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Properly decorating the table is a fundamental aspect for any special occasion. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two, a birthday party, or a wedding, the table decor plays an important role in the impression you want to make on your guests. In particular, the choice of tablecloth represents a crucial step in the table decoration process. But what happens when you have a round table? When purchasing a table, we often don't stop to think about what type of tablecloth we should later buy to dress it. Round tables have the advantage of adapting to many spaces and making the conversation between diners more convivial and fluid, but at the same time, it's important to know that they are perhaps among the most challenging tables to set. Have you ever thought about it? For round tables, choosing the right tablecloth can be a bit more complicated compared to rectangular or square tables. Not all types of tablecloths are suitable for the circular shape of the table, especially when the diameter exceeds 120 cm. Let's then explore together the possibilities for dressing a round table for different occasions.
The Round Tablecloths
The first choice that may seem the most obvious is to purchase a round tablecloth. However, in my opinion, this is an extremely limiting choice because the options for this type of tablecloth are greatly reduced. For example, you cannot choose tablecloths with contrasting high edges like those from the Bauhaus line because they are almost impossible to create on a round model. The most suitable choice, in my opinion, would be for simpler designs like our Filo Maxi, which relies on the beauty of fabrics and maintains a more minimalist style for the edges. Regarding the drop or overhang, I believe there is only one option that guarantees an elegant effect. In my opinion, a round tablecloth should only be long enough to touch the floor. I really don't like the "skirt" effect of round tablecloths with a drop of 30 or 40 cm. They evoke a 70s aesthetic that I simply don't appreciate.
The Square Tablecloths
To dress a round table properly, however, you don't necessarily have to choose a round tablecloth. I much prefer opting for a square tablecloth. What effect does it have? Let me show you here, but essentially, the tablecloth will drape with its four corners symmetrically and elegantly, almost reaching the floor while leaving shorter areas at the circle's vertices. The great advantage of this choice lies in the fact that you can choose any tablecloth design, enriched with countless beautiful border decorations. Furthermore, with this option, you'll have an elegant tablecloth that is also suitable for everyday use, with a drop that doesn't interfere with your legs.
Square tablecloth with round under tablecloth
Nel caso vi troviate a dover apparecchiare per un’occasione particolarmente elegante, vi suggerisco di utilizzare una bella tovaglia quadrata con l’aggiunta di una sottotovaglia lunga fino a terra. Quest’ultima potrà essere rotonda oppure quadrata a sua volta, in questo caso le punte abbondanti verranno nascoste sotto il tavolo con un effetto di volume. Vedremo ora come prendere le misure per la scelta delle vostre tovaglie quali tessuti scegliere e come accostarli.
The size of the tablecloth
Firstly, let's begin by saying that while square tables require considering width and length, for round tables, the measurement to consider when choosing the right-sized tablecloth is the diameter, which is the imaginary line connecting two points on the circumference, passing through the center. At this point, as I mentioned earlier, if you choose to purchase a round tablecloth, you should take into account the height of the table, which generally ranges from 65 to 75 cm. If you follow my suggestion and decide to choose a floor-length tablecloth, you'll need to add the diameter to twice the height of the table. For example, if your table has a diameter of 100 cm and a height of 65 cm, you should purchase a tablecloth with a diameter of 230 cm. On the other hand, if you opt for the second option, which is to purchase a square tablecloth, it is advisable to have a drop or overhang of no more than 25 to 30 cm. Don't be alarmed; I know it may seem very little, especially if you want to set the table elegantly. However, trust me, the corners of your tablecloth will drape almost touching the floor. Let's do some calculations: for our table with a diameter of 100 cm, we will choose a tablecloth of 160 x 160 cm. And what if we consider overlaying the two tablecloths? We simply need to match two tablecloths according to these criteria. The undercloth will fill in the gaps left by the square tablecloth, dressing the table all the way to the floor, just as liked by Queen Victoria who found indecent to show the legs of the tables. It's important to choose tablecloths that coordinate in terms of color and fabric. With a bit of creativity, you'll be able to create an original table setting that will make the lunch or dinner even more enjoyable and welcoming
If you decide to opt for a round tablecloth, it is crucial to calculate the measurements accurately. Finding the correct dimensions for a circular tablecloth can be slightly more complex compared to rectangular or square tablecloths, but there are some basic rules that can help achieve a satisfactory result. Firstly, to calculate the size of the tablecloth, it is important to measure the diameter of the table. Once you have this measurement, you can calculate the size of the tablecloth by adding the diameter of the table to twice the desired drop or overhang. For example, if the diameter of the table is 120 cm and you want a 10 cm overhang, the size of the tablecloth should be 140 cm. My suggestion for a round tablecloth is to have a drop of approximately 35 centimeters. However, it is important to note that this general rule can vary depending on the style of the event or personal preference. For instance, if you want a more elegant and formal effect, you could opt for a larger tablecloth that fully covers the floor, creating a more dramatic effect. In this case, you can choose a tablecloth with a diameter that is three times the size of the table. Furthermore, if you desire a more romantic and delicate effect, you can choose a smaller tablecloth that partially reveals the floor, creating a sense of lightness and movement.
What fabric to choose for the tablecloth
Whether it's round or rectangular, the choice of fabric depends on both the style of the event being organized and personal preferences. Generally, the most commonly used fabrics are linen, cotton, and silk. Linen is a versatile choice suitable for both informal and more elegant events. It is a durable, soft, and easy-to-care-for fabric, making it an ideal option for any type of table setting you have in mind, especially if you choose the stain-resistant option. A beautiful linen tablecloth in neutral colors, perhaps with a unique detail, is always easy to pair with napkins and accessories. Cotton is characterized by its softness, lightness, and breathability, making it perfect for warm seasons. It is an easy-to-wash and easy-to-iron fabric, making it a practical choice for informal events or daily use. Lastly, silk represents a high-end choice for circular tablecloths. With its shine and softness, it is perfect for elegant and formal events. However, keep in mind that silk requires special care in cleaning and use, making it a more demanding choice compared to other fabrics.
How to choose the color and pattern of the tablecloth
The choice of color and patterns for the tablecloth is a fundamental aspect of table decoration for a round table. In general, there are no patterns or colors that are unsuitable for round tables, so you can choose both solid colors and patterns. A timeless classic, such as ivory in linen, will always be very elegant. However, you could also opt for tones that, while remaining neutral, enhance the table setting, especially if chosen to coordinate with the colors of your home decor. For example, shades of gray, from lighter ones like Stone to deeper and more sophisticated ones like Oxyde. A round table, thanks to its enveloping shape, lends itself wonderfully to shades of dusty pink or sage green. If you want to add a touch of color, a tablecloth in a deep blue shade will not go unnoticed, especially when paired with matching plates and well-polished silverware. If you want your table to have an eclectic and creative character that reflects your personality, you can choose from a variety of patterns, perhaps combining the tablecloth and undercloth. Stripes work well both for the choice of a tablecloth and for an undercloth, which can be paired with a non-geometric pattern such as flowers or a French pastoral print. I always recommend maintaining a common thread when combining multiple fabrics, ensuring they share similarities in terms of color and material. Depending on the atmosphere you want to create, you can choose a fresh and informal cotton or a beautiful and classic linen. Personally, I'm not fond of overly classic fabrics like brocades, especially if they're shiny, but if you love them and need to match an undercloth, opt for a tone-on-tone undercloth, perhaps in heavy satin.
However, don't stop at choosing the tablecloth alone. Complete your table setting by paying attention to accessories and details that are essential for creating a polished, surprising, and unique effect. In particular, don't overlook the choice of napkins, which you can coordinate with the tablecloth for a classic result, place at the edge of the tablecloth to create a pleasant contrast, or match with the fabric of the undercloth for a truly sophisticated effect.
When it comes to choosing chargers, opt for round or beveled-edge models, such as the mirrored ones from our most successful lines, Firenze or Octo. By clearing the plates between courses, the presence of chargers will never leave your table bare and will contribute to enhancing the presentation of the dishes. Do not underestimate the importance of centerpieces, which are significant decorative elements for a round table.
Depending on the size of the table, they can occupy more or less space and accommodate flowers, candles, and useful objects such as carafes, bottles, oil dispensers, and bread baskets. In the case of tables with a very large diameter, as seen in the latest interior design trends, you could consider using a revolving centerpiece that allows all diners to comfortably access the serving dishes and other items. Before concluding this topic, I would like to touch upon the use of placemats and runners on a round table. Without a doubt, placemats can be used on a round table. I would recommend opting for oval, round, or rounded-corner placemats, especially if the table is large. They look very nice when layered on top of a simple tablecloth that drapes down to the floor. However, when it comes to runners, I must reluctantly say no. A single runner running across the table is not harmonious and rarely falls correctly on the table. Using two runners risks creating a crossed effect, forming an 'X' shape.
