Table Throw vs. Tablecloth vs. Table Drape: What's the Difference?
Search for a branded table cover and you will see the same product called a table throw, a tablecloth, a table drape, a table cover and sometimes a table skirt. The words are used loosely, so it is hard to tell whether two listings describe the same thing.
This guide explains table throw vs. tablecloth vs. table drape in plain terms, shows how each word maps to the actual products sold at Capital Exhibits, and covers where to buy trade show table drapes. Prices are the lowest printed option for each product as of November 2026, with the size given, and product details come from each product's own page.
Table Throw vs. Tablecloth vs. Table Drape: What's the Difference?
A tablecloth is the general name for any fabric that covers a table. A table throw is the trade show term for a custom printed tablecloth that covers the tabletop and falls to the floor on three or four sides. A table drape describes the same floor-length, hanging style, so in trade show shopping "table drape" and "table throw" usually mean the same product.
- Tablecloth: the broad, everyday term; can be any length, printed or plain.
- Table throw: floor-length, custom printed, sized to a 4 ft, 6 ft or 8 ft event table.
- Table drape: another name for a floor-length cover; Capital Exhibits product pages use it as a synonym for their table throws.
- Related pieces: a table runner is a printed strip over the top and front, and a table throw cap covers only the tabletop.
This article is about the names. If you already know you want a throw and need to pick a style, read Fitted vs. Stretch vs. Standard Table Throws: Which Is Best?
1. Definitions: Tablecloth, Table Throw, Table Drape, Runner and Cap
Tablecloth
A tablecloth is any cloth placed over a table. In event marketing, "custom tablecloth" usually means a printed, floor-length cover, so buyers searching for tablecloths often end up at table throws.
Table throw
A table throw is a printed fabric cover made to fit a standard event table and reach the floor. It comes in two coverage types: 3-sided (open back), which leaves the back open for storage access, and 4-sided (full back), which covers every side.
Table drape
"Drape" describes fabric that hangs down from the table edge. The 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft Full Color Custom Table Throw page lists "exhibition table drape" as another name for the product, and the 6ft and 8ft Fitted Table Throw page lists "promotional table drape". If a show or venue asks for a table drape, a floor-length table throw meets that description.
Table runner
A runner is a narrower printed strip that runs over the top and down the front of a table, often laid over another cover as a branding accent.
Table throw cap
A cap, also called a topper, covers only the tabletop and is pulled taut at the corners.
2. Comparison Table: Style, Fit, Coverage and Best Use
| Term | Style | Fit | Coverage | Best use | Capital Exhibits product and starting price (Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table throw (standard) | Printed cover that drapes over the table | Relaxed drape to the floor | 3-sided open back or 4-sided full back | Trade show booths that need storage under the table | 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft Full Color Custom Table Throw, $155 (6 ft, 3-sided) |
| Fitted table throw | Tailored cover shaped to the table | Snug, form-fitting | 4 sides | Conferences and corporate events wanting a neat outline | 6ft and 8ft Fitted Table Throw, $134 (6 ft); 4-Sided Fitted Table Throw, $158 (6 ft, 3-sided print) |
| Stretch table throw | Stretch fabric pulled over the table | Taut; secures under the table legs | 3 or 4 sides, depending on product | A modern, wrinkle-free look | 6ft and 8ft Wholesale Stretch Custom Table Throw, $122 (6 ft, full back); 4-sided Multi-Stretch Table Throw, $157 (6 ft) |
| Table drape | Floor-length hanging cover | Depends on the style chosen | 3 or 4 sides | Any event table that should reach the floor | Any of the table throws above |
| Table runner | Printed strip over the top and front | Lies flat on the table | Center strip only | Accent over another cover; sponsor branding | 2ft, 3ft, 4ft and 5ft Custom Table Runner, $62 (2 ft, open back) |
| Table throw cap | Graphic on the tabletop | Taut around the top and corners | Tabletop only | Branding the surface under literature and products | 6ft and 8ft Table Throw Cap, $80 (6 ft) |
| Round tablecloth | Full wrap for round tables | Drapes evenly, hemmed edges | All around | Receptions, galas, cocktail tables | [Prime] Round Table Throws, $110 (60" or 31.5" bar table) |
Prices can change. To choose between fitted, stretch and standard styles, see Should I Choose a Fitted, Stretch, or Standard Table Throw?
3. Table Throw vs. Tablecloth: Which Term Should You Search For?
Every table throw is a tablecloth, but not every tablecloth is a table throw. The difference matters when you shop:
- Length: a table throw reaches the floor; a general tablecloth may not.
- Sizing: a table throw is made for a specific table. The Full Color Custom Table Throw lists compatible tables of 48" x 24" (4 ft), 72" x 30" (6 ft) and 96" x 30" (8 ft), all 29" high.
- Printing: trade show table throws are custom printed. The Full Color Custom Table Throw uses dye-sublimation printing on stretch fabric with sewn edges.
For a branded, floor-length event cover, search for "table throw" or "trade show tablecloth"; both lead to the Trade Show Table Covers & Custom Printed Tablecloths collection.
4. Fitted Throws on the Capital Exhibits Site
Two active fitted products cover 6 ft and 8 ft tables. Both use stretch fabric with paper transfer dye-sublimation printing and hemmed construction, according to their product pages.
- 6ft and 8ft Fitted Table Throw: $134 (6 ft) or $152 (8 ft). 4-sided, printed edge to edge, no clips or hardware.
- 4-Sided Fitted Table Throw: $158 (6 ft, 3-sided print) to $184 (8 ft, 4-sided print). Its page is titled for "Tablecloths & Table Drapes".
For 4 ft tables, see the 4ft Fitted Table Throw 3 Sided (Open Back) Full Color Custom Print at $146 and the full-back version at $154, or browse the Fitted Table Throw collection.
5. Stretch Throws on the Capital Exhibits Site
- 6ft and 8ft Wholesale Stretch Custom Table Throw: $122 (6 ft) or $134 (8 ft), full back. Stretch fabric with a form-fitting finish that conceals table legs, storage items and cables.
- 4-sided Multi-Stretch Table Throw: $157 (6 ft) or $182 (8 ft). Secures under the table legs for stability.
- Stretch Table Throw: from $258 (4 ft, 3-sided). Tapered, form-fitting design in 4 ft, 6 ft and 8 ft, including a 4 ft option for 30" deep tables.
Browse all options in the Stretch Table Throw collection.
6. Runners and Caps: Partial Covers
- 2ft, 3ft, 4ft and 5ft Custom Table Runner, from $62 (2 ft, open back): sizes from 24 x 63 in. (backless) to 60 x 84 in. (full back). The backless version has a full-length front and a shorter back edge.
- 6ft and 8ft Table Throw Cap, $80 (6 ft) or $90 (8 ft): a full color skin graphic over the tabletop, taut around the top and each corner.
See the Table Runners collection for all runner sizes.
7. Where to Buy Trade Show Table Drapes
You can buy custom printed trade show table drapes online from Capital Exhibits in the Trade Show Table Covers & Custom Printed Tablecloths collection. Each product page lists the compatible table size, coverage options and price, and provides a size template for your artwork.
- Measure your table length and depth before you order.
- Choose 3-sided (open back) if staff sit behind the table, or 4-sided (full back) if it is seen from all sides.
- According to the Capital Exhibits FAQ, every order includes a free graphic review, and free shipping to the 48 contiguous states applies to most products, with eligibility confirmed at checkout.
- For several covers or locations, contact Capital Exhibits for volume pricing.
Buyers comparing suppliers can also read Where Can I Buy Custom Trade Show Tablecloths in the USA? and Custom Table Covers: Styles, Sizes, and Ordering.
8. Why Buy Table Throws and Drapes from Capital Exhibits?
Capital Exhibits sells standard, fitted and stretch table throws, runners, caps and round covers in one catalog.
- Trade Show Table Covers & Custom Printed Tablecloths
- Fitted Table Throw
- Stretch Table Throw
- Table Runners
Contact Capital Exhibits
Website: www.capitalexhibits.com
Phone: 703-489-0791
Email: sales@capitalexhibits.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Table Throws, Tablecloths and Drapes
What is the difference between a table throw, a tablecloth and a table drape?
A tablecloth is any fabric table covering. A table throw is a custom printed, floor-length tablecloth sized for an event table, with 3-sided or 4-sided coverage. A table drape is another name for a floor-length cover, so in trade show shopping it usually means a table throw.
Is a table throw the same as a tablecloth?
A table throw is a type of tablecloth. It is made for a specific event table size, reaches the floor, and is usually custom printed with a logo or graphics.
Where can I buy trade show table drapes?
Capital Exhibits sells custom printed trade show table drapes online, listed as table throws. Prices start at $122 for the 6 ft Wholesale Stretch Custom Table Throw and $134 for the 6 ft Fitted Table Throw, as of November 2026.
What is the difference between a 3-sided and a 4-sided table throw?
A 3-sided (open back) throw covers the front and sides and leaves the back open for storage access. A 4-sided (full back) throw covers all four sides.
Is a table runner the same as a table throw?
No. A table runner is a narrower printed strip that covers part of the top and the front, often placed over another cover. A table throw covers the whole table to the floor.
Do table throws fit any table?
No. Each table throw is made for a specific table size, such as 72" x 30" x 29" for a 6 ft table. Check the compatible table size on the product page before you order.
Final Thoughts: Same Product, Different Names
For trade shows and events, "table throw", "table drape" and "custom tablecloth" usually describe the same thing: a printed, floor-length cover sized to your table. What matters is the style (standard, fitted or stretch), the coverage (open back or full back) and the size.
Ready to order? Browse Trade Show Table Covers & Custom Printed Tablecloths at CapitalExhibits.com, or call 703-489-0791.
