mybest
Home accessories

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Home & Kitchen
  3. Home accessories
  4. 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More
  • 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More 1
  • 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More 2
  • 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More 3
  • 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More 4
  • 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More 5

10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More

Whether you’re looking for a tablecloth to add a bit of elegance to a dinner party, a gingham design to evoke memories of a Mediterranean holiday, or just an affordable option for everyday use, you'll have plenty to choose from in the vast world of tablecloths.

 
With this in mind, we’ve put together a nifty buying guide to help you identify exactly what you want. We’ll look at all the classic shapes and sizes, alongside the best materials for the job and how easy they are to clean. From there we’ll go on to show you our favourite designs available to buy online right now, all from trusted sites like Amazon, eBay and John Lewis.

Last updated 26/03/2024
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Tablecloth in the UK – Buying Guide

Let’s get to it. In this section, we’ll be looking at the functionality, practicality, and style of each tablecloth to help you choose the best option depending on both your table and taste. 

1

Think About the Size to Get the Perfect 'Drop'

Think About the Size to Get the Perfect 'Drop'

It may sound obvious, but it’s worth mentioning – your tablecloth should always be larger than the table you're covering. However, how much ‘drop’ you have either side is down to personal taste, and what occasion the fabric is for.


The drop is the amount of overhead on each side of the table, and generally speaking, the longer the drop, the more formal the occasion. The average 'casual' overhead is usually around 15 cm, so if you’re looking to make more of a statement, 15 cm should be the minimum.


Remember, when it comes to adding the drop into your size calculations, you will want to add the desired amount (the recommended 15 cm, for example) to both sides of both the length and width


So, you could calculate this as the length of your table plus two lengths of drop (which would be an extra 30 cm) and then the two widths plus the drop (also 30 cm). 

2

Round, Rectangular, or Square? Pick the Right Shape for Your Table

Round, Rectangular, or Square? Pick the Right Shape for Your Table

Have you ever heard the saying ‘like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole’? If you pick up the wrong shape tablecloth, essentially this is what you’ll be doing. The wrong shape can leave your elegant design lopsided, with different drops on different ends of the table.


However, if push comes to shove and you’re in a bit of a pinch, or you like a particular design but it doesn’t come in the shape of your table, don't worry too much. It is possible to use an oval design on a rectangular table, or a circular on a square table, just never the other way around.  

3

Consider the Different Materials Available

The next thing to consider is the material the tablecloth is crafted from, as each will require different care whether when washing or when being set out. Here, we’ll each take a quick look at some of the most common fabrics used. 

PVC Is Kid-Friendly and Can Be Used Outdoors or for Camping

PVC Is Kid-Friendly and Can Be Used Outdoors or for Camping

PVC is a classic kid-friendly tablecloth material. Usually available in many patterned designs, it has a casual look and can be used either indoors or outdoors. This material won't stain and is very easy to clean as you only need a damp cloth to wipe it down. 


While this is a practical choice, it may not give the best impression if you’re looking to host a fancy dinner party. Nevertheless, if there is going to be a kids table, it would work perfectly for that! 

Cotton Is Naturally Stylish but Requires More Work

Cotton Is Naturally Stylish but Requires More Work

Classy, timeless, and durable, natural cotton or a cotton blend is surely the way to go if you want a cloth that feels and looks good. Cotton tablecloths are usually machine washable, however, they may require some spot cleaning to prevent stains when in use. 


When it comes to preparing the table, you may want to check and see if it requires ironing, or how easy it is to iron, as cotton is known to crease

Polyester Is an Economical Option

Polyester Is an Economical Option

Often the most economical of fabrics, polyester is a great choice if you’re on a budget. As with cotton, you’ll be required to spot clean to prevent stains from sticking. On a positive note, it does not crease as easily so can usually be thrown over the table straight from the washing line.


Polyester tablecloths are also capable of being machine washed and tumble dried, making them another practical family choice. Just check the care instructions before you buy.

Linen Is the World's Strongest Natural Fibre

Linen Is the World's Strongest Natural Fibre

The biggest advantage of a linen tablecloth? Without a doubt, its durability – it's regarded as the world’s most enduring natural fibre.


Again, a linen cloth will require spot cleaning to keep any pesky stains away. However, if one does seep in you can take it to a dry cleaner as the stain will usually lift no matter what type or how old it is


The other downside is that it may set you back a little more than tablecloths of other materials, though with its elegant look, it could always be saved for special occasions.

4

Look for Colours and Patterns That Compliment Your Decor

Look for Colours and Patterns That Compliment Your Decor

Choosing a colour or pattern will, of course, largely depend on the décor of the room. Off-whites, eggshells and ivories can look dull in a brightly coloured room but fit in perfectly among natural woods and neutral tones. As long as you’re coordinating with the rest of the space, the tablecloth will blend seamlessly.


If you’re looking to make more of a statement and create a bit of visual interest, then you could opt for a patterned tablecloth. Be careful that it doesn’t clash with any other patterns in the room – we find ones with simple colour schemes often work best. Patterned cloths are also great because they often make stains less visible! 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK

Now you've had a chance to think about all of the different aspects of choosing a tablecloth, we can move on to showing you some of our favourites. We're sure there is something for every family and every dining room!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

SASTYBALE

Geometric Tablecloth

SASTYBALE Geometric Tablecloth 1

£17.99

Mid

A Simple Attractive Design That Works for Everyday Dining or Special Events

2

Linen & Cotton

Gingham Tablecloth Estella

Linen & Cotton  Gingham Tablecloth Estella 1

£16.49

Mid

Give Your Dining Experience a Mediterranean Vibe

3

DAKEUR

Rural Square Tablecloth

DAKEUR Rural Square Tablecloth 1

£18.82

Mid

Sleek, Stylish and Sophisticated

4

The Tablecloth Company

Terracotta Oval Tablecloth

The Tablecloth Company Terracotta Oval Tablecloth 1

£33.99

High

For Those Who Frequently Host Many Guests

5

EggNogg

Colour In Teatime Tablecloth

EggNogg Colour In Teatime Tablecloth 1

£8.22

Low

Made to Engage Children Around Tea Time

6

Qucover

Round Tablecloth

Qucover Round Tablecloth 1

£13.99

Mid

A Chic Design That Can Handle Itself Outdoors Too

7

Home Direct

Extra Large Rectangular Fabric Tablecloth

Home Direct Extra Large Rectangular Fabric Tablecloth 1

£18.95

Mid

Perfect for the Monthly Family Banquet

8

John Lewis & Partners

Spots PVC Tablecloth Fabric

John Lewis & Partners Spots PVC Tablecloth Fabric 1

£12.95

Low Mid

Subtle Spot Design That Will Bring a Touch of Character

9

Kapwall

Round Polyester Tablecloth

Kapwall Round Polyester Tablecloth 1

£12.89

Low Mid

A Wedding-White Cloth for Special Occasions

10

Orla Kiely

Multi Stem PVC Tablecloth Fabric

Orla Kiely Multi Stem PVC Tablecloth Fabric 1

£25.00

High Mid

An Extremely Popular Kid-Proof Design

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

SASTYBALEGeometric Tablecloth

Geometric Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Geometric Tablecloth 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.99
Mid
Reference price
£17.99
Mid

A Simple Attractive Design That Works for Everyday Dining or Special Events

This could well be the perfect tablecloth. The design is simple yet attractive and interesting, and will work as a casual tablecloth as well as something worth pulling out for a special evening. We also think foregoing any colour means that it will work harmoniously in pretty much any eating space. 


Again, it is made from a cotton and linen blend that is both soft and luxurious as well as being robust. There are seven different sizes to choose from, too, as well as some other colourways if you fancy. This is a great feat in the tablecloth world, with hundreds of happy customer reviews to back it up! 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Linen & Cotton Gingham Tablecloth Estella

Gingham Tablecloth Estella 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Gingham Tablecloth Estella 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.49
Mid
Reference price
£16.49
Mid

Give Your Dining Experience a Mediterranean Vibe

The Mediterranean is the home to some of the most delicious food in the world, and looking at this product we can almost taste it! The red gingham is a classic look from all over southern Europe, and the simplicity of it means it's capable of transforming most kitchens into a slice of paradise


The cloth is 100% linen, so while it might be a little expensive (the cost changes depending on the size), it will almost certainly last you much longer than any of the other products. 

No.3

DAKEURRural Square Tablecloth

Rural Square Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Rural Square Tablecloth 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.82
Mid
Reference price
£18.82
Mid

Sleek, Stylish and Sophisticated

Nothing says sleek and stylish like black. After all, that's why the little black dress and the classic tux have been doing so well for so long. The cotton sourced for this tablecloth is environmentally-friendly and supremely soft, while the linen fibres are extremely durable, meaning you get the best of both worlds with this one. 


The product comes in 14 different square or rectangular sizings, so you're sure to find something that will perfectly fit the table you're looking to cover. 

No.4

The Tablecloth CompanyTerracotta Oval Tablecloth

Terracotta Oval Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£33.99
High
Reference price
£33.99
High

For Those Who Frequently Host Many Guests

If you're in the market for a large cloth for an oval table, why not check out this beautiful, 100% cotton piece in rich terracotta from The Tablecloth Company? It's sized for 10 - 12 person tables, so if you're a frequent dinner party host for multiple guests, this could be perfect. 


The piece is completely washing-machine-friendly, and, because it is made from high-quality and heavy 200 gsm (grams per square metre) cotton, it shouldn't have as many issues when it comes to creasing or wrinkling. 

No.5

EggNoggColour In Teatime Tablecloth

Colour In Teatime Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Colour In Teatime Tablecloth 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Colour In Teatime Tablecloth 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.22
Low
Reference price
£8.22
Low

Made to Engage Children Around Tea Time

If you have children, this is a seriously fun option to consider – a table-sized colouring book, so to speak, that is designed to help engage your children around tea time. We think it's brilliant, and may even lure them away from their screens for a little while.

 

There are nine different designs available, with various themes such as dinosaurs, the countryside and even Great Britain. They're made from paper, so there will be no washing them, but we think it's certainly worth a go if your little ones don't like sitting down to eat. 

No.6

QucoverRound Tablecloth

Round Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Round Tablecloth 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.99
Mid
Reference price
£13.99
Mid

A Chic Design That Can Handle Itself Outdoors Too

This round cloth is perfect for kitchen tables and tea tables, yet can still hold its own outdoors for al fresco eating, or even if used as a picnic blanket. This is because the tablecloth is water-resistant, so while not completely waterproof, it will admirably stand up to the British weather if you forget to bring it in.


The product has a simple yet chic colour and design and is completely machine washable for convenience. Some users have found it to be very slippery on their tables, so you might want to think about picking up some tablecloth clips as well. 

No.7

Home DirectExtra Large Rectangular Fabric Tablecloth

Extra Large Rectangular Fabric Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.95
Mid
Reference price
£18.95
Mid

Perfect for the Monthly Family Banquet

If you're partial to the odd banquet or family barbecue, then you'll likely have many guests. Many guests mean large tables, and large tables require even larger tablecloths. Enter this mammoth (150 x 300 cm) product, which is made all the more practical by its easy-care polyester. 


This cloth is also available in 13 colours, from classy rich reds (perfect for Christmas) to teal and even purple. Some shoppers have found that the colours don't perfectly align with the one they ordered though, so if you're a stickler for it being absolutely on point, you might want to look elsewhere. 

No.8

John Lewis & PartnersSpots PVC Tablecloth Fabric

Spots PVC Tablecloth Fabric 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Spots PVC Tablecloth Fabric 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£12.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£12.95
Low Mid

Subtle Spot Design That Will Bring a Touch of Character

Here's another pay-by-the-metre option from John Lewis, though this time with a much more subtle spotty design. You can pick this up in four different on-trend colourways, including mustard and grey. 


Again, this is PVC, so it's ideal for busy households as it can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge. One thing to remember about PVC is that you have to be cautious with excessive heat, so you'll need to pick up some trivets and place mats too. 

No.9

KapwallRound Polyester Tablecloth

Round Polyester Tablecloth 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Round Polyester Tablecloth 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.89
Low Mid
Reference price
£12.89
Low Mid

A Wedding-White Cloth for Special Occasions

Looking to add a touch of simple elegance to an event? Look no further than this round tablecloth from Kapwall. The fabric is 100% polyester so you won't ever need to worry about it becoming creased or wrinkled. Plus, it can be washed by hand, in the machine, or sent to the dry cleaners if you prefer. 


Additionally, if you are planning an event, you can buy these tablecloths in a pack of six, which brings about a substantial saving. Our only issue is that with the large drop size, we don't think this is suitable for anything other than special occasions. 

No.10

Orla KielyMulti Stem PVC Tablecloth Fabric

Multi Stem PVC Tablecloth Fabric 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Multi Stem PVC Tablecloth Fabric 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£25.00
High Mid
Reference price
£25.00
High Mid

An Extremely Popular Kid-Proof Design

First up is a PVC number from one of the country's favourite homeware designers, Orla Kiely. This popular graphic can be found throughout homes up and down the country as it adds the perfect amount of character and colour to contemporary homes, without being overbearing. 


Furthermore, the size is determined by you and your table, as you can order by the metre. However, it's a little expensive at £25/metre, although we guess you don't have to worry about the kids ruining it. We wonder if Ms. Kiely has made PVC wallpaper yet? 

More Ways to Refresh Your Dining Decor

More Ways to Refresh Your Dining Decor

They say there's an art to setting a table, which is probably why it's not something that comes naturally to all of us! For a few ideas of fail-safe table additions that will add an instant touch of class, check out some of our related articles below.  

Summary

After all this talk of tablecloths, we hope you've got something special to serve over it! No matter what your table size, budget, or taste, we hope you've managed to take on board some of the things you should think about when picking up a new tablecloth. Good luck! 


Author: Lewis Clark

Top 5 Tablecloths

No. 1: SASTYBALEGeometric Tablecloth

No. 2: Linen & Cotton Gingham Tablecloth Estella

No. 3: DAKEURRural Square Tablecloth

No. 4: The Tablecloth CompanyTerracotta Oval Tablecloth

No. 5: EggNoggColour In Teatime Tablecloth

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Home & Kitchen
  3. Home accessories
  4. 10 Best Tablecloths in the UK 2024 | John Lewis, Orla Kiely and More

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.