The Best Table Runners for Every Occasion

Whether you're a person who has a well-dressed table or is decidedly no-frills when it comes to home decor, the best thing you can do for your table setting design skills is add in a table runner. Made to stand alone or drape over a table cloth, table runners help to add in a certain level of class. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Pick from one of these 5 gorgeous table runners, and go from there. Add in some candles, a fresh bouquet of flowers, and the right accessories, and your table will go from drab to fab in no time.

Dll 100% Cotton French Stripe Tabletop Collection

Durable, Functional, and Simple

This beautiful table runner brings a certain practical element to your table top decor. We love the functionality of this table runner.

Best Overall

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This simple Cotton French Stripe Tabletop table runner from Dll is classy, understated, and looks good with just about any decor and just about any season. You can dress it up or dress it down, let it stand alone or add in some decorative pieces. Really, the key reason why we love this table runner so much is in its versatility. It’s a good thing it’s so durable, too, because this is the one table runner we’ve been able to use season after season.

Pros:

Multiple sizes and color options available.
Although this is beautiful all on its own, you can pair it with other items from this same collection for a complete look.
100% cotton fabric that can be tossed in the washing machine after use. Follow up with a low tumble and iron, and you’ve got a wrinkle-free table runner that’ll stand the test of time.

Cons:

The cotton fabric of this table runner shrinks considerably after a washing/drying cycle.

Mixsuperstore Blushing Pink 10ft Chiffon Table Runner

Light, Airy, and Oh-So-Romantic

Bring the romance to the table with this absolutely gorgeous table runner.

Best for Romantic Weddings

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This dreamy chiffon table runner makes me want to get married all over again. Seriously, it’s that dreamy. Made as an extra-long, sheer and totally decorative piece, this 29 x 122-inch long table runner can be knotted at the end or left to drape romantically as it spills onto the floor. The material itself is so lightweight and airy, that it perfectly bunches together down the center of the table. Just add candles, whimsical flowers, and perfectly pretty tableware, and you’ve got the table romance covered when it comes to a dreamy wedding.

Pros:

Available in six sheer, understated colors.
Budget-friendly price point (a serious bonus when it comes to a wedding table runner).
The fabric is naturally lightweight and wrinkle-free.

Cons:

You’ll likely only get a few uses out of this table runner. The 100% polyester fabric tends to snag a bit.

OurWarm Natural Macrame Cotton Crochet Lace Boho table Runner

Understated and Perfectly Boho

Want to add in some boho-charm? This macrame, lace-inspired table runner brings the boho-chic to any table top.

Best for Boho-Themed Events

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Boho-inspired everything is basically my jam. Eclectic, down-to-earth, simple, yet pretty…it’s a look that feels functional, homey, and perhaps even a touch whimsical. This table runner hits all of those points, so if any of those descriptive words sound like something you’d like for your home, go with this boho-macrame table runner. You won’t be disappointed.

Made of 100% cotton in a natural, off-white color, this thicker table runner will add that certain something to your home with just the right level of boho. The extra-long length (12 in x 108 in, including the fringe) adds the perfect touch.

Pros:

Simple, warm look that adds a touch of boho to any event or tabletop.
This is a perfectly crafted, handmade table runner.

Cons:

While this can be washed with the gentle cycle, it’s best to hand wash this table runner for longevity.

Dll 100% Polyester Spill Proof Table Runner

Waterproof and Spill-proof

This BBQ-tested table runner is the perfect addition to your table for all that finger-licking good food.

Best for Backyard

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Think backyard BBQ and a decorative table runner, and you probably think the two don’t mix well. Guess what? We thought so too, and we’ve been corrected. This fun BBQ print is 100% polyester, and although it’s spill-proof, you can toss it in the washing machine for easy clean-up. With this fun print, all you need is the sauces, the sides, and of course…the BBQ.

Pros:

This table runner is so easy to clean, making it ideal for that backyard BBQ you’ve been waiting to host.
Multiple size and shape options available.
100% polyester that’s stain-resistant and waterproof.

Cons:

Straight from the packaging, this table runner will not be wrinkle-free. You’ll need to work the folds out if you’d prefer a wrinkle-free option.

Acrabros Sequin Table Runners

Bringing the Sparkle

We're not going to lie, we love a good sequin piece. This table runner brings it with all the glitter and fabulous you could want.

Best for Birthday Bashes

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There’s nothing that screams ‘birthday bash’ more than sparkles, sequins, and glitter. Just add the punch, the food, the cake, and the balloons (okay, fine…and the presents) and we’ve got a delightful tablescape that feels entirely festive and fun. Have you convinced yet? If not, these details surely will: made with a glittery, sequin, party-effect, these table runners will seriously upgrade your birthday decor. And with four color options available, you’ll absolutely love the final outcome (and your guests will be seriously impressed–trust us, these table runners are showstoppers). Awesome bonus: although the glitter-effect certainly hides small stains fairly easily, you don’t have to worry. These table runners are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Pros:

Extra decorations not necessarily needed: the glitter and sequin effect of these table runners add their own pizazz to your tablescape.
Four color options available.
Three size options available.

Cons:

The sequins shed quite a bit. The effect is certainly pretty, however, clean-up can be a pain and the table runners don’t end up being the most durable for repeated use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you properly theme an event with a table runner?

A well-themed event includes all the details, and that includes the table runner. From boho to rustic to farm-chic, having the right table runner makes or breaks a table setting. To properly theme your entire event, think of the look you’re going for. The details should match the theme.

If you’re a bit unsure, there’s nothing wrong with a super simple table runner that’s done-up with further details to complete the entire look. What could this look like? Well, for a rustic-themed event, go with a burlap table runner that’s simple and understated. Finish it off with wood accents, wildflowers, and simple candles. Remember, it doesn’t have to be anything over the top (unless you want it to be, of course). The right table runner will add exactly what you’re looking for in your themed event.

How often do you swap out your table runner?

How often you swap out your table runner is totally up to you and your decor preferences. Some people prefer to change their table runners with the changing of the seasons, others theme their table runner according to events, parties, or gatherings. What you do is entirely up to you. It can be fun, however, to switch things up every so often…you’d be surprised at how updated your table decor will look with a well-designed table runner.