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 13 Best Table Runners to Buy in 2024

The Best Table Runners — Food & Wine / Williams Sonoma

There are many ways to elevate your dining room table, 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 side dishes to beautiful stoneware dinnerware sets.

“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.”

Whether you love stripes, floral, or classic linen, we’ve rounded up the best table runners on the market to add to your tablescape.

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma $80

This table runner checks all the boxes with its simple design, linen fabric, decorative stitching, and various color options, including neutrals and vibrant shades. Made by a family-owned company in Italy, the runner is constructed with care and stonewashed to prevent shrinkage and enhance softness. It comes in one extra-long size, 18 inches by 108 inches, and you can order matching linen napkins for a cohesive tablescape.

Material: Linen
Dimensions: 18 x 108 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Target

View On Target $18

For a modern yet minimalistic look, this black-and-cream table runner is a must. We love its contrasting colors, unique design that elevates a classic striped pattern, and easy-to-wash cotton material. The neutral tones pair perfectly with any dinnerware set and allow you to bring in brighter shades with flowers and other centerpieces. It comes in two lengths to fit most dining tables.

Material: Cotton
Dimensions: Two sizes from 72 to 108 inches long
Machine Washable: Yes

Soil to Studio Tamara Block Printed Linen Table Runner

West Elm

View On West Elm $90

This beautiful runner brings warm weather cheer no matter the season. Choose between yellow or blush pink floral prints. This linen table runner was handmade in India and brought to market via Soil to Studio, a Brooklyn-based textile design studio. The runner comes in one size, 75 inches by 15 inches, suitable for long dining tables or entryway sideboards.

Whether you’re throwing a weekend brunch party or want to liven up your place, you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous mood-boosting pick.

Material: Linen
Dimensions: 75 x 15 inches
Machine Washable: Yes

Target

View On Target $18

A striped neutral-colored runner, like this one, is an excellent choice for year-round use and for anyone who wants to keep things simple but add a timeless pattern. It comes in four color options, including orange, blue, black-and-white, and natural, and two of them feature fringe hems for additional flair.

The runner is made from a blend of cotton and linen, making it lightweight, easy to clean, and slightly textured. Pair this with your favorite neutral linen tablecloth for a rustic and cozy tablescape.

Material: Linen and cotton
Dimensions: Two sizes from 72 to 108 inches long
Machine Washable: Yes

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma $49

The holiday season, at its best, is an elegant parlay into winter — and this table runner encapsulates that vibe. Milled in Moldova, this runner is made of 100% cotton and has a white base with festive red, green, and brown accents. This runner is the right mix of festive and sophisticated. The mistletoe design evokes a wintery wonderland, and the crimson border will perfectly highlight your favorite holiday serveware.

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

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma $65

This vintage-inspired lace table runner is sturdier than the average lace one thanks to its premium cotton construction. It has an intricate design with tonal embroidery and hemstitching that adds beauty to a table without overshadowing a centerpiece or dishware. Scalloped edges make for a delicate overall look, especially when contrasted with a darker table. At 108 inches long, it’s on the longer side, so this runner is ideal for large dining tables rather than smaller ones.

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

View On Amazon $14

If you’re looking for a table runner that fits your rustic aesthetic, this option does the job perfectly. It features tassels on both ends and macrame embroidery and hemstitching that runs the length of the runner. Despite its low price, the fabric is thick, washes nicely, and looks even better in person — so much so that guests might mistake it for an expensive boutique-style runner.

It’s available in nine colors, including ivory, light gray, and blue, so you can choose one that suits your kitchen’s color scheme.

Material: Polyester
Dimensions: Five sizes from 48 to 108 inches long
Machine Washable: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon $10

Made of jute, this burlap table runner is both attractive and eco-friendly. The neutral shade of light brown works well in most spaces and is suitable for everyday use and special occasions. You can easily dress it up with table decorations like stunning candle holders or a narrow lace runner, or get creative with fabric paint. If it has any wrinkles right out of the box or after handwashing, you can use a steam iron to smooth them out. We also love this choice for entryway tables.

Material: Jute
Dimensions: Four sizes from 60 x 108 inches long
Machine Washable: No

Amazon

View On Amazon $25

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 placemats, 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.

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

Amazon

View On Amazon $11

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.

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

Amazon

View On Amazon $15

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 10 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.

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

Amazon

View On Amazon $9

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.

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

Amazon

View On Amazon $16

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.

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

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 6 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. "Dish soap is also great on oily stains. 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.