Runner rugs are the perfect way to transform long, narrow areas in your home. They’re practical, add color and warmth to rooms and can even help protect your hardwood floors.
Whether you’re looking to elongate a hallway or want to bring softness to your bedroom, a modern runner rug is the perfect choice.
Hallways
Hallways often serve as a transitional space for moving between areas in your home. Adding a runner rug in your hallway can make it feel wider, tie together the style of different rooms, and add cushioning underfoot.
Consider using a neutral-colored or patterned rug to draw the eye along your hallway’s length and create an aesthetic line. Depending on the colors of your hallway walls, floors, and decorative pieces, you can choose a rug that complements or stands out.
Some runners feature a high pile for a luxurious underfoot feeling and to reduce thunderous steps and echoed “hellos.” Synthetic options such as olefin are durable, easy-to-clean, and protect against moisture. For eco-conscious homeowners, jute and sisal runners are another great choice with long fibers that are made from sustainable plants. They also provide a subtle texture and warm feel to your home. However, it is important to allow for some flooring to show around a runner’s borders to avoid a cluttered or claustrophobic look.
Entryways
The entryway is a perfect spot for a runner rug, which can keep the flooring near the door clean from snow, rain and dirt. It’s also a good way to remind people to take off their shoes as they enter, which helps preserve rugs and carpeting throughout the home.
When selecting an entryway runner rug, opt for one made of thicker fibers to stand up to more wear and tear. Consider a sustainable, fair trade pick like this Shayak Jute Accent Rug from The Citizenry, which features black-dyed natural jute fibers that hide soil beautifully.
For added durability, look for a style with low pile height, which minimizes the risk of it getting caught under doors or developing mold and mildew from moisture and grime. You can even pair an entryway runner rug with a rug pad, which prevents shifting and sliding for a more stable surface underfoot. Snag a rug pad that matches your color palette for a cohesive look.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are another space where a runner rug can add depth, warmth, and personality. They work especially well in narrow rooms to help induce the illusion of an extension to the room.
Using a runner rug in the bedroom isn’t as common as it is with area rugs, but the result looks beautiful when done correctly. If you have nightstands flanking your bed, opt for a longer runner rug that extends to the front legs of the nightstands, or shorter if you prefer a less formal look.
For a full look, choose a rug that is at least 9’ x 12’ to accommodate the size of your bed and nightstands. If you prefer a more open feel, opt for a rug that stops about 18-24 inches short of the front edge of your bed. This allows you to step out of bed onto a soft surface, rather than on the cold floor. If you have a bench at the foot of your bed, consider adding a rug that extends to this too.
Kitchens
Although kitchens typically favor bare floors, a well-placed runner rug brings warmth and color to this hardworking space. The right rug can lighten a darker kitchen, or even brighten up a neutral one. It’s a great way to soften feet after standing at the sink or chopping station all day, and offers a comfy spot for guests to take off their shoes.
If you’re worried about stains, consider choosing a flatweave runner rug that can resist spills and messes and is easy to clean. And since runners are long and narrow, you can easily keep one by the front door to welcome guests while keeping scuff marks and dirt at bay!
In important rooms like staircases, runner rugs help tie the room together while enhancing and protecting the floors. With the right design choices, these versatile pieces will become a staple in your home and make it feel more pulled together than ever. With a little thought and planning, a runner rug can be a key element in any space!