How to Select the Correct Table Runner Size for Different Lengths
A way to decorate easily for your next dinner party is to choose the appropriate table runner relevant to your theme, of course. You can easily dress up your dining room with the right tabletop place setting style to match the interior design or even the holiday you celebrate. But before that, how do you measure for one suitable for your particular dining table size? This article will discuss measuring for the table runner size you need and help you choose runners for your dining room. Let’s get to it!
Standard Table Runner Dimensions
If you are shopping for runners, it helps to know the width of your tabletops first. Before we go there, let’s talk about the standard table runner size. So, what is the standard size?
Runners range from the shorter size of 36 inches or 91 centimeters to the longer 108 inches or 274 centimeters. The widths of different runners are between 10 to 15 inches or 25 to 38 centimeters.
However, this could be even bigger depending on your tabletop’s width because the general rule in measuring for a runner is that it should be a third of the total width of the table. Read more about dining table dimensions here.
5ft Round Runner Measurements
Although most products in stores and online are generally made for square or rectangular tabletops, making sure you use the right size runners could make it versatile enough to be used on a round surface. With that already out of the way, let us look at runners for 5 foot round tables.
The dimensions of round tabletops are 60 inches or 152 centimeters all over. Choosing a runner for this size is pretty straightforward. Adding 12 inches or 30 centimeters to the length of the tabletop would give you an overhang of 6 inches or 15 centimeters on each side, which is the ideal overhang size.
For the width of the runner, simply divide 60 inches or 152 centimeters by 3, and you will get 20. Anything a little over or under 20 inches in width would be perfect. If you use a round tablecloth combined with a runner, place it over the tablecloth and position it running down the center.
6ft Tabletop Runner Sizing
A 6-foot dining tabletop has a length of 60 inches or 152 centimeters and a width of 30 inches or 76 centimeters. Like choosing runners for a round tabletop, choosing one for a rectangular is pretty easy, and essentially, you will only measure for the runner’s width. The ideal width for a table runner for this size is 10 inches or 25 centimeters.
The length can vary depending on what you are looking to achieve. You can have a runner that only runs the entire 60 inches of your dining tabletop, or an overhang of 12 inches or 30 centimeters on both sides.
7ft Table Runner Size
A 7-foot rectangular dining tabletop has a length that runs 84 inches or 213 centimeters. At the same time, it has a width of 3 feet and 3 inches, 39 inches or 99 centimeters when converted. The ideal runner size for this length is close to the one needed for a 6-foot table.
The width of the table runner is 39 inches divided by 3, and you get the quotient of 13, alternatively 11 inches or 28 centimeters.
Anything close to this number will be an ideal centerpiece for your 7-foot dining tabletop. In comparison, the length is pretty much flexible to however you want your dining surface to look.
Runner Size for 8ft Table
An 8-foot rectangular dining tabletop would sit 8 family and friends comfortably with enough space to account for even a complete fine dining place setting. If you want to add a decorative element to your room, measuring for one is as easy as pie.
An 8-foot is 96 inches or 244 centimeters in length and width of 42 inches or 107 centimeters. The runner size for this length will depend solely on your preferences, however long you want it to be.
For the width, that is 42 inches divided by 3, and you get the quotient of 14 inches or 36 centimeters. So, anything a little over or less than 14 inches for the width of your runner will be perfect for your 8-foot tabletop.
Runner Size for 6ft Round Tabletop
A 6-foot round dining table has a length of 72 inches or 183 centimeters all over. Just like choosing runners for 5 foot tabletops as discussed, simply take the length of 72 inches, add a total of 12, or 6 inches on each side, and have a runner perfect for this size.
At the same time, for the width, all you need to do is divide 72 inches by 3, and you will get a quotient of 24 inches or 61 centimeters.
How Long Should a Table Runner Be?
There is no perfect number when deciding on the ideal length for runners. Choosing one is pretty flexible.
However, to be a runner, it needs at least a minimum of 6 inches or 15 centimeters, and the rule is it shouldn’t hang more than your tablecloth.
To illustrate, for an 80 inch dining table, runners should at least be 92 inches long to get that overhang of 6 inches 15 centimeters for each side.
How Wide Should a Table Runner Be?
There are widely available table runners that are 10 to 13 inches or 25 to 33 centimeters wide— making this size the standard for the width.
However, this size would not work for every tabletop. The rule of thumb when deciding how thick runners should be is to take the width of your dining or banquet table and divide it by three.
For example, for 4 seater square dining table that is 5 feet all over, convert 5 feet to inches, and you get 60 inches, which, when cut in thirds, would give you a value of 20 inches— giving you the ideal width of 20 inches or 51 centimeters for the runner.
What Size Table Runner Do I Need?
Many sizes are available for runners that are ideal for your dining surfaces. It would help if you remembered the rule of the thirds, which would dictate the mid-range where the perfect width of table runner will be an ideal fit for your tabletop.
Should a Table Runner Hang Off The Table?
Ideally, yes. For a runner to look presentable and aesthetically pleasing, it should run more than the length of your table. Make sure that it is not hanging more than the length of your tablecloth (if you have one) to keep everything looking proportionate and perfect.
When choosing materials, popular choices include natural fibers such as cotton and linen, as they are durable and can absorb spills. As a budget choice, polyester runner products are long-lasting and available in many different colors and styles.
What is a Decorative Runner?
Table runners are an added decorative element to your dining area. They are narrow pieces of cloth that run the length of your dinner table and can be made from various thick or thin materials like organza, linen, casement, crochet, and many others. Some runners have tapered edges and even fun tassels that hang over the edge of your tabletop.
These table runners are a great way to showcase large-scale or smaller motif fabric prints. – Fresh Cuts Fun Quilt Techniques and Color Concepts, Debbie Mumm
Tabletop runners can mimic the interior style of your dining room. Still, it can also be switched out occasionally with holiday-themed ones or whatever you might like your decor style to be.
Do you have questions about runners or experience using them for events, special occasions, or holidays? Please share your comments below. For more related content, visit our guide to staging a kitchen table here.
