Hallway Runner Buying Guide
If you are reading this blog you might be considering whether or not you need a hallway runner. There are many benefits to putting down a hallway runner, not only do they look great, they will also protect your floor. A hallway is generally a high traffic area which will attract lots of dirt and debris from outside. A good runner will help collect these particles from the floor and stop them being spread further throughout the house. When used in entry ways, they can be used to set the tone for the rest of the home. They are also a great noise insulator and protect your floors from UV damage.
Step 1: Always measure first.
Carnival White Transitional Runner Rug
As a general rule its good to have a 10 - 15 cm gap of visible flooring around the runner on all sides. Its also no problem if you have a larger gap of floor visible at each end if your hallway is a little longer.
Our runners come in sizes of 3m, 4m and 5m long and 80cm wide which should be suitable for most hallways. (To look at sizing just click on the runner you like then look for the drop down "size" menu on the product page) If you have a very long hallway you can easily use two smaller runners and just join them half way. They are fine just sitting next to each other but another option is to have them professionally joined by an over locker.
A common question we are asked is if we have custom sized runners, the answer to this is no we don't, as all our runners come pre-cut from the manufacturer.
Step 2: Decide on your material
Choosing what your rug is made of is an important consideration in the journey to choosing your ideal runner. Below is some information on different materials.
Wool: Hardwearing and soft, wool is still the gold standard fibre in rugs and for good reason, it will last for years and its luxurious underfoot. Great for high traffic areas. Wool is a little less stain resistant than synthetic fibres so we recommend cleaning stains as soon as you notice them. The drawback with wool is generally they can cost a bit more than synthetic rugs.
Heatset Polypropylene: Feels very soft to the touch and is one of the hardest wearing piles. This fibre is also very stain resistant so great for high traffic areas.
BCF Polypropylene: Generally our cheaper rugs are made from this process. These rugs are well priced but wont wear as hard as the more expensive Heatset Poly and Wool rugs. That said however they will last for years if cared for and are very inexpensive so you can update the look of your hallway without breaking the bank.
Jute/Sisal: Jute and sisal rugs have a natural look that can really bring and organic feel to a hallway. While these rugs are very hard wearing its important to note they will are a little harsher underfoot than some of our other rugs and also can stain easier like all natural rugs so its important to clean up stains as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Choose your style and colour
This is where you personal preference should come into play, look at choosing a hallway runner that will match the style and decor of your home.
Styles
Traditional Runners: These tend to go very well with wooden floors, it will give the hallway a rich inviting feel. If your home has a more traditional style of decor then this style of runner can be a great choice.
Modern Runners: Modern runners go very will with both tiles and and wooden floors. Keep in mind if you are choosing your runner for an entryway then the runner will set the tone for the style in the rest of the house.
Natural Fibre Runners: These runners have more of a natural look to the them and have some great earthy tones for an inviting feel.
Colour
Again this will certainly come down to preference but we can offer some tips to help you choose a great colour for your hallway runner.
If your hallway is painted in a fairly neutral colour like white or grey, consider using a brighter bolder colour to add some flair to the space.
You should also consider your colour scheme for the rest of the house and choose a colour that will tie in with your other rugs and decor.
If you have more of a bright colour scheme it can be a good idea to just pick a runner that is similar colour to your flooring and it will blend right in.
Step 4: Other considerations
Do I need a rug pad?
Rug pads have several benefits and should be a serious consideration for you when you buy your new runner. Rugs that are subject to heavy traffic can often move around slightly on the floor and a rug pad will keep the rug from moving. Rug pads will also extend the life of your rug as they offer a bit of give under the runner so its not taking the full weight of the traffic that passes over it. If you still aren't sure feel free to give your runner a trial without the rug pad and then if you feel its moving about too much you can always order a rug pad after.
Pile Thickness:
Lastly you should consider the pile height of your runner. Check to make sure it will fit under any doors that may open into the hallway that its sitting in. If you are looking for something really soft underfoot a shag runner can be a great choice. If you have pets and children however and want something that will be easy to keep clean a flat weave pile might be a better choice. Heatset polypropylene rugs are also a great choice for the hard wearing option and are super easy to clean.
That's the end of our guide and we hope it has helped you on your journey to finding the perfect hallway runner, if you have any more questions please do not hesitate to email us at info@floorsome.com.au and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have. If you have any comments or suggestions please leave a comment below!
- Brett Ryder