Cocktail Table Tablecloth Size for Highboy and Bar Tables
A highboy cocktail table is about 42 in high, so a floor-length cloth is the top plus 84 in. A 30 in top takes a 120 in round, leaving about 3 in on the floor, or a 108 in round that stops 3 in above it. A 36 in top takes a 120 in round exactly, and a 24 in top a 108 in round.
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Highboy tablecloth sizes
Bar-height cocktail tables, also called highboys or high-tops, are about 42 in high. Their round tops are usually 24, 30, 32 or 36 in across.
| Top | Exact floor size | 108 in round | 120 in round | 132 in round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 108 in | 42 in, reaches the floor | 48 in, puddles 6 in on the floor | 54 in, puddles 12 in on the floor |
| 30 in | 114 in | 39 in, long drop, 3 in above the floor | 45 in, puddles 3 in on the floor | 51 in, puddles 9 in on the floor |
| 32 in | 116 in | 38 in, long drop, 4 in above the floor | 44 in, puddles 2 in on the floor | 50 in, puddles 8 in on the floor |
| 36 in | 120 in | 36 in, long drop, 6 in above the floor | 42 in, reaches the floor | 48 in, puddles 6 in on the floor |
The 120 in round is the most useful size: it floors a 36 in top and leaves a small puddle on a 30 or 32 in top. The 108 in round is cleaner on a 24 in top and stops just short of the floor on a 30 in top.
Low cocktail and cafe tables
Cafe and bistro tables are about 30 in high, so a floor-length cloth is the top plus 60 in.
| Top | Exact floor size | Closest standard round |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 84 in | 90 in round, puddles 3 in on the floor |
| 30 in | 90 in | 90 in round, reaches the floor |
| 36 in | 96 in | 90 in round, long drop, 3 in above the floor |
Tied with a sash, or a stretch cover
- Sash tie: drape a floor-length round, then tie a sash or ribbon around the cloth just below the top. The cloth pulls in to an hourglass shape and lifts slightly at the hem, so choose the size that touches or puddles on the floor before tying.
- Stretch cover: a spandex cover that slips over the top and down to the foot of the table. It is sized by top diameter and table height, for example 30 × 42 in, never wrinkles and does not move in wind, which makes it popular for outdoor events.
- Cloth plus overlay: a 120 in base with a small square overlay on top adds a second color without changing the size you order.
How many cocktail tables
A 30 in top holds drinks and small plates for about four standing guests. A good starting point for a standing cocktail hour is one highboy for every 8 to 10 guests, more if the food is passed on small plates that guests need to set down.
| Guests | Highboys, 1 per 10 | Highboys, 1 per 8 | 120 in rounds to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | 5 | 7 | 7 plus 1 spare |
| 100 guests | 10 | 13 | 13 plus 1 spare |
| 150 guests | 15 | 19 | 19 plus 1 spare |
| 200 guests | 20 | 25 | 25 plus 1 spare |
Spread them out: a cluster of highboys near the bar and a few along the walls lets people put a glass down without crossing the room. Keep about 5 ft between tables so a server with a tray can pass.
Indoors or outdoors
Outdoors, a floor-length cloth on a tall table acts like a sail. Choose a stretch cover, tie the cloth with a sash, or clip the hem to the base. Polyester dries quickly if the grass is damp. Indoors, a puddled 120 in round on a 30 in top is safe beside a wall but can catch heels in a busy walkway, so use the 108 in round where people pass close.
Questions people ask
What size tablecloth for a 30 inch cocktail table?
A 120 in round for a floor-length look on a 42 in high table, with about 3 in on the floor. A 108 in round stops about 3 in above the floor.
What size tablecloth for a 36 inch highboy?
A 120 in round. On a 42 in high table it hangs exactly 42 in and just reaches the floor.
How tall is a cocktail table?
Bar-height highboys are about 42 in high. Low cocktail and cafe tables are about 30 in high, like a dining table.