36.5 inches square, though the drop may be long. This tablecloth will have a shorter drop on square tables for four people that typically measure between 36 inches to 44 inches square.
Dimensions: 55 inches x 55 inches | Material: 100 percent French linen | Shapes: Square | Colors: 17 options | Machine Washable: Yes
There are linen tablecloths that look formal, and then there’s Magic Linen’s tablecloth that evokes a casual and playful setting, thanks to its variety of available patterns. Just like many of the other tablecloths on our list, this option is stonewashed to give it a soft touch.
We personally love the Italian Summer print, which would be fun to pair with bright dinnerware, or the vibrant peonies print is a maximalist’s dream when paired with white dishes and colorful taper candles. We do wish there were more sizes available for each print, as some are only available in one size.
Dimensions: Vary | Material: 100 percent European flax | Shapes: Square, rectangle, or round | Colors: 30 options | Machine Washable: Yes
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best overall linen tablecloth is the Cultiver Linen Tablecloth, which comes in 17 colors and is stonewashed for lived-in softness right out of the package. We also love the Quince European Tablecloth, our pick for best value linen tablecloth, because it’s available at a fantastic price point with many of the same qualities as our top pick.
How We Picked The Best Linen Tablecloths
We’ve reviewed hundreds of linen tablecloths over the past few years. We assess the following attributes for each tablecloth: Available sizes and shapes, the linen’s wash and maintenance requirements, the softness and feel of the cloth, the edge finishing details (hemmed or raw-edged), and the drape on a table. Color is important, too, though linen tablecloths are typically limited in their range of color choices.
What to Look for in Linen Tablecloths
A Pure Linen or Linen Blend Fabric
Pure linen tablecloths can be crisp and crinkly. However, a linen blend, typically a linen and cotton mix, such as the H&M Home Linen-Blend Tablecloth, is softer and less prone to wrinkles. There are other blends, like silk and linen or polyester and linen.
Silk linen blends are luxurious, smooth, soft, and drape beautifully, but this fabric is more frequently used for upscale clothing rather than table linens. Linen polyester blends might be more commonly found in tablecloths and will be wrinkle-free, soft, and easy to maintain.
The Right Size and Shape for Your Table
It can be tricky to match the size of a tablecloth with the size of your table. Smaller 100 percent linen tablecloths, like our pick from Linen World, are tough to find. Here are basic steps to help you choose the right tablecloth size for a standard dining table:.
- Measure your table.
- Decide how long you want your overhang (drop) to be on each side. If you want it to puddle on the ground, measure the height of your table.
- Add twice the desired overhang (drop) to the length and width of a rectangular or square table.
- For a round table, add twice the overhang to the diameter.
Here’s an example for a 36-by-60-inch rectangular table with an 8-inch drop on all sides:
- 36 inches wide + (2 x 8-inch drop) = 52 inches
- 60 inches long + (2 x 8-inch drop) = 76 inches
- A tablecloth size of 52 x 76 inches would fit this table.
Durable, Easy-Wash Materials
Luckily, you can machine-wash linen tablecloths, making them easy to care for. Most linen and linen blends are prewashed, so they won’t shrink as much after the first wash at home.
We still recommend checking the instructions on the tablecloth’s care label because manufacturers may recommend different water temperatures or wash and dry settings for their fabric.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by writer Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto, who has edited The Spruce’s home decor, home improvement, and gardening articles since 2019. Marilyn has reviewed products for BestReviews.com and served as product editor for several design magazines.
To write this article, she examined dozens of linen and linen-blend tablecloth options and carefully read and analyzed the reviews. She prioritized designs that appealed to various aesthetics and had several sizes available to fit most tables.