I received a letter recently from a reader who asked : How do I decorate my table? Aren’t tablecloths and table runners a little old fashion?
Decorating a table in a dining room is part of the overall room decoration. A table in the middle of a room without anything on it, can look a little distressed. Just adding a vase with a few flowers would already change the whole atmosphere in the room. But, no, tablecloths and table runners are not old fashion. Designs have changed and the way we handle table arts today is a little different but the beautiful lace your grandmother liked is still very much prized by many home decorators.
Let’s talk about table runners!
Originally a table runner is a strip of cloth, placed on a table in order to decorate it. Laid in the middle, it can replace a tablecloth, or it can be placed on top of it for a more festive look. The table runner can extend and drop on each side of the table or not. They can be used anytime as a decorative element of your dining room, or you can use dining table runners when you have a dinner party, to help you dress the table harmoniously.
Today you can find and use table runners linens in a variety of materials, including cotton, tapestry table runners with tapestry like woven fibers, silk and other natural materials like bamboo and twigs, organdy in solid colors or with arabesques, Damask, and many fabrics in many solid colors that underline refinement… Styles are as diverse as materials, many silk runners will be available in simple modern looking, organic raw silk, or in elaborate oriental patterns, silk is also sometimes used for quilted table runners. You can also make your own with crochet and lace… and much more. Lace table runners are particularly appreciated by homeowners who have a traditional home decor and those who love retro style furniture.
There are table runners for every occasion from simply decorating the home to the most lavish receptions. It is a good idea to have in one’s closet a selection of table linens for all occasions. Prices will vary greatly from very affordable under $10 to very expensive. While your budget determines your choice as much as style does, it might be a good idea to have one very nice item for special days, and a few cheap table runners to give you the freedom to change the look of your dining area.
When would you use a table runner?
If your tabletop is a nice looking wood, oak or mahogany for example, I would not want to hide it under a tablecloth, I would simply use a table-runner, or a large handmade doily, then I would add a plant in a beautiful pot.
You can also use one to decorate the table for a more festive meal with guests or even a special occasion for the family. Some people use table runners all the time in lieu of a tablecloth or place mats. It is a perfect solution for a “tête à tête”, intimate dinner. In many homes table runners are also used for seasonal decorations, Christmas, Easter, Valentine to name a few. Holiday table runners are some of the best sellers, as they also make excellent gifts. It is a quick and easy way to change the mood of the dining area. When spring comes after a long winter, most families are happy to see spring table runners appear on the patio table as they announce that fun activities are ahead.
Table runners are almost always used for wedding receptions. Large rolls of cloth, or cloth like materials can be purchased and used to decorate long tables. Wedding table runners are often disposable but offer many opportunities for decoration.
In home decor, fashion only affects materials and colors. Many things are called classic, which means that they never go out of style. Such is the case for table runners and table linens in general, always present even when colors are changing.
Table runners make great gifts. Please visit our table runner gift shop (coming soon) for deals on table linens.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
Can you tell me how my table runner should fit? I would like to put a table runner on a table that is 6ft long by 32″ wide. What is your opinion about a table runner that would be 12″ wide and 96″ long? would it be wide enough? Thank you for your answer.
Marryl
Marryl,
Thank you for your question. As I have gotten several emails asking this question, so this gives me a chance to answer it here for others as well.
I am going to assume that you would use a tablecloth under the table runner. So, you place setting including plates, silverware glasses would be on the tablecloth and on the table runner for such a narrow table. Is that acceptable to you? If not then you must choose a runner that is not as wide. As for the length you should make your runner the same length as the table cloth, it can be shorter but certainly not longer.
Depending on the number of people at the dining table you might find that on such a narrow table you might be better off without a runner. You can still have a narrow decoration that spans the length of the table in the center, (flowers in low bowls, floating candles, or small candle jars…)