Reddit Is Freaking Out Over This Tablecloth Debate—Here's What Design Experts Say
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Calling all hosts with the most: Thanksgiving has arrived. Your guests have finally made it to your home, the big bird is brining, and all the sides are slowly but surely being prepped. Now all you have to do is pray everything goes according to plan and set your dining room table. But, as Reddit's latest hot-button issue proves, crafting the perfect tablescape isn't always as easy as it seems. The platform's home decorating corner is in a tizzy over which size tablecloth is best for a round dining table.
You see, one Redditor posted a picture of their circular table with four tablecloth options: 70 inches, 80 inches, 90 inches, and 108 inches. The internet is...well, torn. "Eighty for practicality and 90 for looks," one person wrote. Another felt that the linens should be longer. "I prefer a generous tablecloth, personally," they wrote. "I would vote for 90 to 108 inches—especially since this seems to be a formal area." Meanwhile, a lot of commenters are campaigning for a non-existent 85-inch tablecloth.
So what gives? What is the correct size you should choose for your round dining room table? For New York designer Mina Lisanin, it's all about finding a cloth that's proportional to your setup.
"Take the table diameter and add twice the desired drop length to determine the required tablecloth diameter," she says. "For example, a 48-inch table with a 10-inch drop needs a tablecloth at least 68 inches in diameter." Lisanin shares that a six- to eight-inch drop works for more casual settings, while a 10- to 15-inch drop is more suitable for formal occasions.
Design content creator Arlyn Hernandez agrees and notes a 10-inch drop can strike that balance between fashionable and familiar.
"It still leaves the feet of the diners free from being entangled in tablecloth, but looks purposeful and homey," she says. "This will be a casual look for something like having friends over for tapas, a rustic lasagna, or a giant grazing-board situation."
Both design pros agree that a 10-inch drop is suitable for everyday use, but a more formal occasion might call for a floor-grazing table linen. So, in the case of your Turkey Day table, it depends on the vibe you're hoping to capture. A shorter tablecloth will work for casual family hangs, while longer linens might be best for fancier feasts. (You know, the ones where there isn't an elastic waistband in sight.)
That said, Lisanin points out that size isn't the only thing to consider when shopping for the right table linen. "Opt for fabrics that suit the occasion," she says. "Cotton and polyester blends are durable and practical for everyday use, while linen or velvet adds sophistication for formal dinners." Once you've found the right size, shade, style, and fiber, deck out your tablecloth with florals, dinnerware, and candles for a *chef's kiss* effect.
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