We’ve all seen it in movies: a glamorous movie star waltzing down a staircase complemented by a lush carpet runner. You can bring that same elegance and dimension to your own home with the right rug.
Runner rugs are great for transition areas like hallways and foyers. But they’re also a good option for cozy rooms like kitchens and bedrooms.
Hallways
Hallways are often long and narrow areas that connect rooms, making runner rugs the ideal solution to add style and warmth. They are also heavy traffic areas so choosing a hard-wearing natural fiber like sisal, seagrass, jute or a wool flatweave rug is important to stand up to constant footfall. A neutral patterned or colorful hallway runner will instantly make the space feel welcoming and also help to hide dirt and lint until you can clean it.
For a stately hallway consider adding an antique rug to elevate the look of your home or a beautiful hand-knotted Persian runner to create an elegant and luxurious statement. Generally, a hallway runner rug should be several inches shorter than the length of the hall to avoid making the area feel too crowded – especially when furniture is placed at both ends. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things minimal, opt for a plain textured runner rug that will blend seamlessly with your hallway decor.
Living Rooms
Living rooms are a great place to add a runner rug because they typically have larger pieces of furniture that stand out from the wall and set an aesthetic tone. This means a runner rug is able to help coordinate the space and tie all of the elements together in a way that feels cohesive and complete.
You can use a runner rug to tie in a color palette and complement pre-existing decor, like a wooden bench or bed frame. For example, if you have a Southwest style theme in the bedroom, try a southwestern wool runner rug in orange or brown to bring the look together.
Runners can also be used to highlight a piece of furniture, like a large coffee table or elegant sofa. If you have a traditional style, try a wide brown oriental runner rug to add an elegant flair to the room without drawing too much attention away from other pieces of furniture in your space.
Kitchens
Kitchens often feature hard surfaces that benefit from the softening touch of a rug. Unlike other rooms in the home, it’s less important that the rug perfectly align with furniture and walls here. A runner rug can run the length of the island or fill a narrow space between cabinets and counters.
Like all rugs, runners are available in a wide array of colors and styles. If your kitchen is primarily neutral, a simple runner mat offers a design-savvy opportunity to add a splash of eye-catching color. Look for geometric patterns in eye-catching shades or a rich palette of appetizing reds and oranges.
For a kitchen rug that’s functional as well as fashionable, look for options made of durable materials that resist stains and can be easily cleaned. Foam mats provide comfort and cushioning for standing, while polypropylene or PVC rugs resist spills and moisture. Sisal or jute flatweave styles add natural appeal and are easy to maintain.
Bedrooms
A bedroom rug runner can help to add warmth and personality to your personal space. It can also be used to help protect your bare floors from damage. Sharp objects can easily nick and scratch wood flooring, especially when they are not covered with a rug.
Rug runners can be positioned either side of the bed or at the foot of the bed. If you choose to place one in front of the bed, be sure that it is not too close to the frame as this can cause the area rug to appear small and cluttered.
Bedroom rugs are ideal for narrow rooms as they allow you to add depth and excellence while still creating a spacious feeling. Consider using a patterned runner, like the Rosie Runner from Sonya’s, to bring in the colours and shapes of nature into your space or if you prefer something neutral go for a faded pattern rug like the Landscape from Mindy Gayer Design.