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Table Runner Size Chart: Length, Width and Overhang

By the Urban Picks team · Updated

A table runner shows only its own size on the page, but what matters is how it sits on your table. Two measurements decide that: the length of the table plus the overhang you want at each end, and the width of the table divided by about three. The chart below does the arithmetic for common dining tables, and the rest of this guide shows how to adjust it for long, round and square tables, using the sizes of the runners we carry.

Key takeaways

  • Table length plus 12 to 24 in gives a runner that hangs 6 to 12 in over each end.
  • A runner about one third of the table's width leaves room for place settings: 12 to 14 in on a table 36 to 42 in wide.
  • A 72 in runner hangs 12 in over each end of a 48 in table and 6 in over a 60 in table, and ends at the edges of a 72 in table.
  • For a longer table, overlap two runners under a centerpiece or lay short ones across the table.
  • On a round table, measure across the widest point and use the same arithmetic.

Table runner size chart

Measure the length of the table and add the overhang you want at both ends. For 6 to 12 in at each end, that means the table length plus 12 to 24 in.

The chart uses common dining table lengths and the seats they usually take. The last two columns show the closest runner we carry and how it sits on that table.

How to measure your table

Measure the bare tabletop from end to end, then from side to side. If the table has a leaf and you use it for the holidays, measure with the leaf in: a runner that fits the everyday table can stop short once the table is extended.

Check how the table is used, too. If people sit at the ends, a long overhang lands in their laps. If the table stands against a wall, only one end hangs, so add the overhang once instead of twice.

How much overhang at each end

A common guideline is 6 to 12 in at each end. About 6 in looks tidy and stays clear of anyone sitting at the end of the table. About 12 in shows more of the fabric, which suits a runner with a decorated end.

A runner does not have to hang over at all. One that ends at the table edges gives a clean line down the middle. Whatever you choose, measure from each end so the runner sits centered.

Our Hanukkah runner has a gold-tone menorah motif and tassel trim. Let the end hang over the table edge so the design shows instead of sitting under a centerpiece.

How wide a table runner should be

A common guideline is about one third of the table's width, which leaves room for a place setting on each side. For a table 36 to 42 in wide, one third is 12 to 14 in, the same width as the runners we carry.

To see what is left, subtract the runner's width from the table's width and divide by two. A 14 in runner on a 36 in wide table leaves 11 in on each side, and on a 42 in wide table it leaves 14 in. A 12 in runner on a 36 in wide table leaves 12 in on each side.

Measure a dinner plate before you decide. If the space on each side is narrower than the plate, the plates will sit partly on the runner, so keep fringe and tassels clear of the place settings.

When the table is longer than the runner

The longest runners we carry are 72 in. On a 72 in table they end at the edges, on an 84 in table they stop 6 in short of each end, and on a 96 in table they stop 12 in short. Centered, with equal space at both ends, that still looks deliberate and leaves the ends free for serving dishes.

For more length, overlap two runners of the same width and cover the join with a centerpiece. Two 72 in runners overlapped by 24 in make 120 in, which gives a 96 in table 12 in over each end.

Across the table instead of along it

A runner can also go across the table, as a shared mat for two people facing each other. Our 12 x 36 in snowflake runner laid across a 36 in wide table reaches both edges, with its tapered ends at the table edge. Three of them down a long table mark six places and leave the wood showing between them.

Round and square tables

On a round table the runner runs across the diameter, so the same arithmetic applies: measure across the widest point and add the overhang twice. A 60 in runner on a 48 in round table hangs 6 in over each side, and a 36 in runner on a 36 in round table ends at the edges.

A short runner also works on a round table without reaching the edge, under a bowl or a group of candles. Our 36 in snowflake runner, with its tapered ends, suits a small or round table or a spot under a centerpiece.

On a square table, two runners can cross at the center. Two 60 in runners on a 48 in square table hang 6 in over all four sides.

On bare wood or over a tablecloth

On a bare table the runner covers only the middle, and a hot dish still needs a trivet, on the fabric as on the wood. Our expandable trivet opens for hot cookware and folds away after dinner.

Over a tablecloth, keep the runner's overhang shorter than the cloth's so the cloth shows below it. If the cloth hangs 10 in, an overhang of 6 in leaves 4 in of cloth showing.

Care and the rest of the table

Check the care before a big dinner. Our plaid runner is 100% cotton and can be machine washed and tumble dried. The embroidered Stars of David runner is 100% polyester: hand wash it in cold water, line dry it and use a low iron if needed.

For a matching table, our mistletoe napkins are 20 x 20 in and come six to a set, so a table for eight takes two sets.

Order in time

For the best chance of delivery in time, order by Tuesday, November 10 for Thanksgiving, by Thursday, November 19 for the first night of Hanukkah, and by Thursday, December 10 for Christmas. These dates give the best chance, not a guarantee.

Unused items can be returned within 30 days. Return shipping is on the buyer unless the item arrived damaged, defective or wrong.

Our table runners side by side

The last column shows the table lengths that leave 6 to 12 in at each end.

Questions

What size table runner do I need for a 6 ft table?
A 6 ft table is 72 in long, so a runner of 84 to 96 in hangs 6 to 12 in over each end. A 72 in runner, the longest we carry, ends at the table edges, which also looks clean.
What size table runner fits an 8 ft table?
An 8 ft table is 96 in long, so a runner of 108 to 120 in gives 6 to 12 in at each end. Our 72 in runners stop 12 in short of each end; two of them overlapped by 24 in make 120 in.
How much should a table runner hang over the edge?
A common guideline is 6 to 12 in at each end. Stay near 6 in if people sit at the ends of the table. A runner can also end at the edges with no overhang.
How wide should a table runner be?
About one third of the table's width. For a table 36 to 42 in wide, that is 12 to 14 in.
Can you use a table runner on a round table?
Yes. Measure across the widest point and add the overhang twice, or use a short runner under a centerpiece without reaching the edge.
Should a table runner be longer than the table?
Usually, if you want it to hang over the ends, but it does not have to. It can end at the edges, or stop short and sit centered with equal space at both ends.

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