Adding a hallway runner to your home is one of the simplest ways to add character and colour to what can often be an underwhelming space. These long, rectangular rugs are also the perfect solution to protecting your floors from scrapes, marks and the everyday dirt and debris that comes with entering and exiting your home.

However, there are some situations where a hallway runner may not be the best choice. Ultimately, the question of whether a hallway needs a runner will depend on the size and style of the individual home. Here are our thoughts.

Benefits Of A Hallway Runner

The hallway is one of the busiest areas of the home in terms of foot traffic. If you have hardwood flooring, a runner is a clever and cost-effective way to add a layer of protection from scratches and scuffs while not compromising on style.

Other benefits of a hallway runner include:

• Reduces noise
• Catches dirt
• Protects feet from cold, hard floors
• Helps block drafts and insulate your home
• Softens the look of wooden floors
• Adds colour and texture
• Creates a comfy, cosy feeling on hardwood floors

Other Considerations

In small, compact homes, where hallway space is limited, wall art can be a better choice to avoiding overcrowding and still have a point of interest

Hall runners can also be a trip hazard, particularly if your family consists of very young children, dogs or those with mobility challenges. Make sure you anchor your hallway runner properly with a non-slip pad underneath to avoid any problems.

A runner will also add an extra step to your cleaning routine as all rugs will need vacuuming to keep dust levels down. If you have a particularly messy household (animals, lots of muddy boots etc) consider opting for a dark, patterned runner that won’t show dirt as easily.

Types Of Hallway Runners

Hallway runners come in an almost endless selection of colours, patterns, widths and lengths. It will be the first thing people see when they enter your home, so you need to think about the mood you want to set, as well as how it will complement or contrast with your existing decor.

For example, if you have neutral walls (beige, cream or grey for example), you can easily opt for a vibrant colour or pattern.

A runner should be matched to suit the shape of your hallway, but ideally, you want your runner to have visible flooring on all sides (10-15 cms) and stop at the end of the hallway rather than cross over into the next room. The priority with a hallway runner is always coverage and functionality (i.e. not a trip hazard) over appearance.

Runner Rugs From Rugs Express

Rugs Express has hundreds of runner rugs to choose from. Just some of the colour and pattern choices include:

• Persian Hallway Runners
• Geometric Print Runners
• Shaggy Runners
• Solid Colours
• Oriental Runners
• Vintage Hallway Runners

Size options include 80cm x 300cm, 80cm x 400cm, 80cm x 500cm and 80cm x 150cm and we stock runners in a range of fabrics including wool, polyester, polypropylene, as well as non-shedding and stain-resistant options.

If you’re not 100% happy with how your rug looks and feels in your hallway, simply send it back to us for a full refund or exchange!