Dinning Room Decor, Kitchen Decor
Table runner recommendations – simple way to make tables festive
Jan
Table of Contents
What is a table runner?
A table runner is a kind of narrow tablecloth. In contrast to traditional tablecloths, a table runner does not cover the entire table. The table runner is usually placed in the middle of the table. It can be placed either in the length or width of the table. Table runners are primarily used for decoration. They give the table a little more elegance and festivity. Therefore, table runners are often used for elegant celebrations such as weddings or birthdays.
But it doesn’t have to be a festive occasion where the table runner is used. A table runner can also be used in everyday life. Table runners are beautiful to look at on any living room or dining room table.
The use of table runners is not limited to indoor living areas. Of course, it can also give your garden party a little more elegance. There are models of table runners that can also be used outdoors without hesitation. Waterproof table runners are good for the garden table, for example.
Table runners are a simple way to make tables festive or simply to bring a little more elegance into your home. You can express your own personal style. Table runners come in many different designs and there is something for everyone.
What is a table runner suitable for?
Table runners aren’t just decorative. They can also be useful. Table runners protect the tabletop from stains, scratches, and quirks. In the case of glass tables, a table runner also dampens the shocks and the resulting disturbing noises.
The table runner can be used as a shelf or stand. Everything that could damage the surface of the table can be placed there.
Water stains from glasses or vases can be prevented with a table runner as a stylish base. If the table runner is thick enough, it can even serve as a trivet for pans.
In contrast to tablecloths, a table runner can hide existing quirks, stains, or scratches without covering the whole table. In addition, table runners are more space-saving than tablecloths and can be ironed relatively quickly and easily.
the essentials in brief
- A table runner is a type of narrow tablecloth that can be both decorative and useful. Table runners give a table a certain elegance and festivity and at the same time can protect the table surface.
- Table runners come in many different colors, shapes, designs, and materials. The material is decisive for the price, the care, and the intended use.
- There are no limits to your imagination with table runners. They are versatile and can be combined with other decorative elements, giving the table that certain something.
Table runners comparison: reviews and recommendations
There is a vast range of table runners on the market. But not all table runners are of good quality and workmanship. Below we have selected the 5 best table runners for you. That should make the purchase decision easier for you.
The best linen table runners
The linen table runner from Varvara Home is made of high-quality, undyed linen and is available in different lengths. The material is very robust and easy to care for. The table runner can be washed in the washing machine and then ironed.
The high-quality linen can be used for any occasion, whether indoors or outdoors. According to customers, the linen is resistant and at the same time has a very pleasant texture.
Editor’s rating: This table runner shines with its high-quality material and simple but elegant style.
The best cotton table runners
The Maison d ‘Hermine Tropiques 100% cotton table runner provides a splash of color on the table with its tropical design. The high-quality cotton is machine washable and the colors do not fade after washing.
This table runner brings discreet color into the home. Customers particularly appreciate the good quality and summery design of the table runner.
Editor’s rating: A beautiful table runner that impresses with its quality and refreshing colors.
The best jute table runner
The Benny’s jute table runner is a table tape made of 100% natural linen jute fabric. The table runner is reinforced with double side seams, which prevent fraying. This table runner is 10 meters long and 30 centimeters wide and comes on a roll.
The table runner can be cut to any length, adding a vintage touch to any occasion. Although it is not washable, the table runner can still be reused. The jute fabric has insulating properties and can therefore be used in the garden.
Editor’s rating: A table runner for everyone who loves vintage and decorates with natural materials.
The best fleece table runner
The 100% Mosel fleece table runner is available in many different colors. The 25-meter long fleece is supplied on a roll, which makes it easy to cut to the desired length. The versatile fleece is made of polyester.
Customers particularly appreciate the good price-performance ratio of this fleece table runner. In addition, the fleece is very robust and water-repellent. It can be used in many ways as a table decoration or for wrapping gifts or flowers.
Editor’s rating: A table runner that goes particularly well on a beautifully laid table for festive occasions.
Table runner: purchase and evaluation criteria
In this part, you will find various aspects explained that you should pay attention to when buying a table runner.
These are the following criteria:
- Dimensions
- Individually packed vs. yard goods
- material
- Material processing
Below we explain what you should pay attention to with the individual criteria.
Dimensions
If you want to get yourself a table runner, you have to consider the dimensions of your table. After all, the table runner should be tailored to your table.
Before you decide on a table runner, you should consider whether and how long you should hang your table runner over the edge of the table.
Of course, you also have to consider whether you want to place the table runner over the short or the long side of the table.
Finally, you have to decide on the width of your table runner. This has to do with what you would like to use the table runner for. For example, if it serves as an alternative to placemats, you should opt for a wider table runner.
Individually packed vs. yard goods
You can buy table runners as individually packed pieces or on rolls by the meter. Individual pieces are more expensive, as these are mostly table runners made of fabric with them, otherwise, they would fray. Table runners from the roll are usually narrower than sewn table runners.
Typically, table runners made of materials such as jute, fleece, or paper are sold by the meter. These can be cut to any length.
The big difference between the two variants is those table runners, which are sold by the meter, are usually not intended to be reused. Table runners, which can be bought as individual pieces, are mostly easy to clean and reusable.
material
Table runners are available in a wide variety of materials. Here we have put together a small overview for you:
- cotton
- linen
- paper
- bamboo
- chiffon
- felt
- fur
- fleece
- jute
- leatherette
- PVC
The choice of material is crucial for the subsequent care of the table runner. Fabrics such as linen or cotton can be washed in the washing machine without any problems. With chiffon and felt it is a bit more difficult.
Table runners made of paper, jute, or fleece are usually intended as disposable decorations. Stains are difficult to get out of there. It looks just as difficult with table runners made of fur.
It is easier to clean plastics such as PVC or synthetic leather. There, stains can be wiped off very easily. In addition, these materials are water-repellent and are therefore also suitable for a garden table.
Material processing
In addition to the different materials, these can also be processed in a wide variety of ways. Fabrics are often processed in the following ways:
- crocheted
- knitted
- woven
- top
- Macrame
The processing of the material also has an influence on the care of the table runner. The finer the workmanship, the more susceptible the table runner is to damage that can occur during cleaning.
Table runner: frequently asked questions and answers
Before you buy a table runner, you probably have a few questions on the subject that you would like to have answered. Below you will find an overview of the most frequently asked questions about table runners. Our guide is designed to help you find the perfect table runner.
What types of table runners are there?
Table runners are available in all possible colors, patterns, lengths, and cuts. What the table runners mainly differ in is the material from which they are made. There are three major subdivisions: fabric, plastic, and paper.
Further subdivisions can be made within these three groups. Fabric table runners include various textiles such as linen, cotton, organza as well as jute and felt. Plastics include PVC, soft foam, and synthetic leather, but also various synthetic fibers such as polyester. Here we have put together an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the frequently used materials:
| Material art | benefits | disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Linen and cotton | washable, durable, robust, looks classy | predetermined length, prone to staining |
| jute | flexible length, versatile | difficult to clean, loses threads |
| fleece | flexible length, versatile, often water-repellent | difficult to clean, not reusable |
| plastic | washable, water and dirt repellent, robust | may contain harmful substances, looks less elegant |
| paper | flexible length | short-lived |
In addition to the materials listed above, there are others that are used to make table runners. The choice is immense and manufacturers always like to experiment with different materials.
How do I skillfully stage a table runner?
Classically, a table runner is placed in the middle of the table, parallel to the longer side. The table runner is often a little longer than the table and hangs a little over the edge of the table. Although this variant has not lost a bit of its charm, there are still many other ways you can skillfully stage a table runner.
A table runner does not always have to be placed in the middle of the table. It can also be placed over the short side of the table as a nice finish. In this case, it can serve as a base for a vase with flowers, for example.
Placed over the short side of the table, a table runner can also replace two placemats. This variant is suitable, for example, for a romantic tête-à-tête. Of course, several short table runners can also be placed on one table and serve as an alternative to placemats for family dinners.
Table runners can basically be used on any table. The table runner does not always have to be overhanging. With round or oval tables, for example, the table runner is often better if it only extends to the edge of the table.
A table runner is always particularly beautiful when it has been matched to the rest of the table setting on festive occasions. The color of the table runner often contrasts with the tablecloth underneath, creating a contrast. Matching napkins or flowers add that certain something.
How do I clean a table runner?
The care of your table runner depends on the material. Not all materials are easy to clean. Here you can find a small overview:
| material | cleaning |
|---|---|
| Fabrics like linen or cotton | gentle in the washing machine |
| Plastics such as PVC or polyester | wipe with a damp cloth |
Table runners made of paper or fabrics such as jute and fleece are usually not intended for reuse. When these get dirty, cleaning is rather difficult.
Conclusion
With a table runner, you can give your table a personal touch. At the same time, the table runner protects the table surface from stains, scratches, and quirks. When buying a table runner, you can choose between models made of different materials.
Fabric table runners are durable and machine washable. They look particularly classy and give your table an elegant look. Table runners made of plastic are probably not quite as classy, but all the more easy to care for.
With these table runners, stains can be easily wiped off. Last but not least, table runners made of disposable materials such as paper, fleece, or jute are also a good option for decorating festive tables.
