How To Use Runners In Traditional Dining Rooms

Dining room runners lend a certain decorative interest to a table whether they are ready laid or not in use. Traditionally designed dining rooms will usually have the dining table at the center of the room with chairs arranged around it. Whether you have a square table, a rectangular one, or even a round one, a runner will add a touch of decoration that still shows the table off attractively.

Elegant table

Traditional dining rooms tend to have wooden tables, rather than other materials. Wooden tables really look best if the grain is exposed. So, using a runner to decorate your table, as opposed to a table cloth, allows you to do this. Before purchasing a runner for your dining room make sure you know exactly how large your table is and measure it, if necessary. Another consideration is the color scheme of the rest of the room and how your runner will fit in with the existing décor.

Double Up.

Elegant table

A great look for a traditional dining room is to double up with two separate runners. To get the look right you will need to know exactly the length of your table. For the base level runner, select a material that has a gauze effect to it, such that you can see through it. You will need a length that matches you dining table’s length plus a little extra at each end. Ideally, the extra length, that will overhang at either end, won’t get in the way of any diners who sit at the head of the table, so about six inches for either end is enough. Once the base level runner is in position, place a second runner, with a solid color on top of it that does not quite reach the end of the table.

Brightening The Room.

Elegant table

Runners offer an ideal opportunity to brighten a room’s décor. If your dining room is relatively plainly decorated use a runner to add a splash of color. It can be a great way of coordinating your table design to a piece of wall hung artwork, to connect the two visually.

The Rustic Look.

Elegant table
Elegant table

If you have a traditional farmhouse furniture in your dining room, then why not use burlap as a material for your runner? This will afford a rustic look and is ideal if you like to serve winter-warming food, when entertaining. Accessorise your runner with some old jars, used as mini candle lanterns. This is a great look, even if your table is not dressed for dinner and protects your table, too.

Classic Elegance.

Elegant table
Elegant table

Table cloths can look a bit busy in some traditionally styled dining rooms, particularly if they hang right down to the floor. If your room is decorated with soft tones and has light flooding in from windows, why not use a softer fabric for your runner that will catch and move around with the air flow? A simple white runner, coordinated with a few plain accessories creates a timeless and elegant look.

Direction.

Elegant table
Elegant table

Runners don’t have to run in one direction only. Why not decorate your table with runners that criss-cross the table instead? Runners that are set between pairs of diners can create a romantic atmosphere, ideal for a dinner party. In fact runners can be set at any angle that you deem fit. Even in a traditional dining room you should experiment a little. Another bright idea is to use a runner for your dining room’s side furniture. If you have a sideboard, dress it with a runner made from the same material as your dining table.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.