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Many homeowners love the warm, welcoming charm of the farmhouse style– what better way to achieve that than with a farmhouse table runner? Whether you're hosting a family dinner or simply aiming to spruce up your dining area, a table runner can elevate the ambiance of any room.
In our review, we looked at each of the best farmhouse table runners' design, material type, and length. Our favorite is the Wracra Farmhouse Burlap Table Runner because of its premium cotton material and chic, handmade fringe design.
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The Best Farmhouse Table Runner Buying Guide
Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide to answer all of your table runner questions and help you choose the right table runner for your home and occasion.
What Is a Farmhouse Table Runner?
A farmhouse table runner is a table runner that is predominantly used for farmhouse-style tables. However, they can be used on any surface. Farmhouse table runners often have a rustic appeal and a rugged finish to adequately complement mid-century modern interiors and add a vintage touch to any rooms’ surroundings. Often coming in patterns like check, plaid, and boho designs, farmhouse table runners are chic and timeless.
Why Do You Need a Farmhouse Table Runner?
Farmhouse table runners are a vital element for indoor and outdoor tablescapes. Here are some reasons why you should buy a farmhouse table runner for your next dinner or event.
Decor
Uncovered farmhouse tables with vintage wooden details and distressed elements look great on their own. However, a home stylist would recommend adding a pop of style to your table by adding a festive or timeless table runner down the table’s center. Without the table runner, your farmhouse table appears simple and possibly a tad boring. However, adding a farmhouse table runner can add an extra oomph to the existing decor. Plus, when used with decorative items, such as vases and candles, table runners can highlight these items and help them stand out.
Protection
Wooden farmhouse tables can be easily damaged due to spills, scratches, and hot dishes or pans on their surface. Daily wear and tear is also a common problem. However, a farmhouse table runner will protect your table by adding a layer of cushioning between damaging forces, such as liquids, hot pans, and other elements of everyday use.
Complements the themes
Table runners add depth to the existing decor by adding details, colorways, and unique patterns. Usually, farmhouse table runners feature rustic elements, such as crocheting and earthen textures, as well as shabby elements like handmade tassels. While they add to the design of the room, table runners can also be easily changed for special occasions and parties. For instance, a plaid table runner gives off the vibes of a summertime picnic and complements the farmhouse tables at outdoor summer parties.
Highlights the table
Unlike a full tablecloth, farmhouse table runners do not conceal the beauty of the underlying wooden tables. Because the runner only covers a small strip down the table’s center, there’s still a significant amount of the table visible to allow your guests to appreciate the table’s rustic wooden look. Table runners highlight the table, without canceling it.
Versatile
Farmhouse table runners are meant to be used for farmhouse tables, but they have a wide array of uses around the house. For instance, you could use a runner on a long coffee table, on an outdoor table, or even on a small sofa table.
How To Choose the Perfect Farmhouse Table Runner?
Here are a few factors to consider that will help you narrow in on the right farmhouse table runner for your home and event:
Length
The width of table runners is pretty standard and is usually between 11 - 14 inches. The width provides coverage in the middle third of the farmhouse table. However, depending on the size of your table, the length varies and must be measured to select the right table runner. Traditionally, a table runner hangs off of both sides of the table. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a table runner that is longer in length than the size of your table.
Fabric
Natural fabrics, including cotton, twill, burlap, and jute, are the perfect choice to match the rustic look of a wooden farmhouse table. All of these fabrics help maintain an effortless, countryside look.
Colors
Farmhouse table runners come in a variety of colors. However, to complement the vintage and rustic vibes, more natural and neutral colors are advised. A farmhouse table runner ought to be nude, black, white, and other earthy shades to maintain a classic look and to complement the color of the table’s wood.
Details
Farmhouse table runners should have a country-style look, which is achieved by including elements like tassels, fringes, pompoms, and crochet laces. Moreover, the runner should also feature a woven texture to give it a timeless feel. These textures or patterns can be braided, woven, or stitched and they add a variation to the table’s look.
Ease of care
Several farmhouse table runners require hand washing only and some are suitable for machine washing. However, machine washing your table runner may damage the fabric and adversely affect its durability. Handwashing, on the other hand, can be inconvenient and time-consuming. We recommend choosing a table runner that can be safely washed in a machine on a gentle cycle to preserve its lifespan.
How To Style Your Farmhouse Table Runner?
Whether it’s an everyday dinner or a special occasion, throwing a farmhouse table runner on your wooden farmhouse table is an effortless way to add visual appeal. However, the ideal styling depends on the occasion.
Ideally, a farmhouse table runner should be styled to enhance the beauty of the underlying table and the room. For casual and formal dinners, it’s essential to pair the table runner with matching or contrasting placemats that complement the overall theme of the occasion. Similarly, a stylish farmhouse table runner makes a statement all on its own for large parties and there’s no need for additional placemats or decorations.
Keep in mind that a single central table runner can look great on its own. However, for smaller groups of two or four people, the table runner can be placed in a criss-cross manner using two table mats. Plus, using additional details like twine and retro decor items, such as vases and flowers, will enhance the appeal of your table runner.
Top Picks
Best Overall:
Wracra Farmhouse Burlap Table Runner
Most Classic Design:
Dii Classic Farmhouse Table Runner
Most Color Variety:
Yourtablecloth Checkered Farmhouse Table Runner
Best Reversible Pick:
Senneny Plaid Farmhouse Table Runner
Best Knit-Pattern:
Kimode Farmhouse Boho Table Runner
Farmhouse table runners are not out of fashion. It’s safe to say the trend is here to stay due to their functional and aesthetic appearance.
How do I care for my farmhouse table runner?
Care and maintaining your farmhouse table runner is best done by following the instructions on the tag. However, always remember to shake off the crumbs after every use and spot clean any spills. We recommend regularly washing your table runner every two weeks or once a month to keep it looking fresh and ready for any event.
Do I need to use a tablecloth under a table runner?
No, tablecloths and table runners do not have to be used together; in fact, each can be used on their own to style any table. However, whether you’re using a tablecloth or a runner, we recommend also using placemats to give your table a complete look.
