What fabric is the best for table runners?

Natural fibers are the best choice for a table runner, and many of them are machine washable. "They look great with botanical arrangements, handmade place cards, vintage teak candle sticks, you name it; they elevate any mood you're trying to create," Schultz says.

How long and wide should table runners be?

"A table runner should be approximately one-third the total width of your table and at least a foot longer than the total table length to allow for a six-inch drop at each end," explains Schultz.

Do you use table runners and placemats together?

It's up to you, and it depends on the look you're going for. "Placemats are a perfectly acceptable addition to the table runner, though if you're using a table cloth they can be overkill — especially with a farmhouse or rustic table — it's nice to let the wood element shine through," Schultz says. She also recommends that "if you use placemats, make sure they are machine washable… there's nothing worse than pulling last year's holiday placemats out of the drawer and seeing bits of leftover pumpkin pie crust stuck to the dry clean only metallic binding!"

The Best Table Runners for Every Occasion

DII Fall Reversible Table Runner — Courtesy of Amazon

There are many ways to add festivity to your kitchen, and a table runner is one of the simplest. Just a single piece of fabric can change the look and feel of a dining area, showcasing everything from your favorite holiday dinner side dishes to platters of decorated cookies. They're an integral part of table decor, and they even make a great gift for anyone who loves seasonal styles.

"Historically, table runners were used to protect precious linens from sloppy eaters, gravies, spilled sauces, and general messiness," says Kristen Schultz of Krieglelein Design. "Today, table runners can provide an attractive focal point and bring a cohesive look to the dinner table, setting the mood, tone, and theme of your next get-together."

With this in mind, we've rounded up the best table runners on the market. Whether you love lace, beads, or burlap, there's a table runner for you — which, of course, doesn't mean you need to stick with one! Having a selection on hand enables you to change the mood of your dining space at any time.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

The Home Talk table runner at Amazon

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Best Holiday:

Williams Sonoma Reindeer Table Runner at Williams-Sonoma

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Best Fall:

DII Fall Reversible Table Runner at Amazon

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Best Lace:

Heritage Lace Crochet Envy Table Runner at Amazon

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Best Farmhouse-Style:

Bee & Willow Ticking Stripe Table Runner at Bed Bath & Beyond

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Best Quilted:

Loom and Mill Quilted Table Runner at Amazon

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Best Cheesecloth:

Vitalizart table runner at Amazon

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Best Gold:

HZGUPAI Champagne Chiffon Table Runner at Amazon

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Best Beaded:

Cotton Craft Mila Scroll Handmade Beaded Table Runner at Amazon

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Best Crochet:

Folkulture Table Runner at Amazon

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Amazon

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A neutral color scheme for a table runner means you won't have to swap it out often, as it doesn't clash with any themes. We love this jute table runner, which comes in both standard and extra long options at either 72 or 108 inches, for just that reason. The decorative tassels on the ends add a touch of charm without being overpowering, and the specks of mocha, beige, ecru, and other neutral colors will complement any table decor. We also appreciate that you can purchase matching placemats for a cohesive look.

Price at time of publish: $19

Material: Jute
Dimensions: 13 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: No

Courtesy of William Sonoma

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The holiday season, at its best, is an elegant parlay into winter — and this table runner encapsulates that vibe. It's made of 100% linen and was crafted in a family-owned mill in Tuscany. Featuring a cream base with red, blue, and green accents, this runner is the right mix of festive and sophisticated. The reindeer are dressed in holiday sweaters without looking garish, and the pictures take up only the sides of the table runner, which prevents it from being a distraction from your food dishes.

Price at time of publish: $90

Material: Linen
Dimensions: 16 x 108 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

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You get two table runners in one thanks to the reversible design of this fall-themed piece. Featuring autumn leaf outlines only, it's colorful without being over the top, and the neutral-colored base will complement any table scheme. It's sturdy enough for a home with children while being understated in a manner suitable for an adult-only holiday party. The other side is a square pattern that would work well for black tie or cocktail parties, allowing you to dress your table up further for those occasions. Schultz says that cotton is one of her favorite fibers for a table runner.

Price at time of publish: $26

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 14 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: No

Courtesy of Amazon

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This lace table runner is sturdier than the average lace one thanks to an additional layer of material underneath. It's hand crocheted with a gentle floral pattern that adds beauty to a table without overshadowing a centerpiece or any dishware. Scalloped edges make for a delicate overall look, especially when contrasted with a darker table. At 60 inches long, it's on the shorter side, so this runner is ideal for smaller and standard-size dining tables rather than long ones.

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 14 x 60 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Courtesy of William Sonoma

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If you're on the hunt for a table runner that fits your farmhouse-style aesthetic, this option does the job perfectly. Tassels at the ends are short but colorful, and the runner itself has a lovely ticking stripe pattern that offers that classic farmhouse look. The gray and tan stripes won't clash with anything added to the tablescape, and the cream background serves as a great backdrop for more colorful dishes and decor. Because it's a blend of cotton and polyester, you won't have to worry about it wrinkling after you wash it, leaving you time for more important tasks.

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: Cotton and polyester
Dimensions: 14 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

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Quilted table runners bring hominess and warmth to one's table, and this quilted piece by Loom and Mill is no exception. The color is perfect for fall and winter holidays, but it doesn't shout one holiday over another thanks to not having any pattern. The quilting pattern is geometric and has some flower outlining, with lined edges in an infinity shape. It comes in other solid colors, including light blue, gray, and yellow, and there are even matching placemats available, which will further pull the look together. This is a great table runner for family events and occasions, with such a cozy feel to it.

Price at time of publish: $23

Material: Microfiber and cotton
Dimensions: 13 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Amazon

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While many cheesecloth table runners are white or cream, this one sets itself apart with its rich gray color. If that's not to your liking, it's available in ten alternative colors, ranging from black to denim blue to sage green. And while you could of course just cut some bulk cheesecloth to use as a table runner, purchasing one ready-made means you won't have any rough edges to trim or any frayed bits that land on the floor. Light in nature as a material, we love how you could either stretch this across the width of the table or bunch it up to be just a few inches wide.

Price at time of publish: $18

Material: Cheesecloth
Dimensions: 35 x 120 inches
Machine Washable: No

Courtesy of Amazon

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A gold table runner doesn't have to be gaudy, and this understated champagne one proves that point well. It's perfect for creating a refined environment without any of the sparkles, glitter, or sequins that gold table runners often have on them. At 120 inches long, this is suitable for either a grand dining table or to achieve the look of a runner that spills down gracefully towards the floor. The heavy stitching at the edges provides a very slight amount of contrast, and the thinness of the material means you have a variety of styling options atop the table.

Price at time of publish: $12

Material: Polyester
Dimensions: 27 x 120 inches
Machine Washable: No

Courtesy of Amazon

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Turn your dining table into a winter wonderland with this beaded table runner, which is available as a centerpiece runner and a full table length. We love that it's so cheery without needing any color and that the white and gray beading are reminiscent of snowflakes without being overly obvious. This would work well for any time of year, but for a holiday party, it's particularly jubilant. It's hand beaded and could double as a topper for a piece of furniture, such as a chair or a couch, when not in use as a table runner.

Price at time of publish: $70

Material: Polyester and beads
Dimensions: 18 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: No

Amazon

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Macrame, which was popular in the '70s, has made a huge comeback in recent years. Be on the pulse of that trend with this crocheted table runner made of 100% cotton. Long tassels offer a Bohemian-inspired vibe, and the crochet pattern is loose throughout, which lends a casual look to the runner without being sloppy. It can be purchased with both napkins and placements, meaning you can create an entire look with this pattern and color. It will be just as perfect for holiday meals as it would a light Sunday brunch, making it useful for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 13 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: No

Amazon

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Jute is a sustainable fabric, making this burlap table runner eco-friendly in addition to attractive. The simple cork coloring has autumnal warmth, and the material is resistant to fraying, which is a bonus for any active occasions where decorative items might be treated more harshly. While you wouldn't expect this material to be iron-friendly, it is, which means that you can keep it free of any wrinkles. This material is reusable, unlike some burlap runners that are single-use only.

Price at time of publish: $10

Material: Jute
Dimensions: 12 x 108 inches
Machine Washable: No

Courtesy of William Sonoma

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This runner from Williams Sonoma adds the right amount of color and pattern to your kitchen, whether your space has neutral or bright hues. The print is well over a century old, having been created in 1899, so it's a timeless piece that will always be in style. This table runner is made with eco-friendly cotton and woven in Europe. We love it for a Hanukkah dinner thanks to the color scheme, yet it would be equally as functional for a New Year's Eve gathering. It can be machine washed and dried, making it as easy to care for as possible. Matching napkins can be purchased separately to complete your tablescape.

Price at time of publish: $70

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: 16 x 108 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Amazon

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Plaid table runners, like this one, are an excellent choice for keeping things casual at your dining table. Available in numerous other color combinations beyond black and white, this table runner does a solid job of being family-friendly without looking like you're going on a picnic. It's sturdy thanks to the durable construction of burlap and cotton, and is even reversible: Simply flip it over for a table runner that has a plaid edge and burlap center, should you want plaid but not quite so much of it.

Price at time of publish: $12

Material: Cotton and burlap
Dimensions: 14 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

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Colorful as can be, this table runner can move through the seasons with you thanks to its pattern that includes both flowers and snowflakes, making it an excellent pick to keep on your dining table all year long. It's available in a standard size and an extra long one, and the pattern has just enough of a vintage look to make it appealing to a wide array of styles. Constructed of a hefty burlap material, it resists fading while also being machine washable. We love this over a dining table, but it would look just as jovial across a dresser or credenza when not employed for your family meals.

Price at time of publish: $13

Material: Burlap
Dimensions: 13 x 72 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Courtesy of Terrain

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As Schultz's favorite linen runner, this piece can be dressed up or down, making for a seamless transition between a family lunch and a more formal holiday meal. It comes in seven different color options, including a neutral olive, beige, and teal blue to liven things up. It's handmade from Lithuanian linen by a family business, and at 16 inches wide and 79 inches long, it's slightly larger than the average table runner in both width and length. Thanks to being machine washable, you won't have to worry about anyone spilling anything on it.

Price at time of publish: $68

Material: Linen
Dimensions: 16 x 79 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Factors to Consider

Size

You'll want to choose a table runner that fits your table. Too long and it will hit the floor when it isn't meant; too short and it won't cover your table fully, making for an awkward look around the edges that could be distracting. We recommend buying a runner that is 12 inches longer than your table, so it hangs six inches down on both sides.

"If you're using the runner in conjunction with a tablecloth, it looks best if both pieces are the same length," Schultz says.

Materials

Natural fibers are an ideal choice for table runners. "Table runners come in a wide variety of fabrics, but I prefer those in natural fibers, such as cotton and linen," says Schultz. "They are classic, absorbent, and durable.".

Care

Many table runners are machine washable, but not all are. "Like anything in life, table linens do require maintenance," Schultz says. "It's important to treat any spills, especially things like candle wax, wine, or gravy that need fairly prompt attention, as soon as possible." She recommends using a peroxide-based enzymatic soak, such as Biz. "Dish soap is also great on oily stains, and to remove candle wax, put the piece in the freezer. The wax will peel right off."

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabric is the best for table runners?

Natural fibers are the best choice for a table runner, and many of them are machine washable. "They look great with botanical arrangements, handmade place cards, vintage teak candle sticks, you name it; they elevate any mood you're trying to create," Schultz says.
How long and wide should table runners be?

"A table runner should be approximately one-third the total width of your table and at least a foot longer than the total table length to allow for a six-inch drop at each end," explains Schultz.
Do you use table runners and placemats together?

It's up to you, and it depends on the look you're going for. "Placemats are a perfectly acceptable addition to the table runner, though if you're using a table cloth they can be overkill — especially with a farmhouse or rustic table — it's nice to let the wood element shine through," Schultz says. She also recommends that "if you use placemats, make sure they are machine washable… there's nothing worse than pulling last year's holiday placemats out of the drawer and seeing bits of leftover pumpkin pie crust stuck to the dry clean only metallic binding!"

Our Expertise

Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author who believes that the better your dining area looks, the more joy you'll get out of your meals. A long-time devotee of the vintage decor her mother gave her ages ago, in recent years, she finally stretched her own wings and began purchasing table decor that wasn't from the '70s. To determine the best table runners on the market, she consulted with Kristen Schultz of Krieglelein Design.