Table Overlay Sizing Guide

by Shopify APINov 13, 2025

If you've been wanting to take your event decorations to the next level, try pairing your table decorations with table overlays! You can use overlays over tablecloths to create a gorgeous display and add texture and style to your event tables. Together with your beautiful centerpieces and table setting, a bit of color will bring a new sense of energy and playful elegance to your event.

So what's an overlay? A fabric overlay is simply a smaller tablecloth or square table topper which usually goes over a longer tablecloth. They can be used on round or rectangular tables, so you can really get creative with your table decorations! If you re-use your tablecloths or rent them out, overlays can be used to hide any previous stains (it happens!) and you can pair them with a table runner in a variety of color combinations.

You can use square overlays for most tables or smaller round tablecloths for round tables. To find the right overlay, make sure you know your table size (width, length and height) so we recommend that you measure your tables before purchasing linens.

Here's the formula for overlays to use with a round table:

(Overlay Length - Your Table Diameter) / 2 = Overlay Drop

If you are measuring for a rectangular table, the formula is similar.

(Overlay Length - Your Table Length) / 2 = Overlay Drop

Your overlay will arrive folded so be sure to leave time to steam away any folds before your event! Here's a quick go-to overlays guide you can save for your reference to use with standard size 30" tall tables.

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Here are the some common sizes and pairings -

48" round tables (seats 6) : use 60" x 60" or 72" x 72" overlays.

60" round tables (seats 8) : use 72" x 72" overlays or 90" round tablecloths.

72" round tables (seats 10) : 90" x 90" overlays or 108"round tablecloths.

6' banquet tables (seats 6) : use 60" x 60" overlays.

Let us know if you have any other questions about overlay sizing or pin this sizing guide for later! Send us a message or follow @BalsaCircle on Instagram for more wedding tips and inspirations.

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