Fall Table Runner Ideas That Will Transform Your Table

A fall table runner is one of the easiest ways to set the mood for the whole season. It is the foundation your centerpiece sits on and the first thing guests notice when they walk to the table.

Over the years, I have used everything from fabric I sewed myself to a painted piece of wood to a cozy blanket draped down the center. Every single one of them worked beautifully.

Whether you are shopping for something ready-made or feeling inspired to make your own, these fall table runner ideas will give you plenty of direction.

Let's start with a few I have used right here in my own home.

Fall Table Runner Ideas From My Own Home

I have found that the best table runners are often the ones you make yourself or find in unexpected places. Here are three of my favorites.

The Drop Cloth Ruffled Table Runner

This is the table runner I keep coming back to season after season. I made it from a painter's drop cloth, added a ruffled edge, and it has dressed my table for fall, Christmas, and everything in between.

It is soft and neutral, and it works with almost any color scheme.

The best part is that it costs almost nothing to make. Head over to my full tutorial, How to Sew an Easy DIY Table Runner, and I will walk you through every step.

A Chalk Painted Wood Board as a Table Runner

This one always surprises people. I took a simple 2×8 board, brushed on white chalk paint, distressed the edges with sandpaper, and laid it right down the center of my table. over layers of fabric.

The layered look of fabric under wood gives the table so much depth and texture. It is one of my favorite designer tricks, and it costs next to nothing.

You can see exactly how I did it in my Farmhouse Thanksgiving Dinner Table Ideas post.

Using a Blanket as a Fall Table Runner

You do not always need a traditional runner. On one of my favorite outdoor fall tables, I draped a soft blue faded throw blanket with fringe down the center of the table on a diagonal, leaving flat spots for the place settings. Then I laid the white chalk-painted wood board right on top.

It gave the table that layered, cozy, lived-in look that is so hard to achieve with just one piece. A blanket in fall colors, rust, cream, olive, or even a soft blue like mine, works beautifully as a runner, especially for an outdoor table.

A Block Print Table Runner

Some of the best finds happen when you are not even looking for them. On a trip to visit my friend Mel, I wandered into a little shop and found this beautiful off-white table runner with a block print pattern. It is one of those pieces that goes with everything.

Neutral and timeless, it works beautifully on a small outdoor table and pairs perfectly with simple fall centerpieces — a few gourds, autumn leaves, a candle or two. You can see it styled on my little patio table in my post, Outdoor Thanksgiving Table Decorations for a Small Patio.

Fall Table Runner FAQs:

Are Table Runners Still Trendy?

Absolutely! Table runners are a timeless piece of interior decor and a great way to show off your style. Fall table runners are a perfect choice to make your dining area feel cozy and stylish, tying the room together.

There are so many different ways to style a table runner. They are great for special occasions and daily use. Consider layering a table runner over your table cloth with a lovely table centerpiece for your next big day.

What are the Rules for Table Runners?

Traditionally, the general rules are that table runners should hang 6 inches over each end of your table, but not longer than your tablecloth. But shorter table runners, those that do not hang over the table, can be just as impactful and a wonderful way to show off the surface of your table.

You'll see some amazing options in this post to bring your own style and flair to your fall table runner. You're sure to find the right table runner for your table.

More Fall Table Runner Ideas to Inspire You

Burlap and Lace

Burlap and lace combine to make a gorgeous fall table runner from Willow Bloom Home.

This eye-catching centerpiece wouldn't be complicated to sew, but could be made from special lace. Lace from a bridal veil, or grandma's wedding dress, or an old tablecloth handed down from generations. It's a great DIY project to dress up your burlap table runner.

Plaid Blanket Runner

Sometimes chilly fall days might give you inspiration for a table runner.

Cuddling up in a blanket of beautiful colors could very well be just that inspiration. If you're looking for an alternative table runner, this is such a fun table runner idea.

This plaid blanket Katie at Baker Nest has used is cozy and astonishing.

This table runner catches your eye because of the intricate layering.

The buri table runner, with a flannel blanket from Pottery Barn folded on top, makes the perfect base for a centerpiece and other decorative elements. As you can see, plaid is available in many different colors to get the best combination for your table.

Twinkling lights add a touch of romance to this fall tablescape.

Macrame

Macrame is trending in significant ways right now. I love this table runner, B. Home Decor featured. From wall decor to plant hangers to lamp accents and table runners, you can't go wrong with this look.

Some find it easy and relaxing to make their macrame, but if that isn't your cup of tea, you can purchase these beauties in different lengths and patterns.

This table runner shown from Shannon Leahy Events would look stunning on any table. And the neutral colors generally used in macrame will work well with almost any color dinnerware.

You won't have to add much to these gorgeous fall table runners to look festive.

Striped Ticking Table Runner

I love this table runner featured by Mid Country Journal. Not much else says farmhouse decor like this striped ticking table runner. It's simple and might tie together your curtains, kitchen linens or maybe even your sofa pillows.

The muted colors allow you to add more pops of colors to your centerpiece but still capture so much beauty.

Accents of Gold

Kristine Brick Interiors stunning linen table runner has just the right amount of sparkle with its gold accents to keep all eyes on your dining room table.

Your guests would for sure be dazzled by this tablescape.

Cowhide Table Runner

Howdy cowhide! This table thinks outside of the box for sure. Megan Ann McFarland brings the west indoors with this cowhide table runner.

Bring the turkey to this table and serve it up on plates being held on guinea hen feathered chargers that add great contrast to the brown and white cowhide table runner.

Wooden Shutter

Tattered wooden shutters are the perfect rustic fall table runner.  We love to see salvaged pieces used in unexpected places, as Johnson Farmhouse did here. Layered on top of a tablecloth, this is a rustic and original table setting.

This post is focused on table runners, but we couldn't help but adore the vintage books used as a plate charger.

Maybe you can find out your guest's favorite book and use that as a charger. Or perhaps you use a dictionary (those are vintage for sure) and tear out the page that best defines your guest who will soon sit in that spot.

If you don't have a wooden shutter to use, you can also try wooden boards.

Conclusion

A fall table runner does not have to be fancy or expensive. Some of my favorite ones have been a folded blanket, a painted board, or a simple piece of fabric I sewed on a rainy afternoon. The secret is layering — start with one piece and build from there.

If you are decorating specifically for Thanksgiving, hop over to my Thanksgiving Table Runner Ideas post for even more inspiration.

Your holiday table will look amazing. What is your favorite from these fall table runner designs? I'd love to hear your unique ideas in the comments

Happy Decorating!

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