Table Runner Size Guide: What Size Runner for Your Table?

A table runner is the quickest way to dress a dining table, whether for everyday meals or a festive dinner. The right size makes it look tailored; the wrong one looks either lost or awkward. This guide shows you how to choose the length and width for your table in two minutes.

Step 1: Measure Your Table

Measure the length and width of the table top. For extending tables, measure in the size you use most, or choose for the extended size if the runner is mainly for special occasions.

Step 2: Choose the Length

There are two ways to style a runner, and each needs a different length.

• With an overhang (classic). The runner hangs over each end of the table by about 15 to 30 cm. Add 30 to 60 cm to your table length. This is the most popular look and feels generous and finished.
• On the table (modern). The runner stops about 15 to 20 cm short of each end. Subtract 30 to 40 cm from your table length. This is practical for families and busy kitchens, because the ends cannot be pulled or caught.

Avoid a runner that ends just a few centimetres past the table edge. It looks like a mistake rather than a choice.

Table Runner Size Chart

All lengths above are available in both widths, except 360 cm, which comes in the 30 cm width.

Step 3: Choose the Width

A good rule is that the runner should be about a third of the table's width.

• 30 cm (12 inches): for narrower tables up to about 90 cm wide, kitchen tables, sideboards, consoles and coffee tables. It leaves plenty of room for plates.
• 45 cm (18 inches): for wider dining tables of about 90 to 110 cm and more, and when you want the runner to be a strong feature or to hold a centrepiece and serving dishes.

Round, Square and Other Tables

• Round tables: take the diameter and add 30 to 60 cm for an overhang. For a table of 120 cm, a 160 or 180 cm runner works well. On larger round tables, two runners crossed at the centre look striking.
• Square tables: use one runner with an overhang, or two crossed runners of the same length for a four sided look.
• Across the table: for a relaxed, place mat style, lay several short runners across the width of the table, one between each pair of facing diners. Choose a length of table width plus about 30 cm.
• Sideboards and consoles: choose a runner about 30 to 40 cm shorter than the furniture so it sits within the top, in the 30 cm width.
• Beds: a runner across the foot of the bed adds colour. Choose a length close to the bed's width plus a little overhang.

Styling Tips

• Link to the room. Pick a runner that shares a colour with your cushions or curtains. Our guide to mixing florals and geometrics helps when the runner is patterned.
• Keep the centrepiece low. Candles, a low bowl or small vases let guests see each other across the table.
• Change with the seasons. A runner is the easiest seasonal update for the table: florals in spring, bright prints in summer, warm colours in autumn and something festive at Christmas. See our seasonal decorating ideas.
• Protect it. Use mats or trivets under hot dishes. Our runners are a soft polyester and cotton velvet, machine washable at 30°C.

Popular Table Runners

Kilim Print Table RunnerRetro Floral Table RunnerHalloween Chevron Table RunnerJoyful Winter Christmas Runner

Browse all table runners, or see Christmas and Halloween designs.

Frequently Asked Questions