12 Tips on How to Choose a Hallway Runner

Hallway runners are an incredibly important home feature providing the first impression of your home, uplifting your style, creating a welcoming feel, and providing functionality in your space. We have broken down the complexities of selecting the best hallways runners into 12 handy tips on how to choose a hallway runner of the right size, material, style and colour for you. So read on to find the best hallways rugs for your home that are inviting, impressive and long-lasting.

Tips on Hallway Runner Sizes

The first thing to consider when selecting the best hallway runner is the size of your home’s entrance space.

1. Accurately Measure Your Floor Space

Choose a hallway runner that is both functional and intentional. To do this, measure the width and the length of your hallway, and seek out a runner that will leave approximately ten to thirteen centimetres of floor space on all sides. Not only will this frame your space nicely, but it will also ensure your runner’s edges will not curl up. If you do opt for a smaller runner, make sure to centralise it in the space.

2. Consider Your Hallway Furniture

Another important consideration when looking for the best hallway rug is the furniture that is in your hallway. Perhaps you have a coat rack, a shoe cabinet, or a sideboard. Ideally, such furniture should not be placed directly on the runner; this will better protect your rug, frame your space better, and prevent your hallway from looking cramped.

3. Leave Enough Space for Doorways

You need to factor indoor clearance when thinking about the size and placement of your runner; otherwise, your hallway will not be functional, and your doors may damage your rug.

Tips on Hallway Runner Materials

There are many different material options available when selecting hallway runners, but it is important to choose a material that works best for your household.

In many cases, hallway runners experience high traffic with family members, visitors, and pets traipsing in and out of the house; therefore, the best hallway rugs should ideally be made from a material that is durable and easy to maintain.

4. Polypropylene is a Great All-rounder

Polypropylene rugs are durable, tough and won’t snag. They are also easy to clean, and because it is a man-made fibre, it resists moisture which is ideal for your home’s entrance space during the wetter and colder seasons.

5. Wool Rugs Have a Multitude of Benefits

If you are seeking a natural runner, a woollen runner is a good option. Although wool rugs are typically a pricier option and can shed, they are very durable, hypoallergenic and long-lasting as long as you know how to care for your sheepskin rug properly. Wool rugs have lots of benefits – they are easy to clean and will provide your hallway with a warm and soft welcome space.

6. Choosing Sustainable Natural Options

A seagrass runner is a durable option as its waxy coating makes it easy to clean. Plus, it would perfectly suit a home with a natural, earthy aesthetic. Sisal is a tough fibre and can often offer a wide design choice because it is easy to dye. What’s more, 100% Sisal rugs are naturally stain resistant, making them ideal for busy hallways.

Tips on Hallway Runner Pile

It is also a good idea to consider the pile density of your runner and how this can impact your choice when selecting the best rug for functionality.

7. Choose a Rug with a Higher Density Pile for Durability

A higher density pile simply means the rug material is looped and stitched tightly together to form a secure structure that can better withstand high foot traffic, reduce the noise and echoing of heavy footsteps, and perform well long-term.  Our flatweave rugs are a great example – they are easy to maintain and can handle even the busiest hallway without losing their aesthetic.

Tips on Hallway Runner Design

From contemporary hallway runners to traditional and bohemian hallway runners – it is important to choose a design that seamlessly marries with your interior style, elevates your space and provides a great first impression of your home.

8. Embrace the Stripes

When it comes to design, striped hallway runners are considered the best hallway rugs. Stripes that are lengthways give the illusion of an extended and bigger space which is great if you are working with a narrow or smaller space.

9. Geometric Designs for Contemporary Hallways

Adding a bold geometric designed runner to your hallway creates contrast and enhances the contemporary design with strong architectural lines and patterns, while helping the space feel more inviting and homely.

10. Floral Designs for a Statement Piece

A more traditional eastern-inspired floral hallway runner can work well in bohemian or vintage style homes, while bold and vibrant floral hallway rugs are best when paired with modern or contemporary furnishings.

Tips on Hallway Runner Colour

Next, you need to consider how to use complementary colours when selecting the best hallway runner for your interior style. Rug colours have a significant impact on bringing interior designs together while influencing how a space makes you feel. When choosing your runner’s colour, you want to select a rug that will complement the existing colour palette in your space, therefore creating a statement that looks intentional.

11. Use Lighter Colours to Increase the Illusion of Space

Opting for a lighter colour can make even the smallest hallway look and feel bigger by reflecting any natural light. Choosing a runner with a solid, light colour, such as our Padstow Cream Modern Wool Rug, is ideal for narrow hallways, while lighter and more neutral tones marry well with a bohemian décor style.

12. Use Deeper Tones for Warmth

A deeper colour for your hallway runner, however, can make your space feel cosy and warm, which creates an inviting and homely entranceway, particularly through the cooler seasons. Another benefit of darker, colourful runners is that dirt will not show up as easily, which is good for a rug that could welcome dirty, muddy shoes.

Now that you know how to choose a hallway runner that will excellently complement your style, function well in your space, and give a great first impression, you can browse our beautiful collection of hallway runners to give a warm welcome to your family and friends. We recommend putting a non-slip mat underneath your chosen hallway runner to ensure it stays safely and securely in place.

You can also head to our blog for more tips and guides, from advice on rugs and underfloor heating to the most durable rugs.