A Little Look at Runners
A Little Look at Runners
Adding a runner to your home is one of the simplest ways to add character, personality and colour to what is often an underwhelming and relatively boring space. Runners come in an endless selection of colours, patterns, widths and lengths, as you will see on Urban Rugs! Most people are hesitant to use runner rugs in hallways as they are the areas that are known for heavy foot traffic. Yet, think of the chilly evenings when you need that hallway runner to maintain the warmth, or the way it can reduce noise and keep you relaxed and even the way it prevents dirt and grit from entering your house. They say “initial impressions are lasting”, like everything else in your hallway, the runner rug is a reflection of your home’s interior design and can really be a wow factor for people entering your home.
When selecting a hallway runner, consider it as the first thing people see when they enter your home and ask yourself what mood you want to set. A runner should be matched to suit the existing décor in your home, whether that be complimenting or contrasting, it immediately sets the tone in the room. Think of it like the front cover to a book, the cover of a book sets the reader up for a mood and feeling throughout it, the same as a hallway runner allows visitors to feel welcomed and at ease.
A runner should be matched to suit the shape of your hallway. Ideally, you want your runner to have visible flooring on all sides (this is roughly 10-15cms) and stop at the end of the hallway, instead of running across to the next room.
You will need to really consider functionality when selecting a runner, ensuring you are selecting a rug that is constructed using a durable material. Let’s have a look at these materials in more detail:
Wool – Wool is soft, flame resistant and is long-lasting, meaning it can withstand heavy foot traffic and activity.
Polypropylene – This is a soft, stain-resistant material. It is also inexpensive, and its quality is similar to that of wool, so it is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as hallways.
Jute – These materials work well in high-traffic and outdoor areas and give a space a rustic and organic feel. It is important to note these are more abrasive and is less soft.
It is so important to purchase an underlay or anti-slip gripping mat when purchasing a hallway runner! It is a must-have, particularly with pets and children, as hallways are high-traffic areas and more prone to slips and falls. It will also protect your flooring and give your rug a longer life span.
Urban Rugs has hundreds of runner rugs to choose from that come in a range of materials, colours, designs and sizes! If you are looking at rectangle rugs on the website, chances are it also comes in a runner too. As always, our friendly staff are always ready to assist you with your purchasing and styling needs, feel free to contact us at any time!