An exceptional table runner can transform the look of your room — adding a sense of vibrant color, elegant design, and warmth. The guide below will help you find just the right-sized table runner or French tablecloth so that your table setting looks great, whether you're enjoying a casual meal or entertaining a large group.
What table runner size?
To work out the right table runner dimensions for your dining table, measure the width of your table and divide it by three. For example, if you have a square or rectangular table that is 60 inches wide, your table runner width should be 20 inches. This will leave enough space on either side of the table so that your place settings don’t overlap with your runner.
The length of your table runner is up to you. Ideally, it should hang at least six inches over each end of your table, but shouldn’t hang further than your tablecloth. For example, if your table is 60 inches long, your table runner should be at least 72 inches long, allowing for six inches at either end of the table.
Table runners for round tables
There are two ways to lay a table runner on a round table. You can do a single table runner, laid straight across the diameter of the table, leaving two sides of the table free for place settings. The second approach is to set out two table runners in an X pattern through the center of the table, with one person sitting at either point on the X and other guests filling in the spaces in between.
For a round table runner on a round table
For a round table runner for casual dining, simply add 12 inches to get the minimum length of overhang, then add 20 inches to get the maximum length of overhang. Then select a tablecloth with a diameter between those two numbers.For a formal round table runner, add 60 inches to diameter of the table.
For a square table runner on round table
A square table runner for casual dining: buy a tablecloth that has a corner-to-corner diagonal length that is 12 to 20 inches longer than the diameter of the table.
A square table runner for formal dining: buy a tablecloth that has a corner-to-corner diagonal length that is 18 to 30 inches longer than the diameter of the table.
Sizing a table runner for a rectangular table
The best option for a rectangular table is an equally proportioned rectangulartable runner. It may be impossible to get the exact proportions, but that won’t be noticeable — your table runner simply has to be 12 inches longer than the length of your table to allow for enough drop at the ends.
To find out the right units for your table, measure the width and length of the table. You will end up with a measurement like 60 x 40 inches. Height can be included in your measurements if the table has an unusual height. 
