If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Entertaining Table Decorations 9 Table Runners That Will Add Color and Character to Your Tablescapes From soft, whimsical cotton to handwoven materials, these accents bring dimension and texture to your dining space. By Lindsay Tigar Lindsay Tigar Lindsay is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist covering topics from love, marriage, fitness, wellness, psychology, and entrepreneurism. Editorial Guidelines Published on June 26, 2023 02:28PM EDT Photo: Courtesy of Room and Board, Business and Pleasure Co, Serena & Lily If you're transitioning your home décor from one season to the next or looking for a simple, timeless way to elevate your dining room, don't overlook the power of table runners. Tiny but mighty, they can significantly impact a space, despite taking up little square footage on your table. When shopping for table runners, focus on their length, width, and the overall aesthetic of your dining space. Then, consider how thoughtfully introducing a table runner can add a new visual element—perhaps it's an accent shade or a unique texture—or tie together place settings. Better yet: It allows you to show off the material of your table instead of hiding it with a full, floor-length tablecloth. To help, we've rounded up a beautiful collection of table runners for every design scheme and budget. How to Set the Table for Any Type of Gathering, From Casual to Formal 01 of 09 Serena & Lily "Catalonia" Woven Runner Courtesy of Serena & Lily If you can't take a trip to coastal Spain for paella and sangria, recreate the region's vibe with this table runner from Serena & Lily, instead. Handwoven with abaca, it features a subtle, sweet scalloped edge in navy for a touch of contrast. Even if you're not hosting a dinner party, when paired with casual linen napkins, it works for weeknight meals, too. Price at time of publish: $118 Buy on Serena And Lily 02 of 09 Business and Pleasure The Table Runner Courtesy of Business and Pleasure Co. This table runner fits effortlessly into your coastal dining room, featuring complementary oceanic shades. The scalloped edge draws attention without being too bold on an otherwise understated table. It's made of Business and Pleasure's signature canvas material, with beautiful and delicate embroidery, and available in five fun styles (our favorite is Riviera Green). If you regularly dine al fresco, this table runner features an umbrella hole—so you can take it outside, too. Price at time of publish: $79 Buy on Businessandpleasureco.com 03 of 09 Soil to Studio "Nirmala" Handwoven Cotton Runner Courtesy of West Elm As you're dressing your summer table, turn to this handwoven cotton runner. We love the simple, but classic stripes running in two directions; they provide understated charm and traditionalism. The soft texture mimics the preferred breathable fabrics of the hottest summer days, as does the lightweight weave. Plus, that pop of pink makes it pretty perfect for a girl's night—or when you want to indulge in a surprising hue for your tablescape. Price at time of publish: $85 Buy on West Elm 04 of 09 Room & Board "Capa" Table Runner Courtesy of Room & Board Designing a tablescape is always a matter of balance: You want to play with interesting colors, but they shouldn't be so visually compelling that they take away from the food. Similarly, you want to experiment with shapes—but only if they don't conflict with your dining room layout. This table runner, featuring a geometric design of rectangles in various hues, checks both boxes. We appreciate the bold colors that aren't too overpowering, thanks to the thicker neutral lines—they provide subtle visual depth. Made in the United States and available in two sizes, this table runner pairs well with bright drinkware for added flair. Price at time of publish: $199 Buy on Roomandboard.com 05 of 09 Mercer Merrow Stitch Warm Natural Organic Cotton Table Runner Courtesy of Crate & Barrel Rather than changing their tablescapes throughout the year, some hosts prefer to keep it timeless—no matter the calendar date. If you're one of them, you'll love this organic cotton option from Mercer Merrow: It's neutral, affordable, and modern. Its sharp black embroidery set against an off-white hue pairs nicely with wooden dining room tables. Best of all, the simplicity of this table runner allows you to get creative with the rest of your setting—try gold utensils, multi-colored plates, and more. Price at time of publish: $40 Buy on Crate & Barrel 06 of 09 Pomegranate "Caroline" Green Table Runner Courtesy of Pomegranate Inc This bold, patterned table runner from Pomegranate will easily take you from indoors to outdoors. The vibrant green is eye-catching and draws in the colors of nature around you as you dine al fresco. It works in a myriad of locales: The pattern makes sense on the coast, in your a lush backyard, or even at a garden party. We love the soft touch of the cotton—and how easy it is to clean. Simply toss it in the washing machine on cold, tumble dry low, and that spill never happened. Price at time of publish: $76 Buy on Pomegranateinc.com 07 of 09 Table Terrain Sherbet Striped Paper Runner Courtesy of Table Terrain When it's time for an outdoor celebration, color is often invited to the party. Whether it's your birthday, your teen's graduation, or something else entirely, this rainbow-patterned paper runner adds life to your tablescape. To set your space, roll the runner down the table and cut at your desired length. With 25 feet to work with, you can utilize this same roll for several events, making it a wise investment. Once the last guest has departed, roll up the paper and toss—no other cleanup needed. As a bonus, it's designed and printed in the United States. Price at time of publish: $32 Buy on Tableterrain.com 08 of 09 Hester & Cook Blue Gingham Runner Courtesy of Martha Summer cookouts call for gathering your friends, family members, the neighbors—or the whole block!—over for a day of fun in the sun. To captivate the essence of this sunshine-filled season, go classic with this gingham runner. Made from paper by artists in Nashville, Tenn., it's the ideal addition to a casual hangout, providing a centerpiece for the picnic vibe. This one-time-use table runner will make set-up—and cleanup—a breeze, especially after a few Aperol spritzes on the patio. Price at time of publish: $30 Buy on Martha.com 09 of 09 The Citizenry "Onam" Table Runner Courtesy of The Citizenry Cool and calm, this gray, white, and navy runner was made by group of 32 master weavers in Kannur, India. Its breezy palette (and its cotton fabric) makes it a great choice for beachside gatherings—but it works just as well in farmhouse settings or modern homes, as well. Price at time of publish: $69 Buy on The-citizenry.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Good Things Shop Martha's Prime Day Deals Now, Including Bedding, Cookware, Home Décor, and More Le Creuset Is Retiring This Popular Color—Shop the Final Sale Now 20 Entertaining Essentials That Make Dining Al Fresco More Enjoyable