Runner rugs are extremely versatile rug models, suitable for many rooms in the house. They are usually shorter than a typical rug and have a low thread count, making them attractive for more abrasive carpeting. While its cousins, normal-sized area rugs, are more renowned and acclaimed by homeowners around the globe, it should be noted that runners have plenty of benefits and work perfectly in several areas of the home, such as the kitchen, the bedroom, or the staircase.    

In this article, we discuss what is a runner rug exactly, what styles are in which you could find a runner rug, and two special areas they could be placed in; the hallway and the staircase. Furthermore, we offer some advice on how to install one. There are many different runner rug options for any taste, and they are a simple decorating addition that is sure to add some color and charm that you won't regret!       
 

Tips to enhance your home & hallways using Runner Rugs         

The hallway is one of the most trafficked areas of your home, and if it is not given the right care, it can show wear and tear faster than any other space. Adding a runner rug to your hallway will not only help you maintain this trafficked area safe and sound but also add a much-needed layer of style to the room!    

Whether you're looking for a contemporary style, featuring quiet and elegant colors as in blue runner rugs or grey runner rugs for your hallways, or something more traditional, such as oriental rug runners for the hallways, you are bound to find the exact rug you are looking for.      

What is a runner rug?               

A runner rug, also known as a hallway runner, is an area rug that is normally installed in a hallway, although it is possible to place it in many other areas of your home. You can find, for instance, runner rugs for kitchen floors or stair rugs. They are typically rectangular in shape, long and narrow.    

Runner rugs are different from most house rugs because their design is not subject to wear and tear. If you have small children or pets in the home, you don't need to worry about the rug getting ruined by scratches or stains that could damage the floor underneath.            

Runner rugs styles      

Usually, runner rugs feature a flat pattern. That is to say, they are often plain colored, for they are not designed to be the centerpiece of your home, but rather a quiet but welcoming complement. Vintage-looking runners are probably found in this category. An example of this tendency could be a muted oushak runner, which you can put over the dark hardwood flooring of your home.      

There is, however, a big variety of runners, and among the wide list, there is a high probability you will find baroque or rather eccentric runner rugs to give a pop of color and personality to your home. Persian hallway rugs are perfect for homes in which white or cream colors are predominant.      

How to decorate a long narrow hallway?                               

One of the most popular areas to install a runner rug is the long narrow hallway that connects two main areas of your home. When it comes to decorating a rather long hallway, you have to consider the size of the runner you will purchase, for a poorly sized one will make your hall look disjointed. A cut-to-size runner rug could be useful in these situations.    

However, for very long corridors, you can find extra-long hallway rug runners, such as 12-foot hallway runner rugs. Keep in mind that they must be rather narrow, for there must be at least 3’’ between the wall and each side of the rug, and that the hallway rug size should always be one foot shorter than the length of the hallway, so it is centered.    

How to decorate a short narrow hallway?            

As small hallways are more common, there is a wider variety of small hallway rugs to be chosen and displayed in the hallway. For very small hallways, you could pick a 3x6 runner rug, which is often designed to be placed in small spaces, such as kitchens, bedsides, or small living rooms. However, they will work perfectly in your hallways.    

Tips to Utilize the Narrow Corridors in a Better Way                  

It is easy to have a cluttered and chaotic hallway, but with a bit of creativity, you can turn one of your hallways into a rustic retreat. Changing the look of the hallway itself will help with its ambiance. Consider adding a runner rug that adds colors and textures to bring more life and texture. Runner rugs make it easy to transition from one room to another because they are lightweight and easily moveable, too!      

Your hallway is good enough, but the idea of turning it into a new design using rugs and decorative items can be very satisfying. Narrow corridors are made automatically spacious with a runner rug that goes in the middle of it, creating the visual idea there is a lot of space on each side of it.      

What can you put on the stairs instead of the carpet?                   

Most homeowners and design experts are rather inclined to choose carpet to put over their home's staircase, however, this tends to be a mistake, as there are many other viable options, such as attractive, decorative stair runners.    

Stair runners are available in various styles and designs, suitable for every home and décor taste. From classic braids to modern patterned ones, they can be found in a vast array of textures and materials to suit any desired level of elegance or budget. With so many varieties at hand, it is easy to find the perfect one for your own particular needs and preferences.    

A stair runner rug is a perfect way to enhance your staircase without compromising on the comfort levels within your home.                         

Should the stairway carpet have a pad underneath?          

As with almost any other type of rug, a stairway runner rug can be placed directly onto a bare floor without the need for a pad. However, it is generally a good idea to place some sort of padding underneath it, just in order to give it an extra layer of protection and for safety considerations.          

Adding a pad underneath the runner rug could also make the installation process of a runner rug easier:              

How to install a runner rug on stairs?        

In order to fit a stair runner on a staircase, you can follow simple steps:      

Make sure you have a runner that is long enough to cover the entire length of the staircase. Be sure you are buying one that is long enough, or you could end up having to piece several rugs together, which will never look as good as a single runner would have.       
Once you have your extra-long runner, you can roll it up and put it on the end of the staircase.        
Fit the rug pad over the steps of the staircase. Once you are done you can proceed to place the rug from the bottom of the stairs up, making sure the rug is secure over the pad.        
Use a carpet tool to fasten the runner on the corners of each step.       
Enjoy your newly decorated staircase       
 

How to find the right runner           

Now that you might have decided to include a runner rug in your interior decorations scheme, you might be seeking a rug that has a specific size and style so to best fit the colors, size, and overall style in your home. This may seem to be a hard task, for there does not seem to be a lot to choose from when searching for a runner rug.  

However, the perfect place to find all the variety you need is definitely Magic Rugs, where you will be able to easily find gorgeous pieces to complement your décor. We have curated a collection of beautiful, authentic runner rugs that you will surely be pleased with.