Table Runners and Placemats
Table runners and placemats enhance your table setting without covering the entire tabletop. A table runner can be placed lengthways or across the table, either as a decorative centrepiece or between opposite place settings. Placemats provide an individual space for each guest's plates and cutlery.
Discover plain white table runners made from cotton, linen-cotton blends and easy-care polyester, as well as white linen-cotton placemats in practical sets. Choose according to your table dimensions, intended use and preferred care requirements.
Tischläufer, weiß, mit Atlaskante, 40x130
Tischläufer Jatta, weiß, bügelfrei und fleckgeschützt, 40x150
Tischläufer, weiß, ohne Muster, 50x130
Halbleinen-Tischläufer, weiß, ohne Muster, 50x160
6 Halbleinen-Tischsets / Platzsets, weiß, ohne Muster, 35x50
12 Halbleinen-Tischsets / Platzsets, weiß, ohne Muster, 35x50
When Should You Choose a Table Runner or Placemats?
A table runner is a good choice when you want to decorate the centre of your table or visually connect opposite place settings. Placed lengthways, it creates a space for flowers, candles or other centrepieces. Used crosswise, it can link two opposite place settings.
Placemats are useful when each guest needs an individual area for plates and cutlery. They leave more of the tabletop visible and can be placed or removed separately after each meal.
Our tip: A table runner is often the better choice for a decorative centrepiece that remains on the table. For breakfast or changing seating arrangements, individual placemats offer greater flexibility.
How Should You Position a Table Runner?
Placed lengthways, a table runner runs along the centre of the table. It can hang over both ends or lie entirely on the tabletop. For an even drop, choose a runner that is sufficiently longer than the table.
Placed crosswise, a table runner can connect two opposite place settings. Make sure there is enough space for plates and cutlery, and consider the runner's width. Narrow runners are better suited to decorative use.
Important when choosing a size: A table runner does not have to hang over the table edge. If you prefer to leave more of the tabletop visible, a shorter runner may be a better choice.
What Size Table Runner Do You Need?
- Table width 90 cm, runner length 130 cm, placed crosswise: approx. 20 cm drop on each side
- Table width 110 cm, runner length 150 cm, placed crosswise: approx. 20 cm drop on each side
- Table width 120 cm, runner length 160 cm, placed crosswise: approx. 20 cm drop on each side
The same calculation applies to runners placed lengthways. A shorter runner can also lie entirely on the tabletop.
Read Our Tablecloth Size Guide →Which Table Runner Suits My Everyday Needs?
The fabric is just as important as the size when choosing a table runner. Different materials affect its appearance, everyday use and care requirements.
Two-ply cotton is ideal for classic white table linen. Choose between a plain design and a runner with a woven satin border.
Half-linen combines cotton and linen. Its natural woven texture is a good choice if you prefer a slightly more textured appearance.
Jatta polyester is crease-resistant and stain-resistant. It is a practical option when easy care is particularly important.
Learn more about the differences in our Tablecloth Material Guide .
Four Table Runner Options
- 40 × 130 cm with satin band: durable two-ply cotton with a classic table linen appearance
- 50 × 130 cm plain white: smooth two-ply cotton without a woven pattern
- 40 × 150 cm Jatta: crease-resistant and stain-resistant for easy everyday care
- 50 × 160 cm half-linen: a linen-cotton blend with a natural fabric texture
How Much Table Space Do 35 × 50 cm Placemats Need?
Our half-linen placemats measure 35 cm in depth and 50 cm in width. Each guest has a defined space for plates and cutlery, while parts of the tabletop remain visible between the place settings and in the centre.
Example: On a table measuring 90 cm in width, two opposite placemats, each 35 cm deep, leave approximately 20 cm of space in the centre. On an 80 cm wide table, the remaining space is approximately 10 cm.
Unlike a table runner, a placemat covers an individual place setting rather than running across the table. It can be used for selected seats and removed separately after a meal.
Questions About Table Runners and Placemats
Yes. A table runner can also be placed over a tablecloth. On a plain white tablecloth, a runner with a different woven texture or a satin band can create a subtle accent. Make sure both fabrics lie smoothly and work well together.
Allow one placemat for each place setting. For a table with six regularly used seats, you will generally need six placemats. Our half-linen placemats are available in practical sets of 6 and 12.
Yes. A table runner placed lengthways can decorate the centre of the table, while placemats define the individual place settings. Make sure there is enough room for plates and cutlery and that the fabrics do not overlap awkwardly.