Hallway Rugs

Hallway Persian and Oriental Runner Rugs

Very few accessories can create the kind of dramatic makeover in the hallway as a Persian rug can.

A Persian rug can transform a cold empty hallway devoid of any character into a warm welcoming space that’s bursting with character and flair.

What’s more, you can choose to create any look you want in the hallway by simply choosing the right Oriental rug. Whether you’re aiming for traditional, Bohemian or sleek and sophisticated, you’re sure to find a rug that will help you nail the look.

One rule of thumb to keep in mind is to keep 3” to 6” between the wall and rug on both sides. The length of the runner should not be the exact length of the hallway.

 

Table of Contents

Best Rug Size For The Hallway

There is no one size runner rug that’s right for all hallways. The right size for your hallway will depend on the dimensions of your hallway.

The most important thing is that the rug must meet two requirements. It must be narrow enough so that there is at least 4 – 6 inches of space between the rug and the walls on both sides.

Secondly, it should not be so long that it intrudes into the adjoining room. 

A long, narrow runner, intricately designed and measuring 2.6 x 10 can create a stunning impact when placed along the hallway.

While the exact dimensions may differ, hallways of most homes are usually long and narrow. Runner rugs are the best option for these types of long, narrow spaces.

You can find Persian runner rugs in a wide range of length by width combination to suit just about any hallway dimensions. The key to achieving the perfect look in hallway is to first determine what size of runner rug will look best in that space.

While there are no hard and fast rules with any aspect of home décor or rug placement, the rug sizing tips below serve as useful guidelines to start with.

When it comes to decorating, many people think about their living room or bedrooms, but what about the hallways?

Hallways are often overlooked spaces but they can be an excellent opportunity to add some personality and style to your home. And one of the best ways to do that is with Oriental Runners.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the right rug for your hallway and how to style it in a way that will make a statement. Keep reading for tips and inspiration!

The One Most Important Runner Sizing Tip

If there’s one hallway rug sizing tip that you must keep in mind, it’s this – Always leave some space between the walls and the runner edge. Here’s why this is so important.

The hallway is a long, narrow space. Covering that long, narrow floor space wall-to-wall with a rug will give the whole room an overwhelming, cluttered look. That definitely does not feel welcoming as you open the door and enter your home.

In fact, the cluttered look can make you feel more exhausted and drained, which is the opposite of how you would want to feel when you get home after a long day.

The idea behind placing a runner rug is to create a space that feels welcoming, refreshing, and calming as you walk in through the door. A simple, easy way to do this is by leaving some space between the runner edges and the walls.

It’s unbelievable what a huge difference this one trick can make. The bare floor space between the rug edges and the walls opens up the room and creates an illusion of spaciousness and airiness that feels incredibly reenergizing.

Always Leave A Space Between The Wall And The Edge Of The Rug.

How Much Space to Leave Between the Runner’s Edge and the Walls

There is no one measure that’s right for all hallways. A lot will depend on the size of your hallways and whether or not you have any furniture in the room. At the very minimum, you should leave at least half an inch each side between the rug edges and the wall.

If your hallways is wider than average, you can leave as much as four to six inches each side between the rug edges and the wall. Having more space is good but you must take care to center the rug so it creates a balanced space.

Standard Width of a Runner Rug

Runner rugs have a standard width of anywhere between 2 and 3 feet. This is not fixed though. You can choose a wider runner if you have a wide hallway space provided that you leave the minimum space between the sides and the wall.

Standard Lengths of Runners

Standard runner lengths can vary widely from about 6 feet to 14 feet with several variables in between. These incremental length variations mean you never have to compromise. You are sure to find a runner that fits your hallway perfectly no matter what the dimensions of the space.

Azarbaijan Persian Runner In The Hallway
The Standard Width Of Persian Runners Ranges Between 2 And 3 Feet.

How to Create a Welcoming Hallway

When decorating your hallway with a rug, it is important to choose the right one. You will want to find a rug that is durable and can withstand traffic, as well as complement the style of your home. If your home has a traditional style, you may want to choose a rug with a traditional pattern or design. For example Heriz, Tabriz, Kashan and Kerman rugs offer many beautiful traditional Persian rug designs.

If your home has a more modern style, you may want to choose a rug with a contemporary design. For example Kazak, Oushak, Afghan and Bokhara work really well with more contemporary designs.

If you want to create a welcoming space in your hallway, consider the colors and patterns that will be most inviting. A dark or busy rug can be overwhelming in a small space, while a light or simple rug may not make a big enough statement.

  • Decide on the style of rug you like best, some common style of Oriental rugs include: Traditional, Village, and Tribal.
  • Select a color scheme for your space and find a rug that matches that scheme. Be sure to take into account the design in surrounding rooms to make a cohesive look. I recommend finding at least 2 accent colors in your hallway to match with the colors in the runner rug.
Choosing The Right Size Of Runners Is Crucial In Decorating Your Space.

How to Choose the Right Rug Size for the Hallway

While decorating your hallway, make sure to consider the size of the rug in relation to the size of the hallway. A large rug in a small hallway will make the space feel cramped, while a small rug in a large hallway will look lost.

Hallway Runner
Keep 3” to 6” Between The Wall And Rug On Both Sides.

Instead, choose a rug that is the right size for the space. If your hallway is long and narrow choose a narrow runner rug that will fit the space well. Narrow runner rugs are available that are under 3’ wide. Also wider runner rugs are available that are over 3’6” that are ideal for wider hallways.

If you are looking for wider runner rugs, I recommend searching in semi-antique Persian runners. The older Persian runner rugs usually are available in these wider sizes.

One rule of thumb to keep in mind is to keep 3” to 6” between the wall and rug on both sides. The length of the runner should not be the exact length of the hallway. Just like how you want to give the rug a little room to breathe on both sides you also want to give the top and bottom some space too.

Tabriz 2'6"' x 12'6"
Tabriz 2’6″‘ x 12’6″

For example, if you have a long and narrow hallway this Tabriz 2’6″‘ x 12’6″ might be the right fit for your space. It;s a Persian rug that is hand knotted with 100% wool pile and cotton foundation. The rug has a floral design and features colors of blue, green, and peach.

How To Measure Your Hallway

It would be a mistake to guess what size runner would look best for the hallway. Choosing a rug that’s too big can be just as bad as choosing one that’s too small. For the perfect sizing, grab a measure tape and measure the hallway.

Remember not to measure the hallway from wall to wall. When measuring, take into consideration the amount of floor space you want to leave at the edges and the ends of the rug.

If you have furniture in the hallway, measure from the front feet of the furniture.

Just measuring the space still does not give you an actual preview of how the hallway will look with a particular rug size. To get a clearer idea of the effect of the rug on the hallway, you can take this exercise one step further by using masking tape to create an outline of where the rug will lie.

With an outline created you will be able to visualize the rug in the hallway and can make a better decision on whether or not it is the right size.

If you think it may be too small or too big, repeat the exercise till you are 100% happy with the effect. It may take time but you’ll be glad you did that every time you enter your doorway.

Bokhara Runner In Hallway
Bokhara Runner In Hallway

One Rug or Two?

Do you have an extra long hallway? Will it cost too much to get one that can fit the whole length of the hallway? Or are you having difficulty finding options in longer runner sizes.

Then using two or three shorters runners is a great option.

When using multiple rugs, be mindful where the split happens. You won’t want to have it in the middle of a doorway where the potential to trip is much higher.

Multiple Runner Rug In The Hallway
A Sibling Rug Should Be The Same Style, Material, And Color Palette.

If you decide to use two or more rugs, try to find a matching pair or ‘siblings’. A sibling rug means that it should be the same style, and material, and in a similar color palette. This creates a cohesive look. For example, mixing two different types Persian runners with similar designs or two Kazak runners with similar background colors.

A good option could be using a pair of small runner rugs such as this Abadeh 2’2” x 4’10” and this Abadeh 2’5” x 4’8”. The rugs complement each other because their design is similar and gives a cohesive feel for your space.

Check out more runner rugs and see what you would like to mix and match!

Abadeh 2'2" x 4'10"
Abadeh 2’2″ x 4’10”
Abadeh 2'5" x 4'8"
Abadeh 2’5″ x 4’8″

Best Colors for the Hallway

There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best color of Oriental rug to use in a hallway, as it depends on your individual taste and the overall look you are trying to achieve. However some general tips can be helpful in making your decision.

Red And Orange Runners Create A Warm And Welcoming Hallways.

If you are going for a traditional look, then a muted color like beige or tan may be a good choice. This will help to create a sense of continuity in the space. If you are looking for a more contemporary feel, brighter colors like red or blue may be a good option. They will add energy and visual interest to the space.

No matter what color you choose, make sure that it is in keeping with the overall style of your home.

Some of the most common color associations are using light blues and greens to create a sense of calmness and serenity. While reds and oranges can be used to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the hallway.

Warm and Inviting Hallway Rugs

A warm red or orange Oriental rug in the hallway can add a touch of luxury and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. It can help warm up the area and make it more inviting.

Check out this lovely Heriz 3’9” x 16’1” for a great warm toned option.The Heriz rug has a rust field with a bit of blue in the border, and features a geometric design. Made with 100% wool with a cotton foundation.

Heriz 3'9" x 16'1"
Heriz 3’9″ x 16’1″

Relaxing Runners

One reason to use a calming cool tone Oriental rug in the hallway is that it can help to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, this is a great way to make your house feel inviting peaceful and inviting.

Check out this Kazak 2’6” x 17’1” Kazak runner with cool blue tones. Its a 100% wool pile and cotton foundation hand knotted rug, with a geometric design.

Kazak 2'6" x 17'1"
Kazak 2’6″ x 17’1″

How to Make your Hall Wider with Persian Runners

If your hall is long and narrow, use this tip to create an illusion of a wider space with Persian runners. Place the runner in such a way that the borders are parallel to the walls of the hallway, while leaving some space between the wall and the border. This will help ‘open’ up the space.

  • Choose a rug that is the appropriate size for your hallway. Make sure to measure the width and length of the hallway before picking your rug. I recommend leaving 3” to 6” gap between the edge of your runner rug and the hallway wall.
Moud Persian Rug In The Hallway
The Standard Length Of Persian Runners Ranges Between 6 feet to 14 Feet.

Choose the Right Color

What’s great about using Persian runners in the hallway is that they are an easy way to create the ambience you want in that space.

A brightly colored runner can brighten up the space and give it a cheerful, welcoming look. On the other hand, if you prefer to say ‘welcome home’ in a more subtle manner, go with a runner in a softer, more muted color scheme, preferably one that complements the color of the walls.

Karaja Persian Runner In The Hallway
Choose Runners With Muted Colors To Achieve A Subtle Look.

Consider the Pattern

Homeowners are often concerned that big, bold patterns may not be appropriate for the hallway. This is not necessarily true. As with colors, it depends on the look you hope to achieve. It does help to consider the overall décor of your home too.

Floral runner rugs go well with a home done in traditional, vintage or bohemian décor. A runner with stripes or geometrical motifs may be a better choice if you’re aiming for a more contemporary look.

Mehraban Runner In The Hallway
Choose Runners With Floral Pattern For A Traditional Or Boho Vibe.

Other Hallway Rug Tips to Keep in Mind

The rug sizing tips below will help refine your hallways even more:

The length of the rug matters. As with the width, it’s best not to have the rug cover the entire length of the hallway from one wall to another. You should leave some space between the rug edges and the walls at both ends.

The exact amount of space will depend on the look you want to achieve. A smaller runner will make the hallways look smaller and cozier. A longer runner will make your hallway look larger and more luxurious.

If you have furniture in the hallway like a coat rack, side table or an Ottoman, make sure they are fully off the runner rug. With the front legs on the rug and the back legs off the rug, the furniture will be unsteady, which can be both uncomfortable and unsafe.

If you plan on placing a longer runner rug in the hallway, one end of the rug may end up falling within the opening arc of the door. In this case you must consider the pile height of the rug and the amount of clearance between the door end and the floor. You want to make sure that the door can be opened and closed easily over the rug pile.

Which Oriental Rug to Pick

Use these tips to help you pick the perfect Oriental runner rug for your hallway:

For short hallways – An accent rug is a versatile addition to a short hallway. Take some time to experiment with different placements to find that perfect spot.

For extremely long hallways – It’s okay to choose a rug that does not run the whole length. The key is to make sure that the rug is centered between the two ends and that the sides are at least a couple of feet away from the walls on either side.

For High Traffic Zones – It’s very important that a hallway rug must be durable and easy to maintain especially if your home sees a lot of traffic in and out of your home all day long.

How To Make your Hallway Rugs Last Longer

  • Purchase a rug that will withstand everyday use. Look for a Oriental runner that is made of durable materials such as cotton foundation and wool pile.
  • To keep your rug looking great and last for generations, make sure to vacuum it regularly to help remove any dirt or dust that may have collected on the rug over time.