Black Dining Tables

Why do some dining tables have a strip of cloth on it In The Middle?? It Looks Very Formal To Me!?

Here are some pics of dining table, they all have a strip of cloth in the middle.: http://www.accidentaljulie.com/knot/home/DiningRoom1.jpg http://homepage.mac.com/j.norstad/home-improvement/dining-room/dining-room.JPG http://www.1thesquare.com/images/private-dining-1.jpg i'v never seen this style before. Is it a very formal and elegant style? Where does it originate from? Anybody has any clue? IS IT FRENCH STYLE?

Public Comments

1. it's called a runner, and yes, it's pretty decorative and formal.
2. The only practical reason I could see would be so that you could put hot pans and platters on the table without worrying about damaging the finish of the table itself.
3. Yes, it comes from France. It is called a table runner in english and a travertin in French. It can be either elegant and formal (if using a shiny or damask elegant runner) or country (if using a flowery or checked runner) or zen (if using a bamboo runner) Nowadays, this style has been adopted to fit any style. It really depends on what type of furniture you have and what material you use for a runner. Keep in mind though that if you leave the runner on a wooden table that gets direct sunlight, the wood underneath the runner will change colors sooner or later....
4. It's called a table runner, and I don't know it's history. I have seen old oil paintings with table runners depicted, but that's about all I know about the history. I prefer a table runner on my dining room table. It allows the beautiful wood in my table to show, but it allows me to add a decorative touch and some color to bring the table setting together. I use a runner that doesn't extend beyond the edge of the table. I find tablecloths get pulled on too much when guests stand or sit. Plus table cloths are horrible crumb catchers and need to be cleaned after each use.
5. It is French and very formal.....but more decorative and cheaper than a full tablecloth. I wouldn't want this look on my hand-made Amish cherry table, but if you have grandmother's Queen Anne set with a breakfront....this is your look. Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens & Things have them in the tablecloth department for under $50 in several sizes.
6. Yes, I have seen it many times- including in my own dining room ;-) It is a table runner and you can find many different types, colors, fabrics- some with tassles or designs and patterns... They can be used to pull a room together and sometimes, yes, they do appear formal, but many styles just add depth to the room and table...