Runner – Table Runner
A runner is a piece of decorative cloth that extends down the length of a dining table. The runner itself is usually much longer than it is wide and is used for a semi rectangular shaped table. A runner can be used both formally and informally depending on the pattern and fabric of the runner itself. Runners can be made of silk, cotton or any other material that you choose to use. Standard runners can be bought in an array of patterns and colors. Runners can also be designed and created by a decorator who could use anything from rose petals to flower stems. Typically a flower arrangement, candles or some other type of centerpiece is placed on top of the runner which prevents hot wax, pollen or water stains from ruining your table. Runners are, in part, for decoration because they add to the style of the table but do serve some other purposes as well:
- Protects the table from hot dishes
- Adds decoration to the table
- Protects the table from water stains
- Protects the table from scratches
If you should need to place hot serving dishes on your dining room table during a dinner party the runner would prevent the scorching of the table. Obviously, the runner will not protect your table from anything if you choose to just use it for decoration, but it can really serve both purposes. Both ends of the runner hang off the end of the table so even if the centerpiece and food dishes sit on top of the runner itself, parts of it are still visible.
