Table Runners & Placemats

Table runners and placemats protect a kitchen table from hot plates, spills and scratches while adding a bit of colour to everyday meals. They’re also one of the cheapest ways to change the look of a table between seasons.For a runner, aim for a length that leaves around 15 to 30 cm hanging over each end of the table, and a width of roughly a third of the tabletop. Cotton and linen look relaxed and wash well, while wipe-clean vinyl or PVC placemats are hard to beat with young children at the table. Round placemats suit round tables and smaller kitchen-diners, and rectangular ones line up neatly along a long table. A patterned runner with plain mats in a similar tone looks pulled together without being fussy.Get more ideas in our guide on how to style a table runner, or browse all kitchen textiles.