Table Topper

Sometimes you want a splash of color and fabric to bring all of the elements on a table together and table runners are just the answer:

• Runners allow you to see a beautiful table instead of hiding it beneath a tablecloth. While the table runner concept isn't new, the colors and materials are. Rich velvets in deep, luxurious colors or delicate fabrics like raffia give a soft, romantic feel.
• Tassels, fringe, gold threading and embroidery create decorative exclamations for tables.

Figure A

Use table runners to enhance a dinner party such as a bamboo one for an island-themed meal. It makes guests feel special and the room a little more festive (figure A).

For an unexpected surprise, lay a runner crosswise or let them flow over and onto the dining room chairs.

Use table runners in unusual places such as on a bedroom desk, on top of a tablecloth, on sideboards, mantels and ottomans--anywhere that would benefit from a splash of color and warmth.

	Figure B
	Figure C

Change the look of a chair without reupholstering by placing a runner down the center and accenting it with pillows (figure B).

Hand-painted runners make quite a colorful splash with fluid designs on sueded rayon that looks like velvet, suede and silk (figure C).

Put decorative accents like dried flowers or leaves between layers of copper wire mesh and paper (for backing) to create an inexpensive decorative runner.

red, gold and purple velvet runners; gold threaded runner; velvet runners with gold; red silk runner on desk; leopard print runner on ottoman; bamboo table runner (Z Gallerie)

Resources
handpainted table runners
Bethanie Brandon Design
25 Zephyr Court
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 415-492-9003
Fax: 415-492-9216
Email: bethaniebrandon@aol.com
URL: www.thedesignpatch.com

table runners - Belle Maison
pink runner, blue runner with beads, green raffia runner, blue toile runner, blue check runner, runner on sideboard
Belle Maison
100 Leverington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215-482-6222

table runners - Z Gallerie
Z Gallerie
Website: www.zgallerie.com
Guests
Lana Bolton
Representative, Z Gallerie
131 N. La Cienga Blvd. #820
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 310-659-8102
Email: customerrelations@zgallerie.com
URL: www.zgallerie.com

Bethanie Brandon
Interior Designer, Bethanie Brandon Design
25 Zephyr Ct.
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 415-492-9003
Fax: 415-492-9216
Email: bethaniebrandon@aol.com
URL: www.thedesignpatch.com

Michelle Keating
Owner, Belle Maison
100 Leverington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215-482-6222

Kelly Hoppen
Homeowner/Proprietor
Kelly Hoppen Interiors
2 Munden Street
London W14 ORH
Phone: 011 44 20 7471 3350
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-110
•	Using Concrete Inside the Home
•	Decorative Screens
•	Table Topper
•	Night-Lights