Personally, I like table runners that hang over the edge of the table, but the amount doesn't matter so much. I have some that hang over a few inches, and some that hang 6-8 inches on each side. If the runner goes over a tablecloth, of course, it should hang over the same amount as the tablecloth. I have often found that I have trouble finding runners long enough - have you found any longer than 72 inches? If you find one you like that is too short, you can always run it the width of the table instead of the length....

Thanks carajon, I only have one runner right now being used elsewhere but I tried it and it doesn't even come close to the ends of the table and it looked kinda funny, thats why I asked. I would think it would be hard to find one say 80" long?

Do any of you put runners on coffee tables?

I am always on the lookout for longer table runners -it seems hard to find one longer than 72". But they are easy to make, and you can make them any length you want out of any fabric you want. If you don't sew, you can just use the seam tape that irons right on. Pointed ends with tassles are a nice touch...

Here are runners as long as 108" from Horchow. Lots of colors, great prices, and monogramming is elegant, imo.

sferra table linens