Table runners are a popular choice of decoration for dining room tables, as they can make the table and the room overall look more stylish and elegant.
They are often brought out for formal occasions such as weddings, but can also be used to brighten up a darker table or can be used to match the seasons.
The question is, what size should runners be in the first place.
With table runners, what’s the average size? It can be difficult to find this information out and leaves many of us wondering and unsure who to trust.
It seems that everywhere you go, there is a different length and you find yourself wondering about the correct size and which size table runner you should buy.
Well, no more! Today we are here to give you the answers that you need. Keep reading to learn everything you could possibly need to know about table runners.
We will be covering the size of table runners and everything that you need to know about table runners.
What Is A Table Runner?
An extended, thin tablecloth that spans the length of a dining table’s middle length is referred to as a “table runner.”
Despite the fact that the runner is just wide enough so that it covers the center third of the dining table, it is useful in keeping hot dishes from scorching the table.
Table runners may be used by themselves or with matching placemats or table cloths to create a stunning visual effect at a dinner party.
You can purchase a table runner individually, or sometimes as a set depending on the store you are purchasing the runner from.
In addition to being available in a wide range of patterns, table runners may be used to celebrate a multitude of occasions during the year.
These events include holidays such as Easter, Fall, and Christmas.
A change of table runner may completely transform your dining room, allowing you to usher in the new season or mark a special occasion with style.
Table runners can also show certain seating configurations, such as banquet seating.
When they are shared over the table, runners have the potential to create a special and romantic evening for two people.
Along with protecting coffee tables and cabinets from damage caused by food spills and candle wax, table runners may also be utilized for many other purposes.
But even when used by themselves, they may make a difference in bringing out the natural beauty of your wooden furniture.
What’s The Average Size Of Table Runners?
It is possible that the average length of a runner will differ depending on the manufacturer.
Table runners are available in several lengths and widths, ranging from 36 – 108 inches long and 10 – 15 inches wide.
The issue is that there is no standard-sized table, so there can be no standard size of table runners.
The lack of a standard size means it can be difficult to purchase table runners, and you will need to measure your table beforehand!
Luckily though this means that there are loads of table runners on the market for you to choose from.
There are many table designs, as drop-leaf and extendable tables are offered as options as well.
Your table runner’s width and length should be determined by the fact that your table’s dimensions may be changed at a later time.
Table runners are available in a range of sizes, including those suitable for round tables, which provides an abundance of alternatives when selecting the most appropriate size for a centerpiece.
The design used on the runner itself may impact the overall size of the table runner.
When a table has an overhang on either end, it’s common for the overhang to extend 6 inches beyond the table’s border.
If the design is really intricate, the breadth of the runner may even be expanded.
Other Table Runner Sizes
Runners for tables are available in a range of sizes, patterns, and colors.
The length of your table runner may vary greatly, despite the fact that the breadth should always be near to or a little less than one-third the overall width of your table’s width.
Depending on the impact or aesthetic effect you are seeking to achieve, the size of the table runner can range from one that stretches the full length of the table with an overhang to one that only covers the middle of the table without an overhang.
A runner for the centerpiece should be at least one-third the length of the dining table and should be right in the center of the table.
A runner that is centered on the table allows plenty of space between the place settings at each end of the table.
If you want the table runner to cover the whole length of the table and have an overhang, it will be required to make it at least 6 inches longer on either end of the table.
If you are using tassels on your table runner, make sure it is long enough to overhang the table edge.
For example, if you want the table runner to be long enough to run across the table’s width in order to establish a division for place settings, it should be at least one-quarter the length of the table.
When To Use Long Table Runners
Table runners should be approximately 6 inches longer on either side of the table than the table on which they are placed in order to create a formal layout.
The phrase “drop” refers to the surplus fabric that has been leftover and what will hang off the table.
Because a tablecloth will be placed beneath it, you will require a drop of 6′′ in length to accommodate it.
Given that tablecloths are always draped over the edge of a table, you want your table runner to be the same length as your tablecloth in order to maintain visual harmony.
The overhanging section of your table runner is not necessary if you are not planning to use it in combination with a tablecloth, or if you want a more informal atmosphere.
When entertaining in a more casual atmosphere, a runner that is shorter than the table may be best to use.
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Rules Of The Overhang
It is not required for a runner to extend beyond the table edge. Whatever you pick will be determined by the occasion and the effect you are seeking to achieve with your arrangement.
The addition of an overhang to a formal event, such as a wedding reception, elevates the entire design and gives it a more professional appearance.
The usage of an overhang can be beneficial for holding a less formal party, although it is more of a wish than a need.
Table runners overhang the majority of the time since it is acceptable for the overall design and decor of the environment.
If the tablecloth is the same length as the runner, it is very pleasant, especially when this is mirrored in the symmetrical placement of plates, table dressings, and cutlery.
In order to get a more informal look, the table runner can be tailored to fit within the dimensions of the tabletop.
If you use a centerpiece design properly, it can be really effective, especially when used with complementing tablecloths to create a unified aesthetic.
This creates an attractive setting that enables more people to be seated at a single round table.
With regard to overhangs, the selection is decided mostly by the occasion, the desired decorative effect, your own personal preference.
An overhang may add a touch of refinement to your dining table, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a simple family gathering.
Shorter Table Runners
If you’re having a more casual or informal party, you can use a runner that is the same length or shorter than the table itself.
There should be at least 6 inches of overhang on either side of the runner when it is used in a more structured setting, such as with a tablecloth or if the runner has tassels attached.
Shorter runners, in addition to giving a beautiful touch to the table’s centerpiece, can assist in drawing attention away from the table’s edges and into the center of the table.
A runner’s length can be decreased, which has the extra benefit of providing natural gaps between it and the tabletop, which helps to minimize the illusion of the table being overly cluttered.
It can also contribute to the creation of a more pleasant environment. Because of the emphasis on the center of the table, it appears that the table is smaller and that the individuals are closer together.
Table Runner Sizes
Here are the dimensions for table runners that will fit on various table sizes.
Table 6ft In Length
For a table that is 6 feet long, a complete table runner should be a minimum of 84 inches in length. An overhang of six inches is permitted on either side.
In order to ensure that the tabletop is not too narrow, the width of the tabletop should be one-third the width of the table as a whole.
In terms of length and width, the centerpiece runners should be one-third the length and width of the table, respectively.
Consider the case of a dining room table with a rectangular shape. This piece of furniture is 6 feet in length and 3 feet in width.
When calculating the length of the runner, 3 feet divided by three equals one-third of the width of the runner.
In this scenario, the runner should be one foot broad, which is equivalent to 12 inches wide.
It is necessary to increase the length by 12 inches in order to allow a 6-inch overhang on each of the shorter sides.
When 6ft is converted to inches, the result is 72 inches.
Calculating the runner’s length by multiplying 72 inches by the 12-inch overhang yields an 84-inch long runner.
It is recommended that the length of the table runner for the centerpiece be one-third the length of the table itself.
There is no need to create any more room to accommodate an overhanging.
When you split 72 inches into thirds, you obtain a length of 24 inches in the end. In this case, the overall measurements would be 12″ W x 24″ L.
Table 8 ft In Length
Table runners for 8-foot tables should be a minimum of 108 inches in length.
In this manner, the table may be completely covered while still providing a 6-inch overhang on each side.
In order to properly frame the centerpiece, the runner should be one-third the length of the table or 32 inches.
By translating 8 feet to inches, we may get a measurement of 96 inches.
This would result in a runner that is long enough to cover the whole area from edge to edge. Increase the length by 12 inches in order to ensure that there is a 6-inch overhang on each side.
In this case, the entire length would be 96 inches plus 12 inches, for an overall length of 108 inches.
When creating a tabletop centerpiece display, divide the length of the tabletop by three to estimate the length of the runner that will be needed.
It is 96 inches in length in its true length, eliminating any additional length required for the overhang. In this case, the answer is 32 inches when divided by three.
When measuring, don’t forget to take the table’s width into consideration.
You should have a runner that is one-third the width of your table.
To accommodate a three-foot-wide table, your table runner should measure one foot in width, or 12 inches in breadth, according to this rule.
What To Do About A Round Table
The same principles that apply to measuring rectangle or square tables apply to measuring circular tables as well.
Regardless of the fact that the table is circular, a rectangle or long thin strip of fabric will be utilized to cover the surface of the tabletop.
Take the circumference of the table and record it for future reference. In this case, the distance between one side of the table and the other is measured across the center of the table.
An overhang should be accommodated by adding an additional 6 inches on each side.
Starting with the breadth, the runner should be at least one-third the length of the table’s entire length.
To guarantee that your placemats can be laid without overlapping one another on your table, measure the available space on your table.
Due to the roundness of the table, you may have noticed that the quantity of available table surfaces has been reduced.
As a result, reduce this measurement to one-quarter of the table’s full width. That should be plenty of room for dinner dishes to fit on the table.
Let’s suppose the circumference is 48 inches in diameter. By dividing the table’s width into thirds, we can acquire 16 inches for a third of the table’s width.
When we divide by four, we get a measurement of twelve inches. If you have enough room on your table, the length of your table runner should be between 12 and 16 inches long.
The diameter and length will be the same, with the diameter being 48 inches and the length being 48 inches.
This time, add an additional 12 inches to the overhang, increasing the total length to 60 inches this time.
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Measuring For The Table Runner
Choosing how you want your table to look before taking any measurements is the first step in preparing it for measurement.
Preparation begins with thinking about where your table will be situated and how it will be utilized.
You need to consider how formal the room with the table is, whether that be in the dining room or the kitchen. You also need to consider the occasion for using the table runner, is it formal or informal?
You can make better selections regarding issues such as table size, centerpiece, and overhang if you know how you want your table to be used.
Another important factor to consider is whether or not you have children or small animals at home.
Cats, particularly kittens, as well as little children, find it amusing to tug at the material that is draped over the edge of the table.
An overhang might be hazardous in some circumstances. This means that it’s feasible that the stuff on your table may end up strewn across the floor.
There are two distinct designs of table runners to choose from. One of them extends the whole length of the table, while the other is used as a focal point or centerpiece for the table.
Table runners for the centerpiece are tiny table coverings that allow place settings to be put all around the table without blocking the view.
If you have to accommodate a large number of people, this is a very important consideration.
Think about the additional space when measuring your table, whether it is equipped with a drop-leaf or an extended design.
Depending on whether your table sides are down or if you’ve removed the extension piece, your table runner will appear different.
Once you’ve established how much material you’ll need for your table runner, the next step is to measure the tabletop from one end to the other, starting at the center.
If you want an overhang, be sure to allow for an additional 12 inches in your measurements. With rectangle tables, the overhang will be on the two shortest sides of the table.
If you’re using a tablecloth and a runner together, make sure that the overhang of the tablecloth and the runner are the same length.
To maintain symmetry, they must be identical to one another. If this is the case, your overhang may be smaller than 6 inches.
When deciding the width of the table runner, take into mind the items that will be placed on the tabletop.
Placemats, in particular, require plenty of space and should not encroach on or extend beyond your runner’s perimeter or length.
If you multiply the width of the tabletop by three, you will receive a table with a breadth that is one-third of its entire dimensions.
When using this size, placemats should be able to comfortably fit on a table that is one-third the width of the table.
To prevent having your location settings overrun by the runner, divide the width measurements by four instead of multiplying them by two.
When employing circular tables, a width that is one-quarter the table’s breadth works quite well for most applications.
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Summary
Table runners can be bought and made in a huge variety of lengths and widths.
No matter what the size and shape of your table, you should be able to find the perfect one to compliment your dining room and home decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute questions answered below!
Can The Runner Be Shorter Than The Dining Table?
Yes, it can. Runners typically come in 3 styles, they either overhang the table, stop just at the edge of the table, or are small enough that they can be placed in the center of the table.
Which one you use will depend on your style and the occasion of the dinner.
Can Placemats And Table Runners Be Used Together?
While you don’t have to use placemats, adding these along with the runner can make the setting look more formal and sophisticated.
If you are using placemats, it’s best to match them to the pattern or color of your runner to bring the whole look together.
Can You Put Runners On Smaller Tables?
Table runners are suitable for any sort of table no matter what the size. Using them on a coffee table for example can add a splash of color to your living room.
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