At most events the table is the stand. A trestle table, a few products, someone standing behind it. A branded tablecloth turns that table into the largest piece of branding you have at eye level for anyone walking up, and it hides the table legs and whatever is stored underneath.
This guide explains the four styles of printed tablecloth we make, the sizes they come in, what fits a standard trestle table, and how to lay out the artwork so your logo ends up where people can see it.
The Four Styles of Branded Tablecloth
Our branded tablecloths come in four styles. They differ in how far the cloth hangs down and how closely it follows the shape of the table.
Half hanging. A flat cloth that drapes over the table and hangs part of the way down. On a standard trestle table the drop is about 350mm, so the legs stay visible. It is the lowest-priced style, from £85, and the print size is 1.45m x 2.5m.
Full hanging. The same idea, but the cloth reaches the floor: a 700mm drop on a standard trestle table. It covers the legs and anything stored under the table. From £156.
Fitted. Made to the shape of the table, so it sits like a box over the top and all four sides. It is made for a table 1.8m long, 0.8m wide and 0.7m high. From £131.
Stretch fitted. Made in a stretch fabric that pulls tight around the table and its legs. Same table size as the fitted style. From £135.
All prices exclude VAT.
Which Style for Which Job
There is no best style, only the one that suits how you will use it.
- You want the lowest cost and the least fuss: half hanging. It goes on in seconds and suits a table that is one part of a larger stand.
- You need to hide stock, boxes or bags under the table: full hanging or fitted. Both reach the floor.
- You want a neat, squared-off look for an exhibition: fitted. It follows the shape of the table instead of draping.
- You want the cloth held tight against the table: stretch fitted.
If the table is the whole stand, a floor-length style gives you far more printed area facing the visitor. If it sits under a printed gazebo or in front of a backdrop, the cloth is a supporting piece and a half hanging style is often enough.
Sizes and the Standard Trestle Table
Our standard sizes are built around the common folding trestle table: 1.82m long, 0.79m wide and 0.7m high.
| Style | Size | Drop on a standard trestle table |
|---|---|---|
| Half hanging | 1.45m x 2.5m | About 350mm |
| Full hanging | 2m x 3m | To the floor (700mm) |
| Fitted | 1.8m x 0.8m x 0.7m | To the floor |
| Stretch fitted | 1.8m x 0.8m x 0.7m | To the floor |
Measure your own table before you order: length, width and height. Hired and venue tables vary, and a fitted cloth made for a 1.8m table will not sit properly on a 1.5m one. If your table is a different size, tablecloths can be made to fit it. Request a quote with the three measurements.
Fabric or PVC
Tablecloths are available in fabric or PVC. Which is right depends on where the cloth will be used and how it will be handled between events. If you are not sure, ask us and tell us how you plan to use it.
Where the Logo Goes
The most common artwork mistake with tablecloths is designing the top. The top of the table is where your products, leaflets and card machine sit, and nobody standing in front of the table can see it anyway.
The panel that matters is the front drop, the part facing the visitor.
- Put the logo on the front drop, centred, and make it large. On a floor-length cloth the front panel is roughly 1.8m wide and 0.7m high. On a half hanging cloth the visible drop is only about 350mm high, so the logo has to be wide and shallow.
- Keep the top simple. A flat brand colour or a repeat pattern works. Anything detailed will be covered.
- Use the side drops. At a corner pitch or an island stand people approach from the side. A smaller logo or web address on each end panel costs nothing extra.
- Think about the back. If you stand behind the table, the back drop is seen by nobody. If the table stands free in a room, it is seen by half the people there.
Preparing the Artwork
There is a print-ready PDF template for each of the four styles on our artwork templates page. Give your designer the one that matches the style you are ordering before they start.
Our standard artwork requirements apply:
- Format: PDF with vector graphics and outlined fonts is preferred. PNG with a transparent background and JPG are also accepted.
- Resolution: at least 300 dpi at the artwork size.
- Bleed and safe area: keep important content inside the safe area and let background colours run to the bleed.
- Colour: CMYK, ideally with Pantone references for brand colours.
If you do not have a designer, request a quote and we will design it for you.
Tables With the Branding Built In
A tablecloth dresses a table you already have. If you need the table as well, look at the display counters, which have the print as part of the structure:
- Bar Table: a counter system from 1m to 5m wide, with a large branding surface.
- Sample Table: a 1m x 1m table for displaying samples, available with a header board.
- Event Table: a 2.8m x 1m booth with three or four sides, used as a pop up shop, bar, information desk or ticket station.
For how these pieces fit together on a stand, see our exhibition equipment guide.
Before You Order
- Measure the table: length, width and height.
- Decide whether the cloth needs to reach the floor.
- Choose the style, then download the matching template.
- Put the logo on the front drop, not the top.
- Check the artwork against the file requirements above.
Printing and delivery to mainland UK takes 7 to 10 working days from artwork approval. See the tablecloths page for current prices, or browse the full display range.
