Figuring Out What Size Table Runner You Need

Have you ever hosted a beautiful dinner party, only for your guests to accidentally spill red wine across your tablecloth? A table runner is a must for protecting your valuable linens, but getting the size right can sometimes feel confusing. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know when figuring out what size table runner you need.

What Exactly is a Table Runner?

Before diving into size and proportion, let's quickly define what a table runner is. A table runner is a long, narrow piece of decorative fabric that is placed across the center length of a table. Table runners serve both aesthetic and functional purposes:

• They protect the table underneath from spills, scratches, and heat damage
• They tie together your tablescape with color, pattern, and texture
• They dress up bare tables for special occasions and holidays

Table runners come in a variety of materials including cotton, burlap, lace, and faux silk. They can be embellished with intricate embroidery, tassels, ribbons, and more based on your home decor style.

Standard Table Shapes & Sizes

The most common table shapes you'll see are rectangular, square, oval, and round. Standard dining table sizes include:

• 4 seat rectangular table: 30 x 48 inches
• 6 seat rectangular table: 36 x 60 inches
• 8 seat rectangular table: 42 x 72 inches or greater
• Round tables from 3 feet to 5+ feet diameter

Knowing the dimensions of your own table is key for getting the right table runner proportions. Next we'll go over some measuring basics before diving into size calculations.

Measuring Your Table Accurately

When figuring out table runner size, accurate table measurements are crucial. Follow these steps for failproof measuring:

1. Use a cloth measuring tape and lay it across the full length and width of your table surface
2. For rectangular tables, note both the length and width
3. For oval and round tables, measure across at the widest point for the diameter
4. Write down your table's size dimensions for easy reference

Also make note if your table includes leaves that allow it to expand for larger parties. The extended table length and width will change your runner size needs.

Factors That Determine Runner Size

Armed with your exact table measurements, next we'll explore the key factors that determine optimal table runner size and proportion:

• Table shape - Rectangular, oval, round
• Table dimensions - Length, width, diameter
• Aesthetic preferences - Dramatic drape or more tailored

Matching runner size to table shape is crucial both for appearance and functionality. A runner cut too narrow or short risks sliding around and failing to protect your table. Next let's look at size considerations for different table shapes.

Allow Enough Drape & Overhang

For both style and stability, you'll want your table runner to have ample overhang draping down the table sides. But how much is enough? Use these runner overhang guidelines:

• 12-15 inches of fabric drape on each end
• At least 8 inches of overhang on either side

This not only allows a beautiful cascading effect, but also helps weighs down the runner to keep it centered in place. Make sure to leave enough table surface uncovered underneath for place settings. We recommend a good 12 to 14 inches border all around the runner perimeter.

Centerpieces & Decor Impact

Here are some tips for table runners when using common table decor elements:

• With a centerpiece , make sure your runner is wide enough to accommodate it without overlapping
• Leave space between the runner and place settings for plates, glasses, etc.
• Candlesticks should have a 4-6 inch runner buffer to prevent wax dripping

Now let's get into the nitty gritty of calculating table runner size for different table dimensions and shapes.

Matching Table Runner Length

Finding a runner length to span your whole table neatly is the first priority. Take your table's length measurement and add on allowance for end overhang:

So for common 6-8 seat dining tables:

• 6 foot (72 inch) table = 96-102 inch runner
• 8 foot (96 inch) table = 120-126 inch runner

For very long banquet tables, choose an extra long table runner or use two standard runners end-to-end with a slight overlap for full coverage.

Oval & Round Table Considerations

For oval and round tables, you'll typically want a runner about half the full diameter , stopping short of the table's center point. This leaves the lovely curved table edges still visible. Allow about 8 inches of overhang on either end.

So for sample round table sizes:

• 3 foot (36 inch) diameter = 20-24 inch runner
• 4 foot (48 inch) diameter = 26-30 inch runner
• 5 foot (60 inch) diameter = 32-36 inch runner

Size not just based on diameter but also on appearance. Angle the runner to follow the table's curves for best alignment.

Determining Table Runner Width

For table runner width, a general rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of 16 inches . This nominally covers plate settings while letting the table surface show through.

However for very wide tables, choose a runner width up to approximately one-third the total table width . This keeps the runner proportional without dwarfing your tablescape accents and decor.

Narrow Table Considerations

For narrow tables under 36 inches wide, match the runner width closely to the table width. Allow just a couple extra inches of overhang on either side. Anything wider risks looking awkward and disproportionate.

If even a 16-inch wide runner overpowers a very narrow table, consider alternative options like lace or sheer runners. These allow more of the table surface to show through for better proportions.

Material Impact on Runner Size

The fabric and style details of your table runner can also influence size suitability. Considerations include:

• Fabric drape - Stiff brocade won't puddle as much as fluid chiffon
• Hemmed edges - Add 1-3 extra inches if hemming the runner perimeter
• Embellishments - Bulky additions like studs or tassels alter dimensions

In general, woven fabrics hold their dimensions best without too much puddling or shrinkage over time. Make sample runners first when working with nontraditional fabrics to test appearance and functionality.

Tailor runner shape to complement your table for a cohesive style. For example:

• Rectangular runner for rectangular table
• Rounded ends for oval table
• Scalloped runner to soften sharp table corners