Inspire a fresh mood in your dining zone and living area with these contemporary ways to stylize table runners.

Refresh your home by changing up a few styling elements to set the mood, suit the season or add a pop of colour and texture. When it comes to the dining area, table runners are your go-to styling option for a quick and affordable update. Available in a multitude of colours and styles, these adaptable linens can instantly transform the look and feel of your space, while also protecting your table from scratches and scorch marks. These ideas can also be applied to consoles, side tables, coffee tables, the top of your chest of drawers and more - you’re only limited by your imagination!

Centrepiece

Lay your table runner the length of your table over bare timber for an effortlessly elegant look, ideal for laid-back lunches and informal dinners. Choosing between a wide or narrow runner comes down to your other table decorations. Plates and glasses shouldn’t be balanced on the edges of the runner, so you want them to be clear of the hem, or with enough fabric or material to allow them to sit generously on the fabric. This technique will act to visually elongate the table surface and is easy to rearrange and clean for day-to-day use, so don’t just save it for special occasions.

Layer up

If you can’t decide on just one fabric or finish, go for a luxe boho look with layers of linen. For a formal table setting, an expansive tablecloth will look incredible with a contrasting table runner down the centre, plus complementary napkins and placemats. Play up the textural appeal of your table setting with raw linen, hand-dyed fabrics and organic woven rattan and wicker pieces, or create a softly layered look using the same type of material in a pretty palette of mixed muted pastels or earthy naturals. 

Widthways

Run multiple table runners along a rectangular table at seating intervals, allowing the ends to drape generously over the edges instead of a tablecloth. This will act as a visual and physical connection of guests across the table, creating an instant sense of warmth and intimacy. It also forms a background for building your table setting, forming a neat spot for wine glasses and plates. Use napkins, cutlery and a sweet selection of candles to frame the setting.

X marks the spot

Circular tables can be hard to accessorise, as it’s important to keep the middle of the table mostly free for serving platters and boards, and to allow conversation to flow freely. Arrange a pair of table runners across the centre of the table to form an ‘x’, adding interest and texture while not blocking the view across the surface. If you need to add something to the middle, a low bowl filled with fresh-cut flowers or artificial blooms can act as a centrepiece, while the cross of table runners will anchor the look.