34 Table Runner Ideas That Always Make For Stylish Tablescapes

Table runners add style and charm to the dining room table, and they can be found in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and looks.

Whether you're trying to find a DIY-ready table runner or an elegant and elevated table runner, we're sure there's one out there for you. We've rounded up 34 of our favorite table runner ideas below.

Black and White Table Runners

Bring in a little black and white with a black-and-white striped table runner. If you don't want to lean too heavily into dark colors, look for table linens in a dark gray instead.

Party Decor Table Runners

Table runners make wonderful party decor, as they can be easily customized for the theme of the party.

They're used to create the baseball tablescape above, and this table runner DIY from Sugar Maple Farmhouse is another sports-themed table runner addition.

Quilted Table Runners For a Cozy Feel

Add a little bit of quilted style to your tabletop by crafting a quilted table runner! Check out how blogger Amy Smart, of Diary of a Quilter, created the one above.

Vintage Farmhouse Table Runners With Subtle Charm

Want to give your table runner (and table!) a vintage farmhouse look? Check out this guide from Finding Lovely.

Table Runners Alongside Seasonal Decor

Table runners are the perfect place for seasonal decor! Table runners anchor the decor and give it a complementary backdrop. To add a cooler-weather look to your dining room, check out this DIY from Finding Lovely.

Wide Striped Table Runners With Easy Elegance

Table runners with wide stripes add an elegant and coastal look to any table, and they're perfect for homes that are trying to carefully walk the line between casual and refined.

Outdoor Table Runners For Sunshine and Style

Don't let outdoor tables go undressed! Make sure to add a table runner to your outdoor dining area too. Pick one in a sturdy material, like wicker or rattan, so that it will hold up better in the elements.

Colorful Felt Table Runners

Add a little color to your dining room table by heading to the felt section! Colorful felted leaves in the DIY above from Club Crafted create a whimsical and botanical look.

Table Runner-Inspired Countertops

Another unexpected way to bring the look of a table runner to your dining area is through stone. A stone countertop flanked by wooden ends brings a table runner-esque look to the kitchen island.

Greenery In Table Runners

Add a little green to your table by creating a table runner with a garland and a few small vases.

Though this DIY from Finding Lovely might be made for the holidays, with a few seasonal greenery tweaks (like using eucalyptus rather than pine), it can be a year-round addition to your table.

Seasonal Vignettes With Table Runners

If you want to really make your table runner stand out, create a seasonal vignette on top of it! Check out this summer vignette DIY from Casa Watkins Living to try it yourself.

Cutting Boards As Table Runners

Consider using an extra-large (and extra-long) cutting board as a table runner. It's a bit more hardy than a fabric one, and food can be easily placed atop it.

Table Runners With Confetti

Confetti or basket fillers can be placed between decor on the table to act as a table runner, just like Casa Watkins Living did on the colorful table above.

Kid-Friendly Table Runners

If you're looking for a temporary table runner that's kid-friendly, check out this easy and affordable DIY that uses wrapping paper (or butcher's paper) by Home Made by Carmona.

A Line of Decor As a Table Runner

A table runner can be more than one item—it can also be a small collection of tabletop decor arranged in a line to create a similar effect.

Custom Fabric Table Runners

If you have a special fabric you want to use, make your own fabric table runner! It's easy to do—we like this tutorial from Living Well Spending Less.

Tilted Tablecloths As Table Runners

Don't toss that too-small, shrunken tablecloth. Instead, repurpose it by placing on top of a larger table as a table runner.

Black and Orange Table Runners

When looking for the perfect table runner for your space, keep color palettes in mind, pairing colors that you know work well together. Emily Henderson Design did this in the space above, pairing a burnt orange runner with the black table.

Wrinkled Table Runners For a Carefree Look

Is your table runner a bit wrinkly after being kept folded away for so long? Embrace it! Wrinkles add a carefree look to rustic textiles like linen or burlap.

Repurposed Linens As Table Runners

Other household linens, like cloth napkins or flour sack towels, can be repurposed as table runners on small tables. "Shop" your own home to find a few linens that are in great condition to try out this trick with.

Neutral Table Runners With Dark Tables

Add a neutral-colored table runner to a deep brown or black table to add some contrast and ensure your table settings don't get lost in the darkness.

Striped Table Runners for a Nautical Look

Get nautical with your table setup by adding a blue striped table runner, like Cake and Confetti did in the space above. This type of table runner is also a great addition to summery outdoor tables or park tables on the 4th of July.

Creamy White Table Runners On Wooden Tables

A creamy white table runner can be a beautiful addition to a maple or oak dining room table.

The difference in color and texture creates a great contrast, and it's easy to replicate at home! Here's how Kelsey Klos put together the look in the space above.

Wooden Bead Table Runners

Table runners don't need to be fabric! Instead, they can be long strands of chunky wooden beads, like the type Kelsey Klos used in the outdoor table setup below.

Colorful and Checkered Table Runners

To add a retro splash of color to the dining room table, look for a colorful checkered table runner. It will bring in just the right amount of intricate detail and subtle color, perfect for a mid-century or '70s-themed dining room.

Lengthy Table Runners for Long Tables

When adding a table runner to your dining room, make sure you place it in a way that complements your dining table. Long rectangular dining room tables, like the one above from Arbor & Co, should have table runners placed horizontally. Shorter or square tables can have a table runner in either direction.

Messy-Chic Table Runners

Don't be afraid to let your table runner be a bit more on the messy-chic side. Look for table runners in rustic fabrics like linen or burlap, and set them diagonally across your table to get that perfectly undone look.

Tasseled Table Runners For Boho Charm

Tassels add a little boho charm to any table runner, and we love the addition of them in the dining room above from m Starr Design.

They bring in such a fun touch! Want to add them to your own table? Check out this helpful DIY from On Sutton Place.

Light Table Runners To Make a Space Feel Brighter

A table runner that's a few shades lighter than your table will make your entire dining room feel brighter. Pair the table runner with a few other cream and white accessories to really emphasize the look.

Tablecloths For Table Runner Lovers

If you're really into the table runner look, why not go all the way and cover your table with a tablecloth? For some vintage charm, look for a tablecloth in a faded gingham print.

Mini Table Runners Perfect For Houseplants

A table runner doesn't need to run the length of the table. Instead, shorter table runners can serve as oversized placemats or the perfect backdrop for a few houseplants. Check out this DIY from Sew Much Ado on how to make a pint-sized table runner.

Bright and Cozy Table Runners

We love how Finding Lovely uses creamy florals, a neutral table runner, and so many snowflakes to create this bright and cozy tablescape. To create it yourself, check out how she put it together!

Creamy Table Runners With Black Tableware

For a soft, floral look, pair a creamy table runner with black tableware. It will create a lovely contrast that's sure to impress.

Navy Blue Table Runners That Can Be DIY'ed

A navy blue table runner adds elegance and moodiness to the dining room, Like in this one by Finding Lovely.

They're also easy enough to craft yourself. We like how Pillar Box Blue's denim DIY turned out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you use instead of a table runner?

If you'd rather not use a table runner, consider using a tablecloth or a table vignette for a similar effect. Additionally, try using unconventional table runners, like wooden beads or garland, for a unique table runner look.

Does a table runner have to hang over the table?

Traditionally, table runners do hang over the table. However, this can be annoying if you have someone seated at the end of the table or if you have pets who are a bit too curious. In these cases, use a mini table runner for a similar look.

What is the best way to use a table runner?

The best way to use a table runner is by using it to bring a little extra style and charm to your table. They can be used every day, or they can be brought out for special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

Read Next: 35 Dining Table Decor Ideas That Aren't Just for Occasions

Read the original article on The Spruce.