The Satin Table Runner

What it is and how it feels

This is a single-piece table runner made from satin. The fabric has a smooth surface and a shiny finish, so it reflects light and adds a soft sheen to your table. It is solid in color with no pattern, which makes it easy to pair with printed plates, plain dinnerware or seasonal decor. The runner is rectangular and finished on all sides, ready to lay flat as soon as it comes out of the package.

Satin drapes well, so the runner falls softly over the edge of a table instead of standing stiff. That makes it a good fit for round, oval and rectangular tables alike. It works for casual weeknight dinners and for dressier occasions such as weddings, showers, birthdays and holiday meals.

Size and fit

The runner measures 12 x 71 in (30 x 180 cm). The 12 in (30 cm) width runs across the table, and the 71 in (180 cm) length runs down the center.

A 71 in (180 cm) length suits a dining table roughly 55 to 63 in (140 to 160 cm) long, leaving a short drape at each end. On longer tables, the runner can sit in the middle as a base for a centerpiece. On smaller tables, it can hang further down the sides. If you plan to layer it over a tablecloth, choose a cloth that is wider than 12 in (30 cm) so the runner reads as a distinct band of color.

Colors

The runner comes in 22 colors: purple, royal blue, gold, ivory, white, pink, light purple, red, black, green, navy blue, light blue, brown, orange, olive green, hot pink, silver gray, burgundy, rose gold, butter yellow, baby blue and dark green.

A few ways to choose:

• Neutral tables: ivory, white, silver gray or brown keep the look calm and let food and dishes stand out.
• Holiday settings: red, burgundy, dark green or gold suit Christmas and Thanksgiving tables.
• Spring and summer: butter yellow, baby blue, light purple or pink bring a lighter feel.
• Bold contrast: black, navy blue, royal blue or hot pink make a strong center band on a white or ivory cloth.

Because satin reflects light, colors can look deeper or brighter depending on the room. Color may vary slightly from photos.

How to use it

Lay the runner down the center of the table, smoothing it from the middle outward so it sits flat. For a formal table, place it over a plain tablecloth and center a vase, candles or a bowl of fruit on top. For a casual table, use it alone with placemats on either side.

The runner also works beyond the dining room. Use it on a buffet, console, coffee table, dresser or entryway table to tie a color into the room. For weddings and parties, it can mark the head table, gift table or cake table. It pairs well with satin napkins in the same or a contrasting color.

If you want a fuller look, use two runners side by side on a wide table, or fold a single runner in half for a narrower band.

Care

Machine wash cold. Hang dry. Use a low iron if needed. Wash satin separately from rough fabrics such as zippers, hooks or heavy denim, since the smooth surface can snag. Iron on low heat, and press on the reverse side or use a pressing cloth to protect the shine. Store folded or rolled flat so the fabric does not crease deeply between uses.