A fall runner is an easy way to change a table for the season, without buying a whole new cloth. It holds the centerpiece, and it puts a little color where people can see it. It costs you nothing in storage and it folds into a drawer.
What goes wrong is usually length. A 70-inch runner disappears on a long table, and a 108-inch one drags on a small one. So we’ve sorted these by stated size, seating where the maker gives it, fabric and care. Most are made to be used from September through Thanksgiving, and a couple are made for the meal itself.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. We have not used these runners ourselves. Recommendations rest on maker and listing details, and we say where a listing leaves something out.
Quick verdict: which fall runner to buy
Buy the DII Give Thanks Plaid Cotton Runner for a long table: it’s cotton, 14 x 108 inches, and seats eight to ten by DII’s measure. For a Thanksgiving table of its own, the Threadmade Autumn Heritage Turkey Runner has an engineered turkey design. For a small table or a sideboard, the Park Designs Rustic Fall Plaid is just 54 inches long.
Five fall runners side by side
Five that cover the main table sizes and looks, with sizes from the listings.
| Pick | Best for | Material | Size | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DII Give Thanks Plaid Cotton Runner, 14 x 108 inBest overall
|
A long table, all fall | 100% cotton | 14 x 108 in | View on Amazon |
Threadmade Autumn Heritage Turkey Engineered Runner, 13 x 70 inBest Thanksgiving design
|
Thanksgiving only | 100% polyester | 13 x 70 in | View on Amazon |
Lintex Stockbridge Pumpkin Fabric Runner, 13 x 70 inBest traditional print
|
A small table, whole season | Polyester | 13 x 70 in | View on Amazon |
Saro Lifestyle Harvest Linens Warm Plaid Runner, 16 x 90 inBest wider plaid
|
A wide table | 100% cotton | 16 x 90 in | View on Amazon |
Park Designs Rustic Fall Plaid Runner, 13 x 54 inBest short runner
|
A small table or console | Cotton | 13 x 54 in | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best fall table runner
1. DII Give Thanks Plaid Cotton Runner, 14 x 108 in – Cotton Length for a Big Table
A runner has to do two jobs: carry a centerpiece and fit the table. DII’s Give Thanks plaid does both with very little fuss. It’s 100% cotton in warm harvest tones, and at 14 x 108 inches the listing says it suits a table seating eight to ten. DII also sells it at 14 x 72 inches for smaller tables, with the same plaid across a set of tablecloths, napkins and placemats.
Layer it over a tablecloth or on bare wood, as DII suggests, then add pumpkins, candles or gourds. The maker says it helps protect a table from scratches and spills under serving dishes, though a cotton runner won’t protect against heat, so keep using trivets under hot pans. Machine wash it cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, don’t bleach it, and use a low iron if needed.
Why we like it
- 100% cotton, stated.
- Seats eight to ten at this length, per the listing.
- A 14 x 72-inch version is sold too.
- Sold by Amazon when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 5286 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% cotton |
| Size | 14 x 108 in |
| Seats | 8 to 10, per the listing |
| Care | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low |
| Weave | Plaid |
| Design | Harvest plaid |
| Lead offer sold by | Amazon.com |
Why we recommend it
Buy this if you want a plain, useful fall runner from September through November on a long table. It’s not fancy, and that’s why it works.
Skip it if you want a pictorial design. This is a plaid, with no turkeys or pumpkins.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cotton
- Clear sizing
- Matches other pieces in the line
Cons
- May wrinkle and shrink
- No heat protection
2. Threadmade Autumn Heritage Turkey Engineered Runner, 13 x 70 in – A Turkey Centered on the Table
If you want the runner to say Thanksgiving, this one does. Threadmade describes autumnal crops in brown, gold, orange, green and ivory, with an elegant turkey and a classic double border. Engineered means the design is placed for the piece and isn’t a repeating print. It’s 13 x 70 inches in 100% polyester, and the listing says it’s designed to coordinate with a wide range of dinnerware.
The maker says it’s machine washable and can be ironed to release creases. At 70 inches, it’s the length for a smaller dining table. If your table seats eight or more, this will look short. Threadmade comes from Elrene Home Fashions, according to the listing data, so it has a long linen maker behind it.
Why we like it
- Engineered turkey design.
- Machine washable and can be ironed.
- From Elrene Home Fashions, per the listing data.
- Sold by Amazon when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 194590101756 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% polyester |
| Size | 13 x 70 in |
| Seats | Not stated |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Weave | None stated |
| Design | Turkey and crops, double border |
| Lead offer sold by | Amazon.com |
Why we recommend it
This is the choice for the Thanksgiving table itself. It’s a good fit if you own plain dishes and want the linen to carry the theme.
Skip it if you want to use it through October too. A turkey is a pretty specific motif.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong Thanksgiving look
- Easy care
- Reputable maker
Cons
- Short for a long table
- Limited to one holiday
3. Lintex Stockbridge Pumpkin Fabric Runner, 13 x 70 in – A Border of Pumpkins and Sunflowers
Lintex’s Stockbridge has a pumpkin harvest border with autumn leaves, sunflowers and acorns over a subtle leaf print. It’s 13 x 70 inches in polyester that the listing describes as easy care and resistant to wrinkles and stains. Wash it in cool or warm water and tumble dry on low. The line also includes napkins and a tablecloth.
It’s a warm, traditional look and it’s more country kitchen than formal dining room. With leaves and sunflowers, it isn’t tied to one holiday, so you can use it from the start of fall through Thanksgiving. The lead offer came from Home Bargains Plus when we checked, a seller that sells several fall linens from Lintex and Newbridge.
Why we like it
- Pumpkin, sunflower and acorn border.
- Easy-care polyester, per the listing.
- Cool or warm wash, low dry.
- Matching napkins available.
Key specifications
| Model | Stockbridge |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Size | 13 x 70 in |
| Seats | Not stated |
| Care | Machine wash cool or warm, tumble dry low |
| Weave | Border |
| Design | Pumpkin harvest border |
| Lead offer sold by | Home Bargains Plus |
Why we recommend it
Choose this for a smaller table if you like a classic harvest print and don’t want to iron. It’ll carry you through the season.
Skip it if you need more than 70 inches. Look at the DII or Saro lengths instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- All-season fall design
- Resists wrinkles, per the listing
- Clear wash steps
Cons
- Polyester
- Short for a large table
4. Saro Lifestyle Harvest Linens Warm Plaid Runner, 16 x 90 in – A Wider Cotton Runner
Saro’s runner is wider than most at 16 inches, which gives a centerpiece more room and covers more of a wide table. It’s 100% cotton in a terracotta plaid, unlined, and 90 inches long. The listing says it’s hand wash, which sets it apart from the machine-wash picks. So consider how much you really want to wash it after a long fall dinner.
The listing is brief, with just a few lines on size, material and care. The terracotta color is warm and it isn’t tied to any one holiday, so it should work well beyond Thanksgiving. Unlined means it’s a single layer, so don’t count on it to protect a table from anything hot.
Why we like it
- 16 inches wide.
- 100% cotton.
- Terracotta plaid works past the holidays.
- Sold by Amazon when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 520.TC1690B |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% cotton |
| Size | 16 x 90 in |
| Seats | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash |
| Weave | Plaid |
| Design | Terracotta plaid |
| Lead offer sold by | Amazon.com |
Why we recommend it
This fits a wide table where a 13-inch runner looks thin. It’s a good choice if you like a simple woven look and don’t mind hand washing.
Skip it if you want machine-wash care. This listing says hand wash.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extra width
- Natural fiber
- Not holiday-specific
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Unlined
- Short listing
5. Saro Lifestyle Thanksgiving Jacquard Runner, 16 x 120 in – The Longest Runner Here
At 120 inches, this runner is for a very long table or for two tables pushed together. It’s a jacquard with woven autumn harvest imagery in 53% polyester and 47% cotton, and the listing says it’s machine washable and wrinkle-resistant. It’s available in multiple lengths, and it coordinates with napkins and tablecloths in the same design.
Woven imagery tends to look richer than print, and it’s reversible only if the maker says so, which it doesn’t here. Measure before buying, because a 10-foot runner on an 8-foot table drops a full foot past each end. That’s a look many people like, but not everyone. Width at 16 inches is generous too, so centerpieces and serving dishes both have space.
Why we like it
- 120 inches long and 16 inches wide.
- Woven jacquard harvest imagery.
- Machine washable and wrinkle-resistant, per the listing.
- Sold in several lengths.
Key specifications
| Model | 6702.M16120B |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 53% polyester, 47% cotton |
| Size | 16 x 120 in |
| Seats | Not stated |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Weave | Woven jacquard |
| Design | Autumn harvest imagery |
| Lead offer sold by | Amazon.com |
Why we recommend it
Buy this for a large Thanksgiving when the table runs long. It’s also the piece here most like a formal linen.
Skip it if your table is under about 8 feet. Saro sells other lengths, so buy one of those.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very long
- Woven design
- Easy care
Cons
- Overlong on most tables
- Care detail is limited
6. Park Designs Rustic Fall Plaid Runner, 13 x 54 in – A Short Runner With Tassels
Not every fall table needs a long runner. Park Designs makes this 13 x 54-inch flatwoven cotton plaid for a small kitchen table, a sideboard or a console. It has stitched hemmed sides and tassel fringe ends, and the listing says it’s lightly textured. It fits a table that seats four, by our reasoning, without hanging over the edge.
The listing covers size and material well but doesn’t say how to wash it, so go by the care label when it arrives. The check print is a plain farmhouse look that you can use all season. Park Designs, sold by its own storefront, is a long-running name in country-style linens, as far as we know. The tassels will need a little care in the wash.
Why we like it
- Short 54-inch length.
- Flatwoven cotton with tassel fringe.
- Works on a sideboard or console.
- Sold by Park Designs when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 9500-130 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Cotton |
| Size | 13 x 54 in |
| Seats | About 4, our reasoning |
| Care | Not stated |
| Weave | Plaid, tassel fringe |
| Design | Rust plaid |
| Lead offer sold by | Park Designs |
Why we recommend it
This suits a small kitchen table, an apartment or a sideboard. It’s also the pick if you want a bit of fall without a whole table setting.
Skip it if you plan to set a dining table for six or more. It won’t reach far enough.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact length
- Cotton
- Maker’s own seller
Cons
- Care not stated
- Too short for dining tables
7. DII Fringed Check Runner, Pumpkin Spice, 14 x 108 in – An Orange Check With Fringe
This is a plain woven check in pumpkin spice orange, in 100% cotton with a half-inch fringe on all sides. DII says it stays put and adds rustic texture, and that this length suits a table of eight to ten. Since it’s just a color with no motif, you can use it from September through Thanksgiving, as DII suggests, and honestly at any other time you like orange.
It’s a different product from the DII plaid above: the weave and the fringe give it a more casual look, and it doesn’t have the harvest colors or the Give Thanks name. Wash it separately and cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, and remove it just before it’s fully dry to minimize shrinkage. Don’t bleach it. A short version is sold under the same name, 14 x 72 inches.
Why we like it
- 100% cotton with 1/2-inch fringe.
- Plain orange check, no motif.
- Seats eight to ten at this length, per the listing.
- Coordinates with DII placemats and napkins.
Key specifications
| Model | 6242 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% cotton |
| Size | 14 x 108 in |
| Seats | 8 to 10, per the listing |
| Care | Wash cold, separately; tumble dry low |
| Weave | Fringed check |
| Design | Pumpkin spice orange |
| Lead offer sold by | Amazon.com |
Why we recommend it
Choose this if you prefer a color to a pattern, or if you’re building a table around pumpkins and candles and want a calm base.
Skip it if you want a formal table. A fringed check reads casual.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple color
- Long, cotton
- Stays put, per DII
Cons
- Fringe needs care in the wash
- Casual only
8. Artoid Mode Fall Pumpkins and Maple Leaves Runner, 13 x 72 in – A Cheerful Print to Start With
Artoid Mode is an Amazon-first brand with a long list of seasonal printed runners, and it’s the only one here we’d treat as purely decorative. This one has orange pumpkins and maple leaves, in 100% spun polyester that the listing gives as 210 GSM, at 13 x 72 inches. It says that suits a table seating four to six, and it’s machine washable and should be laid flat to dry.
We’d take the rest of the listing with some skepticism. It claims the runner protects a table from hot pans and that there’s no shrink or fading, and those aren’t things we can confirm, so use a trivet anyway. The designs are printed and the fabric is plain. It’s China-made, per the listing, and sold by the brand’s own storefront.
Why we like it
- 13 x 72 inches for four to six, per the listing.
- Stated fabric weight of 210 GSM.
- Machine wash, lay flat to dry.
- Many other prints in the line.
Key specifications
| Model | TableRunner |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% spun polyester |
| Size | 13 x 72 in |
| Seats | 4 to 6, per the listing |
| Care | Machine wash, lay flat to dry |
| Weave | Printed |
| Design | Orange pumpkins, maple leaves |
| Lead offer sold by | Artoid |
Why we recommend it
This is for someone who wants a printed fall runner for one season’s use, and who doesn’t need a known linen maker behind it.
Skip it if you want a linen that will last for many years. The maker names on this page with longer records are a better bet.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bright print
- Stated size and fabric weight
- Easy wash
Cons
- Amazon-first brand
- Some listing claims we can’t confirm
Which runner suits your table
Eight to ten seats: the DII plaid or DII fringed check, both 108 inches. An extra-long table: the Saro jacquard at 120 inches. A table for four to six: the Threadmade, Lintex or Artoid Mode at about 70 inches. A wide table: either Saro at 16 inches across. A small kitchen table or a console: the Park Designs.
A runner often sits on top of a cloth, so see our guides to tablecloths and placemats if you’re working out the full setting.
How to choose an autumn table runner
Length
Measure the table. Most people let a runner hang somewhere between a few inches and a foot past each end, or stop it short of the edge altogether. That’s a matter of taste. DII’s and Artoid Mode’s seat counts give a useful starting point, with 72 inches for four to six and 108 for eight to ten.
Width
Most of these are 13 or 14 inches, with Saro’s at 16. A wider runner holds bigger serving dishes and looks better on a wide table. On a narrow table, it leaves less room for place settings.
Fabric
Cotton feels natural and it wrinkles more. DII warns about shrinkage, so follow its drying advice. Polyester, as in the Threadmade and Lintex, is easy to wash and iron. The Saro jacquard is a blend, and its maker calls it wrinkle-resistant.
Pattern
A plaid or plain color runs from September through the end of November. A turkey runs for one week. If you only want to buy one, stay with leaves, plaid or a plain color.
Care
Check before you buy, since a runner under a turkey dinner will need washing. The Saro plaid is hand wash, and Park Designs doesn’t state any care on the listing. The others are machine washable by their listings.
How we picked these fall runners
We looked for fall and Thanksgiving runners from named linen makers, in stock with a new lead offer, and read each listing for size, fabric, seat count and care. We skipped picks from our main table runners guide. Artoid Mode is the page’s one Amazon-first brand. DII and Saro have two picks each, but they’re different weaves, lengths and looks.
We have not used these runners and we didn’t look for independent reviews of them, so the picks rest on listing and maker details. A few maker background lines are general knowledge, not read from a source. Listings differ a lot in how much they say. The Saro and Park Designs ones are short, and we’ve marked what’s missing.
Fall table runner questions, answered
What size table runner do I need?
DII gives 14 x 72 inches for four to six seats and 14 x 108 inches for eight to ten. Artoid Mode also says 13 x 72 inches suits four to six. Measure your table, then decide how much overhang you want.
Should a table runner hang over the edge?
It’s your choice. Some people like a foot of drop at each end, and others stop just short of the edge. There’s no rule from these makers, and either works.
Can I use a table runner on top of a tablecloth?
Yes. DII says to layer its runner over a tablecloth or bare wood, and a plain cloth with a patterned runner is an easy way to do it.
Can I machine wash a fall runner?
Most of these, yes. DII says machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, and Threadmade and Lintex are machine washable. Saro’s cotton plaid is hand wash, and Park Designs doesn’t state care on its listing.
Does a runner protect the table from hot dishes?
Not by itself. DII says its runner helps protect against scratches and spills, but a fabric layer isn’t a trivet. Keep using one under hot dishes, whatever a listing says.
Our final pick for the fall table
For most long tables, the DII Give Thanks plaid is the easy choice, and the Threadmade turkey is the one for Thanksgiving itself. For year-round options, see our guide to the best table runners, and for what goes with it, the best cloth napkins. And when no one wants to cook on a cool fall night, you can call to order from Julia’s.