Along with tablecloths, table pads, napkins, napkin rings, overlay place mats and doilies, the table runners are part of a table linen set. Being colorful and artistic, table runners are used to decorate the table before the guests arrive. Sometimes they are used on top of the tablecloth even after everybody is seated at the table, because they create a special atmosphere. The runners not only fit the tables' surface; they can add a splash of color to a bedroom desk, on sideboards, mantels, coffee tables and consoles. They may have various shapes (long and rectangular -like a scarf, square - like a batik) and sizes (from the small and narrow to those the size of a tablecloth).
Being an important addition to any interior design, table runners are often customized in accordance with the specifications and requests of different clients.
Table runners are usually re-usable, can be dry cleaned, hand or machine-washed and sometimes wiped with a sponge.
Materials and patterns
Table runners can be made of linen, cotton, damask, muslin, wool (hand dyed with natural vegetal materials), satin, kente cloth, rich fibers, tapestry, jute (a material which is growing in popularity due to its golden color, durability and versatility) or even straw. Straw table runners are famous for traditional motifs and for the woven pattern which is obtained by using straws of different thickness and color.
The table runners can be manufactured from a mixture of linen and cotton, a combination of rayon, cotton and polyester or a combination of ribbon, boucle and mohair. They may have welt edges, attached buttons, fringe, tassels or beads, gold/silver threads.
No matter what material is used for their manufacture, table runners bring a colorful flowing aura to any interior.
Exquisite table runners can be obtained using a variety of techniques - decorative embroidery, appliqué work, piecing, printing, hand-painting - to adorn the basic material. The table runner patterns may be: paisleys, florals, animal figures, geometrics, abstract prints; holiday motifs.
Christmas table runners
Holiday table runners are very popular because, during the holidays, you want more than ever to decorate your home, to make it festive and cozy for you and your family.
Christmas is one of the most important periods of the year for almost everybody. It is a period of happiness and joy, a period when we do our best to create a festive atmosphere. And not only the tree contributes to creating this special feeling of holidays (although it has the main role), but also other interior design elements, among which we can place table runners.
The most used patterns for Christmas table runners are: winter snowflakes; pine branch with cones decorated with a festive red or blue ribbon; winter snowman dressed in his finest; Santa's horse-drawn sleigh in a forest set in a snow globe; Christmas stockings; candles arrangements; angels, holly leaves and bell motifs.
Usually cotton is used to manufacture them and the predominant colors are red and green.
Other table runners
One of the most beautiful table runners is a quilted one. This runner usually has a decorative crisscross design and it is made of two layers of fabric with a layer of cotton, feathers, wool, or down in between, all stitched firmly together.
Other breathtaking table runners are those made of Japanese fabric. The Japanese use long runners down the center of the table when setting it. To manufacture the runners they use 100% quilt shop quality cotton or silk with or without polyester backing. The patterns may be: crane rhombus, flower-eating birds, Ho-o and peonies, dragon crests, tsuru fans, orange tsuru, phoenix, insects, thunder and interlocking squares and rhombuses.
When buying table runners you have to consider whether you are purchasing them for a special holiday, a special celebration or for day to day use. If it is the first case, you have to choose the motifs according to the specific holidays. For the other cases the size of the table should be taken in consideration, the ornaments that will be placed on the runners, and the complete interior design.
A well chosen table runner will personalize and style your room.
