Table runners are an eastern tradition that just like all the other importants (Jakie Chan springs to mind, lol) which are making western culture just that little bit more 'weastern'.
They are a perfect way to compliment your table with out covering it completely like you may do with a tablecloth.
No! There is no need for that here, say for instance that you have a beautiful wood grain table that really looks the part in your home and you would like just way to serve food on to protect the wood without covering up that would grain.
Table runners.
That is what you would use in this situation, they act as the perfect go between providing protection for your table while doing it in a classy, elegant and stylish way.
But, you may have been fooled into thinking with popular culture and all that the table runner is predominantly for the table.
This is not the case, a table runner is also suitable to other pieces of furniture found in home.
Pieces like a dresser, side board cabinet, coffee tables, why not push the boat out a little bit here? As ever in contemporary design the only thing that is the barrier is you and your creativity.
The most style of table runner available today is known as Shabby Chic, this can be described as an elegant and relaxed style that is clearly very vintage.
Which the majority of high street stores not selling this popular and now in demand style, you would be more authentic in purchasing it from a local vintage or second hand store.
Get creative and notice the results.