Uzbek ikat table runners are Uzbekistan’s contribution to the art of dining table decoration. We use special textiles that we have – ikats! You can love table runners or hate them but one things is clear – they are essential to creating a beautiful dining table setting.
Historic background: how table runners came to life
Back in the Middle ages, when tablecloth was used only in aristocratic circles, table manners and table etiquette was also limited to the same circles. Those were the times when eating slowly using silverware was quite a new idea to most people. Tablecloth by now was a table necessity, the ends of which were often used as napkins to wipe mouth and the fingers by unsophisticated masses. By the way, napkins came to existence as a response to women (and men?) getting sick and tired of laundering grease stains off the tablecloths.
Other parts of the tablecloth also needed protection from spills and drools. Still gaining stability in holding spoons and forks, new adopters of table etiquette spilled and dropped food on tablecloths. Washing the entire tablecloth after each meal was time, water and soap consuming. Once again, human need for energy preservation invented a new table accessory – this time a table runner.
The original purpose of a table runner was purely utilitarian – to protect tablecloths and to decrease tablecloth washing. Inventors of table runners spread them on a tablecloth before the meal and gathered them after the meal for washing. This is how they kept a tablecloth clean longer.
Practicality meets decorative function
With time table runners became not only a practical table accessory but also an essential table decor. These days table runners are a key table décor item. They create a theme by being a focal point on a dining table.
By the 15th most of the Europe used both tablecloths and table runners.
How to decorate using Uzbek ikat table runners
Laying a table runner lengthwise
Ikat table runners are a simple way of decorating a table. Pairing a tablecloth with a beautiful Uzbek ikat table runner may be all you need to create a beautiful dining atmosphere. The most traditional way of using table runners is placing them right in the middle of the table. They create a focal point of the dining table. Floral arrangements with fruits, candles and vases make that focal point even more attractive and beautiful.
Using ikat tables runners widthwise
In decorating your dining table you can create a very different and fresh dining look by placing several table runners widthwise. This placement of table runners gives a rhythm to a dining table and it looks beautiful on long tables. In this placement, if the runners are wide enough they can replace place mats.
Short table runner
Short runners are the one that are placed in the middle of the table but don’t cover edges of the table. These runners serve as a base of centerpiece. Using a table runner with a centerpiece will accentuate a centerpiece and will put all table décor together. There are times when a table runner becomes a short runner out of necessity. Say, you fell in love with Uzbek table runner, you love the colors but it is too short for your dining table. You still use the runner but as a base for your centerpiece.
“X” placement of table runners on a round table
For round tables you can use two table runners by layering one on top of another creating an “x” in the middle. For each side of a runner you place a table setting and then finish the look by placing a centerpiece on an “x”.
Table runners look the best when they are placed over a tablecloth, however, there are no strict rules on how to use and decorate with table runners. You can be as creative as you wish to be using flowers, fruits with vases, candles and other decor with your ikat table runners.
Themed table runners
For a themed table decoration the easiest way to create a theme is by using a themed table décor. For example, to create a Christmas ambiance you don’t have to re-decorate the whole room. You can simple replace some pillows, add a table runner, place a poinsettia as a centerpiece and voila, you are all set for holidays.
Our ikat table runners are fabulous for boho and eclectic table settings or just any setting where you want to showcase out-of-this-world beauty of artisanal Uzbek ikat table runner.
Fabrics we use
There are two types of fabrics we use for making our Uzbek ikat table runners. Front fabric is handloom woven 50% cotton and 50% silk ikat fabric from Margilan, Uzbekistan. For the backing we used a simple cotton fabric.
Both fabrics are products of Uzbekistan. The tailor who made these runners – a fabulous cheerful woman named Gulchekhra – lives and works in Tashkent.
We currently have 5 types of ikat table runners in stock which you can view in Table Decor section of our store.
Caring for Uzbek ikat table runner
Ikat fabric used for this table runner is hand washable in cold water with a mild detergent. Please wash the table runner separately. Hang it to dry and iron with a warm iron.
