For the length measure the width of your table.
Do table runners hang off table.
The amount of hang should be equal on both sides and can vary just like the drop length of a tablecloth.
Add 12 inches for overhang and 1 inch for seam allowance.
Often the length you choose will depend on the table you want to use it on and how much you want it to hang off the end of the table which can be as little 2 inches to as much as 6 inches.
As a general rule a table runner should hang down about 6 inches 15 3 centimeters on each end of a table.
Determine the size of each runner.
Select a table runner with a width about one third of the width of your table.
Therefore you should purchase table runners that are roughly 1 foot 30 5 centimeters longer than the length of your table.
How to use a table runner traditionally a table runner is placed down the center of the table on its own or layered on top of a tablecloth but there is a myriad of ways to use a table runner.
Your table runner can hang over each end.
Typically a table runner should hang over each side of the table where the ends fall.
It should also be a minimum of 12 inches longer than the table to allow a 6 inch drop on each end.
Traditionally formal table runners should span the full length of a dining table but shorter table runners can also add contrast to a more casual everyday table setting.
It just shouldn t hang lower than your tablecloth if you re layering linens.
This is much more esthetically pleasing than a runner that stops where the table ends or is slightly shorter than the table.
The correct table runner size when placed lengthwise down the center of the table should be one third the width of the table.
Our dining room table is 9 1 2 feet long and i never use any runner longer than 5 feet on it.
It should hang off the end of the table but if it doesn t just put some soft folds in either side to make it more like a centerpiece and put a decorative bowl or something on it.
Like others here i don t like to have it hanging in the laps of my guests although during our dinner parties it s my husband and i who sit at each end.
While a runner can be shorter or the same length as the table if the runner has tassels it should be longer than the table so the tassels hang down instead of sitting atop the table.
If you use a tablecloth underneath the table runner the ends of the runner should be even with the edge of the tablecloth.
I also don t like putting a placemat over a runner.