Table Cover vs. Table Runner: Which Is Right for Your Booth?

Q: Can I wash my table cover?

Yes. GoVizly table covers are machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle. Hang to air dry. Do not put in a dryer. Stretch fitted covers are especially easy to maintain since the stretch fabric resists wrinkles even after washing.

April 29, 2026

If you have a table in your trade show booth, leaving it bare is one of the easiest ways to make your setup look unprofessional. A branded table covering instantly elevates your booth — but which one should you choose: a table cover or a table runner?

They're not the same thing, and the right choice depends on your booth setup, budget, and how polished you want your presentation to be. Here's the full breakdown.

What Is a Table Cover?

A custom table cover (also called a table throw) is a full-length fabric cover that drapes over your entire table. It hangs down to the floor on the front and sides, completely hiding the table and anything stored underneath. Your logo and branding are printed across the front and sides for full visibility from any angle.

Table covers are available in different configurations:

Open back: The front and two sides are covered, but the back panel is open. This gives you easy access to storage under the table and more legroom for staff standing behind it. The most popular option for trade shows.
Closed back (4-sided): All four sides are covered floor to floor. The cleanest, most polished look from every angle — ideal when attendees can walk around all sides of your table.
Stretch fitted: Made from a stretchy fabric that pulls tightly over the table frame like a fitted sheet. Completely wrinkle-free, no steaming required, and a sleek modern look that stands out from standard drape-style covers.

What Is a Table Runner?

A table runner is a narrow strip of branded fabric that lays across the top of your table, typically hanging down slightly over the front edge. It doesn't cover the full table — just the center strip — which means the table surface and legs are still partially visible.

Table runners are a lower-cost option that adds a branded touch without fully covering the table. They work well in situations where the table itself is attractive (like a wood or glass surface) and you want to accent it rather than hide it.

Table Cover vs. Table Runner: Side by Side

Table Cover

Covers the full table front, sides, and optionally the back
Hides table legs, storage, and anything underneath
Full branding real estate on front and sides
Professional, polished look from every angle
Best for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events
Higher price point than a runner

Table Runner

Narrow strip across the top of the table only
Table legs and sides remain visible
Smaller branding area — typically logo or tagline only
Lower cost option
Best for upscale events where the table surface itself is part of the aesthetic
Works well layered on top of a plain table cover for a two-layer look

Which One Should You Choose?

For most trade show exhibitors, a table cover is the better choice. Here's why:

Trade show tables are almost always basic folding tables — not the kind of surface you want visible. A full table cover hides the utilitarian table underneath and replaces it with a clean, branded presentation. It also gives you more branding real estate and a more polished overall appearance.

A table runner makes more sense if you're at a higher-end event where tables are already attractive (think hotel conference tables or upscale corporate settings), or if you want a lower-cost branded touch and the table surface itself doesn't need to be hidden.

Some exhibitors use both — a plain base cover to hide the table, topped with a branded runner for an accent layer. This works especially well for product launches or premium brand presentations.

Open Back vs. Closed Back: Which Configuration Is Right?

If you go with a table cover, you'll need to decide between open back and closed back.

Choose open back if:

You need easy access to storage under the table during the show
Staff will be standing or seated behind the table for extended periods
Attendees primarily approach from the front and sides

Choose closed back if:

Attendees can walk around all four sides of your table
You want the cleanest, most finished look possible
You're not using the space under the table for active storage during the show

When in doubt, open back is the more practical choice for most trade show setups. It's the most popular option for a reason.

Should You Get a Stretch Fitted Cover?

Stretch fitted table covers are worth considering if wrinkle-free presentation is important to you. Because the fabric stretches tightly over the table frame, it naturally eliminates wrinkles — no steaming or ironing before the show. The form-fitting look also feels more modern and premium than a standard drape-style cover.

The trade-off is that stretch covers are slightly more expensive than standard drape-style covers, and they need to be matched to the correct table size for a proper fit.

What Size Do You Need?

GoVizly table covers are available in 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft sizes to fit standard folding tables. Match the cover size to your table size:

4ft table: Order a 4ft cover
6ft table: Order a 6ft cover
8ft table: Order an 8ft cover

If you're not sure what size table the event provides, check your exhibitor manual — it almost always specifies table dimensions. When in doubt, a 6ft table is the most common standard at trade shows.

Round table covers are also available for cocktail and standard-height round tables — great for networking events, receptions, and corporate functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a table cover for a trade show?

If you have a table in your booth, yes. A plain folding table looks unfinished and unprofessional. A branded table cover is one of the most affordable ways to elevate your booth's appearance and reinforce your brand at every interaction.

What material are GoVizly table covers made from?

All GoVizly table covers are made from premium 9oz wrinkle-resistant polyester fabric with full-color dye-sublimation printing. The material is durable, machine washable, and holds vibrant color through repeated use.

Can I wash my table cover?

Yes — GoVizly table covers are machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle. Hang to air dry. Do not put in a dryer. Stretch fitted covers are especially easy to maintain since the stretch fabric resists wrinkles even after washing.

How do I submit my logo for printing?

Upload your artwork file at checkout or submit it after your order using GoVizly's free file upload. A free file check is included with every order — the team reviews your file and sends a digital proof before anything goes to print.

What file format should I use?

High-resolution vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are ideal. Print-ready raster files at 150 DPI or higher also work. If you're not sure whether your file is print-ready, the free file check will flag anything that needs to be corrected before printing.

How fast can I get a custom table cover?

The fastest delivery is 2 business days — select Rush Production and Overnight Shipping at checkout, place your order by 12:00 PM PT, and approve your proof by 3:00 PM PT the same day. Standard production takes 2 business days from proof approval.

Shop GoVizly Table Covers

All GoVizly table covers are printed in the USA with full-color dye-sublimation printing, rush production available, and a free file check on every order.

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Compare all sizes and styles — open back, closed back, stretch fitted, and round — side by side.

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