Table Runners Vs. Tablecloths: What’s the Difference?

Tablecloths are large pieces of fabrics that cover the entire surface of the table. Generally, the best tablecloths are those that add character, tying into the other colors of the home or make table setting looking more formal. 

The primary purpose of tablecloths is its functionality. A tablecloth helps to protect the table surface from stains, spills, melted candle wax or any heat damage caused from serving hot trays or plates. After the meal, you can simply toss it to wash and may not even need to wipe down the table. A tablecloth can also help to conceal a worn-down table or dress up a folding table for any occasion.

Table runners are narrower piece of cloth. They normally go in the center of a table (the long way when it’s rectangular). The best table runners protect the surface below from things such as candle wax and heat damage. Table runners are primarily decorative as they leave a significant amount of the table exposed. Often, the table runners are used daily, even when there’s no occasion as a decorative for the table.

Table runners and tablecloths have slightly different purposes. Yet, they are certainly versatile and can be used for several years when maintained properly.

Can you use table runner without a tablecloth?

Table runners can be great when placed above a tablecloth, but you can use a table runner without it! While it depends on the fabric, having just a table runner will create a slightly casual look, and that depends also on the table style and other objects you put on it. For instance, you can place our Lana Daya Jala Pasir Handwoven runner for a simple, elevated look for the dining table. 

A nice table runner can be placed on a wooden table for a rustic, farmhouse, and boho-themed occasions. This look can work great for Christmas, or during any casual dinner parties. For a festive occasion, we like to combine our Lana Daya Country Checkerboard Fringe Tablecloth with a table runner and add with ornaments or table décors. 

Choosing the sizes of your table runners and tablecloths

Just like curtains and rugs, table runners and tablecloths sizes should be taken into consideration in selecting the proper size. To figure out the size, you need to first measure the dining table. The tablecloth should have about 20 to 25 cm of overhang on each side. 

For example, if you have a six-seater dining table measuring at 180 x 90 cm, the table cloth would need to be 40 to 50 cm in both length and width (or roughly 220 x 140 cm). There are many exceptions, but the best tablecloths for everyday use should offer your table full coverage without being so large that they touch the legs of people sitting at the table. 

Most table runners are about 30 cm wide, so you just need to worry about the length. After you’ve measured your dining table, look for an option that’s 30 to 60 cm longer so the table.

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