Runners add style and texture to any room while providing cushioning underfoot. If you want your rug to last a long time, consider choosing one made from a durable material.
Choose a dark patterned runner to hide dirt from heavy foot traffic. Or try a natural fiber like sisal or jute to bring warmth and texture to a hallway or staircase.
Runners for Hallways
A hallway runner brings warmth and softness to hard flooring and helps reduce the resonating noise of footsteps. Unlike fitted carpets however, a runner should always be laid with an appropriate underlay. This will help the runner lie flat and prevent it bunching up or creating an uneven surface which increases the risk of tripping.
Choosing a colour for your hallway runner is an important decision as it can bring a room together and affect how the space feels. Using a neutral-toned rug for a modern hallway can create a clean, crisp feel. In contrast, a bold runner could add a sense of depth and drama to a contemporary space.
For a more traditional or rustic interior look, jute, sisal and seagrass rugs are a natural choice. They work well in homes with an earthy aesthetic and also provide a durable and hardwearing option. For a more subtle, neutral option try this herringbone woven jute runner which has a soft latex backing for slip-resistance on hard flooring.
A patterned runner can be an effective choice for a long hallway as it can help to elongate the room. A striped design like this Morocco sisal rug can be used to add interest and contrast to a neutral or pared-back room and also act as a focal point. Alternatively, choose a geometric pattern like this woven polypropylene mat with a Greek key motif to bring both style and durability to a hallway.
Runners for Stairs
A runner on the stairs can add an elegant touch to a home. They can also be practical if used with carpeting that can withstand foot traffic and hide scuffs. Wool is a popular choice as it’s soft, durable and helps prevent falls but nylon and polypropylene are also good choices for high-traffic areas.
When choosing a pattern for a stair runner consider the overall look of your space and how the rug will fit in with other furnishings like furniture or wall art. You can also choose a specific color for each flight of stairs, keeping the runner consistent but changing the shade to suit each floor.
Another consideration is the size of your staircase and whether you’d like a runner that covers the entire tread (the flat surface you step on) or only the riser, leaving the back of the stairs uncovered. Stair runners can be fitted with decorative rods which add a nice finishing touch.
When measuring for a runner, you should leave between 10cm – 12cm (4 inches – 5 inches) gap on each side of the rug. Leaving too small of a gap can make the stairs feel congested while a bigger gap may make the runner appear too large for the space. If you are unsure, measure your stairs and ask for samples of a few different designs and colors.
Runners for Bedrooms
Rugs can make a big difference in your home, whether you’re connecting rooms, decorating an entryway or simply making your space cozier. They can also protect your floors from traffic, insulate the area and soften it up, all while influencing how your home looks and feels to live in.
To find a runner rug that suits your home, consider the color palette and design style of the room. Look for inspiration online and enter your color and style preferences to narrow down the options. Or, you can try the Amazon search bar to browse thousands of rug designs from various brands. The online mega-retailer is known for offering great value, and its Prime members get access to two-day shipping on all their decor needs.
Another place to shop for rugs is at the specialty online retailer Wayfair. It offers a huge selection of styles, and it also runs frequent sales that can make it easier to afford a designer rug. The best part: Most of the Wayfair rugs are designed in-house and come with a one-year warranty.
If you want a runner rug for your bedroom, choose one that matches the color and pattern of your bed and any other furnishings. Narrow runners are ideal for bedrooms that might feel crowded with anything wider. A 10′ runner rug can fit underneath your bed, or you could display it all the way up to the headboard and stop it short of the nightstands for added coziness.
Runners for Bathrooms
Bathroom rugs do more than keep your feet warm and comfortable after a shower or bath; they can set the tone for this utilitarian space. Toss a stylish rug in front of the toilet or over a long tub-side sink, and your bathroom will feel more like an oasis than a cold, tiled room.
runner rugs are crafted in a variety of materials, and the one you choose will impact the texture, absorbency, durability, thickness and design. For example, chenille bath mat runners tend to be soft and fluffy underfoot, while microfiber options are sleek and fast-drying. Some runners are low-lint and treated to resist stains; they’re perfect for bathrooms that see a lot of moisture.
Many of these rugs are machine-washable, but it’s important to check the label for specific instructions because some types of fiber can be damaged by the washing cycle. If you prefer to wash your runner by hand, use a mild detergent and allow it to air dry completely before returning it to its place.
The most popular material for bathroom rugs is cotton, because it’s affordable, quick-drying and available in many colors. For instance, this cotton bath runner from Made Trade is machine-washable and comes in a variety of sizes including a tucker size and a runner for a Jack and Jill bath or shower.