With Gopinath’s expertise in mind, we researched durable, easy-to-clean designs of various shapes, sizes, and styles. Our top choice is the Smooth Linen Tablecloth from Rough Linen, a classic table covering with laidback sophistication you can use for years to come. Scroll down for the best linen tablecloths on the market. 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 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 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) 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Gopinath, 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 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.
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. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering household linens, kitchen essentials, and cleaning products. 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. 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.
