Table runners serve as the focal point of your dining table. It dolls up your hapag by offering additional color, texture, and appeal to it. Table runners are usually placed in the center of the table as it doesn’t cover the entire area, unlike tablecloths. You can also use it by itself or as additional decoration.
There are lots of ways to upgrade your dining area, given the variety of table runner designs in the market. Our buying guide, fact-checked by Singapore-based interior designer Jennifer Salamat, will guide you on what factors to consider before purchasing a table runner. We’ve also included our 10 best picks of the best table runners you can buy online.
Quick List - Top Table Runners
SWEEJAR
Japanese-Inspired Minimalist Design That Elicits a Clean Finish
H&M
Eco-Friendly Table Runner That Gives Off a Rustic Vibe
Jennifer Salamat is a Singapore-based Interior Designer currently working as a Lead Designer in an international company that manufactures furniture hardware. She shares the same passion for transforming ideas into beautiful, functional home design solutions. She is a dedicated individual who has been involved in planning and designing interior settings for residential and commercial spaces.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Table runners add an extra appeal to your dining setup. They complement other naperies which, in turn, improves the overall dining aesthetic. Below, we enumerate how table runners can benefit you and why they are a must-have item on your dining table.
As mentioned, table runners complement other naperies such as tablecloths, placemats, and napkins well. But even if you use them as-is, they still give an additional appeal to your dining table.
Using table runners adds a touch of elegance to the whole dining setup, regardless of the occasion. Also, due to their attractive appearance, it makes your dining area much more inviting, especially if you're expecting guests.
With their vast designs and styles, table runners are undoubtedly appealing. They can create visual balance in any given area. For one, they may establish a focal point in a room or to the table itself, which gives the impression of a more exciting and enjoyable dining experience. They also make an excellent base for any centerpiece.
Apart from providing an additional aesthetic appearance, table runners serve a more significant role in every hapag-kainan. They protect the table’s surface by providing protection from heat, moisture, and stains. This is especially important if you have wooden tables because they are more sensitive to spills, scratches, humidity, and moisture.
Here are some key points to consider:
Before buying a dining table runner, consider the size of your table. If you’re planning to use the runner as the centerpiece, it’s recommended to measure the table’s width and divide it by three. The result is how wide your table runner should be. This is to ensure your dining table’s setup doesn’t overlap with the runner.
For table runners as placemat replacements, the size should be at least 16 to 20 inches wide. Moreover, if you’re planning to use a table runner on a round table, you could hang a single runner or two runners in an “X” or “T” shape. As for the length, ideally, table runners should hang at least 6 inches over your table.
The tablescape or table-setting is often associated with the kind of occasion being celebrated. Knowing the kind of table-setting you plan on doing will help you choose the type of fabric to use as a table runner..
Fabrics with a soft, shiny, and iridescent finish such as polyester, satin, and silk are perfect for formal occasions like weddings, debuts, anniversaries, or formal dinners. These materials add an elegant touch to the dining setup, further elevating its aesthetic.
Casual table setups for a simple family dinner, your morning coffees, or Sunday brunch are complemented by table runners made of stretchy and strong natural fabrics. Cotton, twill, and bamboo table runners are some of the top choices for casual tables. The pattern of natural fabrics provides additional appeal, texture, and a rustic feel to the table’s overall appearance.
Table runners are practical and suitable for everyday use. But, there are more festive designs and styles, which makes them ideal for events. Think Valentine's or Christmas table runner with matching prints, such as hearts or Christmas trees.
If you cannot find a seasonal-themed table runner, you can opt for one that matches the color of your other holiday decorations. No matter which one you choose, selecting a table runner that matches the season will surely brighten the mood!
With their artistic and enticing designs and styles, beaded and quilted runners are indeed visually appealing. However, they are not practical to use, particularly if you want to utilize these table runners as placemat replacements. Their uneven surface cannot provide glasses and plates with the necessary stability to sit still on the napery.
The color of the table runner will influence the overall look of your table setup. If you want your chosen accent color to pop, then choose a table runner with a solid color and place it under a colorful centerpiece. In contrast, a bright and colorful table runner will complete the look of a neutrally-colored centerpiece or dinnerware.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SWEEJAR Blending Table Runner With Tassel Cover | ![]() | Japanese-Inspired Minimalist Design That Elicits a Clean Finish | |
2 | Burlap Lace Table Runner | ![]() | A Sophisticated Burlap Lace Runner That Will Doll Up Any Space | |
3 | Nordic Christmas Cotton and Linen Plaid Table Runner | ![]() | Festive Table Accent to Upgrade Your Holidays | |
4 | H&M Linen-Blend Table Runner|137F4HL10C2398GS | ![]() | Eco-Friendly Table Runner That Gives Off a Rustic Vibe | |
5 | Cotton and Canvas Kabir Table Runner|TR_kabir | ![]() | Adds a Pop of Color to Your Table | |
6 | Knus Mykonos Tablerunner | ![]() | Something Blue to Elevate Meal Times | |
7 | Lace Table Runner | ![]() | A Crocheted Table Runner for Fans of the Vintage Aesthetic | |
8 | Nordic Table Runner | ![]() | Decorative Nordic-Style Runner That’s Easy to Clean | |
9 | Egoe European Style Table Runner | ![]() | Luxurious Table Runner That Won’t Break the Bank | |
10 | Sequins Table Runner | ![]() | Sparkling Table Runner for Your Fancy Celebrations |
Looking for an all-around table runner? Try this blending runner from Sweejar. This Japanese-inspired runner features a minimalist zigzag design that makes your table appear neat and effortlessly put together. The addition of tassels on both ends also adds a festive vibe that can complement any occasion, including Christmas!
It is made with a combination of 40% cotton and 60% polyester fiber material, making it feel soft and light to the touch. Reviewers also love how thick the material is and how they can use it to decorate their coffee and console tables. With its reasonable price, you can elevate any space you have, whether it be your tablescape or living room!
This table runner will definitely create an enticing focal point for your table setup. Its base is made of burlap, which is highly resistant to wear and tear. Together with the lace material in the middle, this runner gives off a romantic vibeーthis makes it ideal for bridal showers or a simple dinner date with your partner!
Adding natural materials like wood decorations or stones can complement the runner as well. Plus, customers love how excellent the quality of this table runner is and how they can use it for special occasions. And, at its price point, it is certainly a steal, too.
For us Filipinos, it is never too early to stock up on Christmas decorations! Take this table runner, for instance. It is decked out in Christmas’ signature red and green colors, along with the silhouette of a reindeer and Christmas tree. Its design will surely make the holiday season more festive.
The border of the runner is a neutral shade of brown, which makes the piece suitable even for a more casual table setup such as your Noche Buena dinner. Moreover, despite coming in only one size, reviewers say that this table runner perfectly fits in a six-seater table!
H&M’s table runner design might be plain, but it only serves to make it look more rustic. This is perfect for those who are fans of the shabby chic aesthetic. It is made with a linen blend consisting of 50% linen and 50% cotton, both of which are sustainably sourced, making it eco-friendly.
In addition, cotton and linen are highly absorbent, so you do not have to worry about spills dripping directly on your clothes or table. Note that it only comes in one size, which may be a bit short for those who have longer tables, but you can also use this table runner on round tables or coffee tables!
Unlike rustic and elegant table runners, this next product on the list provides an ethnic-inspired print that'll surely add a pop of color to your dining table or console. This table runner comes in different colors that are best paired with plain or neutral-colored plates. That way, the table runner's striking appearance can elevate even a simple tablescape.
That doesn't mean you're limited to pairing this with plain tableware, though, as this can also go well with mismatched aesthetics. This is ideal if you don't have matching dinnerware, so you don't have to precisely coordinate your plates with the table runner!
Aiming to subtly elevate your dining space? Knus’ table runner will do wonders to improve your dining experience. The Mykonos features bold, blue lines that can liven up meal times from Sunday brunch to weekday breakfasts.
It is made of a cotton blend, making it absorbent. Customers also praise how thick the material is and how it offers excellent quality for its price. Moreover, if you want to take it a step further and coordinate your tablescape, know that the brand offers matching placemats too!
For those who are fond of the vintage aesthetic, this crochet table runner is a piece you should add to your collection. It features a lace pattern that you can use to transform your dining room, coffee, or even bedside table. And, with its neutral color, it will be easy to match it with your preferred color scheme.
This simple yet sophisticated table runner also makes a great accent to piece any formal event. Reviewers also like how it makes their table look classy. And, since it comes in 6 different sizes, you'll surely find one that'll fit your dining table perfectly.
Spruce up your dining space with this Nordic-style table runner. Made with a combination of PVC and PET materials, this runner is extremely heat and wear-resistant. It is also non-slip, so it can stay in place once you’ve laid it out. No need to worry about your serving dishes falling off!
Additionally, its material makes the runner easy to clean; a few swipes is all it takes to clean up spills. You can also simply run it under the faucet if you want to get rid of food spills more thoroughly. And even though it is shorter than most runners, its wide color selection more than makes up for it.
Feel like royalty every time you dine with this luxurious-looking table runner. It has a European-style design, complete with various intricate stitchings, making it look sophisticated. Its gold accents are even festive enough for the holidays!
Moreover, if you like to host tea parties, this table runner is perfect for that too. Reviewers also like that it looks elegant and classy though they note that it is a bit short in terms of length. If you’re looking for a table runner minus the hefty price tag, you surely can’t go wrong with this!
Whether it is fulfilling your little one’s dream birthday celebration or making the holiday season more festive, this table runner has got you. It is studded with sequins, which evokes an elegant and luxurious finish that’s perfect for kids’ birthday parties or even New Year’s Eve parties.
It is made of polyester that is highly resistant to wear and tear. Moreover, since it is covered with sequins, any light the fabric absorbs can create dramatic flashes of light that can add to the dreamy mood. It also comes in various colors like gold, silver, and royal blue, among others, so you can pick one best suited for the occasion.
Tip: Allow the table runner to drop 6- to 15 inches from the edge of the table if you choose to let it hang over the ends. This is how we commonly use table runners in general.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team
Yes. Generally, a table runner should hang at least six inches over the table. You can pretty much decide on how long you want the table runner to be, but it shouldn’t be longer than your tablecloth, if you’re using one.
Yes, you can! You can use a table runner by itself or put it on top of a table cloth. Some people prefer to use both only because they feel that a table runner alone looks bitin since it doesn’t cover the table entirely. But the choice is yours. The important thing is to place the table runner on the table lengthwise.
There are lots of ways you could do this. Here are some of our suggestions:
Once you find the perfect table runner for your dining table, it is now time to set it! But make sure that you will only use dining ware that will complement your space. Check the links below for table essentials that can upgrade your setup for a delightful dining experience. Bon Appétit!
Author: E. Hubilla
Re-editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: SWEEJAR|Blending Table Runner With Tassel Cover
No. 2: |Burlap Lace Table Runner
No. 3: |Nordic Christmas Cotton and Linen Plaid Table Runner
No. 4: H&M|Linen-Blend Table Runner|137F4HL10C2398GS
No. 5: Cotton and Canvas|Kabir Table Runner|TR_kabir
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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