I've having table runners made to conceal wear and tear on the tops of bedside tables and various cabinets (repairing the surfaces is not possible) The runners will hang over the edges of the furniture, almost to the ground. In order to get the runners to sit well and not slide around too much, I had the idea of stitching a small pocket into each end so that a rod can be slid inside.

I'm just not sure what I could use for the rods. They would have to be cut to length and not exceed about 1 cm in thickness. Wood would probably be too light, some plastics might be dense enough but it might end up having to be metal.

The only thing I can think of so far is light gauge steel reinforcement for concrete; the type that is smooth, has no ridges and is about as thick as a pencil.

Any other ideas?

Mild steel round bar is what you want, 5-6mm should be plenty of weight, not expensive, widely available. I would sand, prime and paint them or they will rust and stain the runner cloth. Make sure they are not fully stiched in as you will want to remove them to wash the runners.

Look here to get an idea:http://www.austenknapman.co.uk/mild-steel/mild-steel-round-bar

If it were me, I'd use cone-shaped lead fishing weights. You don't even need pockets for them as they already have little eyelets attached. Cheap as dirt and available in all the fishing shops. Sewn to the backside corners, they should hold your runners in place very nicely.

Try a shop where they make stainless steel fixtures. Concrete reinforcing bar would not do as it would eventually rust and the surface is very rough. You have the right idea or were given the advice to make it easy to slide in and out for washing purposes. Rebar might prove a problem there.

If you are in town or near it, go here. Very thin good for weighting fabric is on the far left. They will cut it.

I can't figure out what that shop sells, Luther.

We've had professionally made curtains, both here and in the U.S. that came with what sure looked like lead fishing weights sewed into the interior of the hems.

But, for something like a table runner, perhaps a rod might be a good choice.

Here's another idea. You might consider a solid plastic rod. Depending on the thickness, you will have a heavier weighted rod, of course. Grungtep Plastic has meter-long roads that could work well. They're located south of the moat on Thipanet Road (one of the roads to Airport Plaza) on the east side of the street, directly across from a government bank.

Here's a streetview of their shop. https://goo.gl/maps/GIkX2

I'd probably go for an aluminum rod, no rust problems and a bit heavier than plastic. Metal merchants/shops stock the stuff and can cut to your measurements.

Where to get? From the city go over the Narawat bridge as if heading to the railway station. At the first set of lights (Not including the ones at the bridge) turn left. About 100 meters along on the right is a very good metal shop. It's where I go to get any type of metal I'm after. They also do water jet cutting which is amazing as its so accurate.

How about chain to sew/thread into the bottom lip?

Would remain flexible and allow for some draft/movement without rattling or banging around......

I agree with everyone that say's fishing weights, but I'm using something a bit easier at the moment; had my bedside tables repaired and to prevent future damage I've covered them. They're secured with bluetack. 3 months in and it's working OK, press it down as hard as possible so you can't see any bumps.

EDIT: Bluetack is only on the top edge, allowing the overhang to look completely natural.

I agree with everyone that say's fishing weights, but I'm using something a bit easier at the moment; had my bedside tables repaired and to prevent future damage I've covered them. They're secured with bluetack. 3 months in and it's working OK, press it down as hard as possible so you can't see any bumps.

EDIT: Bluetack is only on the top edge, allowing the overhang to look completely natural.

Are you using the original 'BlueTack' or one of the alternate knock-offs?

If so, where in Chiang Mai can you find the original stuff?!? I've looked high and low and can only find either the Scotch brand or the UHU brand, but no 'BlueTack.' I don't like the holding power of the knock-offs.

I agree with everyone that say's fishing weights, but I'm using something a bit easier at the moment; had my bedside tables repaired and to prevent future damage I've covered them. They're secured with bluetack. 3 months in and it's working OK, press it down as hard as possible so you can't see any bumps.

EDIT: Bluetack is only on the top edge, allowing the overhang to look completely natural.

Are you using the original 'BlueTack' or one of the alternate knock-offs?

If so, where in Chiang Mai can you find the original stuff?!? I've looked high and low and can only find either the Scotch brand or the UHU brand, but no 'BlueTack.' I don't like the holding power of the knock-offs.

I brought mine back from Australia a couple of years ago, I threw the UHU out as it was, in my opinion, no good. As it doesn't weigh much and lasts forever, it may be worth buying some from Amazon or eBay and having it mailed, but as I'm in England at the moment I'll put a couple of packs in my bag for you if you like.

Let me know.

Alternate thought (sometimes all I get).... How about the type of thin rubber they use for drawer liners.....you can cut to the size of the surface and the material adhesion between the two + the weight of anything on top should hold the runners position and double up on protection for the upper surface of your furniture.....

I agree with everyone that say's fishing weights, but I'm using something a bit easier at the moment; had my bedside tables repaired and to prevent future damage I've covered them. They're secured with bluetack. 3 months in and it's working OK, press it down as hard as possible so you can't see any bumps.

EDIT: Bluetack is only on the top edge, allowing the overhang to look completely natural.

Are you using the original 'BlueTack' or one of the alternate knock-offs?

If so, where in Chiang Mai can you find the original stuff?!? I've looked high and low and can only find either the Scotch brand or the UHU brand, but no 'BlueTack.' I don't like the holding power of the knock-offs.

I brought mine back from Australia a couple of years ago, I threw the UHU out as it was, in my opinion, no good. As it doesn't weigh much and lasts forever, it may be worth buying some from Amazon or eBay and having it mailed, but as I'm in England at the moment I'll put a couple of packs in my bag for you if you like.

Let me know.

Thanks! PM sent