How to Buy the Perfect Hallway Runner

Your Guide to buying the best hallway runners

Overview

Hallway runners can be an attractive and practical addition to any home. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication to a hallway, or simply need a practical way to protect your floors, hallway runners are a great choice. This buying guide will help you understand the different materials, sizes, and styles available so you can find the perfect hallway runner for your home.

Key features

  1. Size: Measure the hallway to determine the ideal size of the runner. Hallway runners are generally 2.5-3 feet wide, but the exact size will depend on the width of the hallway.
  2. Material: Hallway runners come in a variety of materials, including natural and synthetic fibers such as wool, jute, sisal, and olefin. Consider the traffic levels in the hallway as well as lifestyle preferences when selecting a material.
  3. Color: Choose a color that complements other elements in the hallway, such as the walls and flooring. Consider whether a neutral color will work best, or if a bold pattern or color will work.
  4. Backing: Choose a runner with a skid-resistant backing to help keep it securely in place on the floor.
  5. Design: Select a runner with a design that matches the overall style of the hallway. Consider a modern, classic, or vintage design, as well as any other elements in the space.

See the most popular hallway runners on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durable - Hallway runners are usually made from durable materials like synthetic fibers, wool, or cotton, making them perfect for high traffic areas and everyday use.
  • Stylish - Hallway runners are available in different styles, colors, and designs to match your decor.
  • Easy to Clean - Hallway runners can easily be vacuumed and cleaned with mild soap and water.
  • Non-Slip - Many hallway runner rugs come with a non-slip backing or surface that adds extra grip and stability to the rug.
  • Protective - Hallway runners help protect your floors from foot traffic, dirt, and wear and tear.

Cons

  • Maintenance: Hallway runners will need to be vacuumed and spot-cleaned regularly, otherwise they will accumulate dirt and dust and become discolored over time.
  • Durability: Hallway runners are generally not as durable as other flooring materials, so they may need to be replaced sooner than other options.
  • Non-resilience: Hallway runners do not have a lot of give or resilience, so they may feel uncomfortable to walk on.
  • Safety: Hallway runners can be slippery, so it is important to choose a runner that has a non-slip backing to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
  • Staining: Hallway runners can be easily stained or discolored by dirt, liquids, or pet urine.

Best alternatives

  1. Area Rugs - these are larger than runners and can be used to cover a larger area.
  2. Stair Rods - these are metal rods that are used to hold up a runner and keep it in place.
  3. Carpeting - this is a more expensive option for hallway runners, usually made of a thicker material than a runner.
  4. Stair Treads - these are step-shaped pieces of fabric that are typically used for safety reasons.
  5. Hallway Mats - these are smaller mats that are used to protect floors from dirt or moisture.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Iron - Used to press and steam out wrinkles in a hallway runner.
  • Vacuum - Used to remove dust and dirt from a hallway runner.
  • Stool - Used to access hard-to-reach areas of a hallway runner.
  • Carpet Cleaner - Used to deep clean a hallway runner.
  • Rug Pad - Used to provide cushioning and prevent slipping of a hallway runner.

Common questions

  1. What are the measurements I should consider when buying a hallway runner?
    Hallway runners should be measured in length, width, and height. The length and width of the runner will depend on the size of the hallway, while the height should be determined by the amount of traffic the hallway receives. Carpet thickness will also affect the aesthetic of the hallway runner.
  2. What materials are commonly used when making hallway runners?
    Hallway runners are typically made from a variety of materials, including polyester, wool, cotton, nylon, and olefin. Each material has its own unique characteristics and benefits, which should be considered when making a selection.
  3. What type of backing should I look for?
    The backing of the hallway runner should be of a high quality, with a strong adhesive that will help keep the runner in place. Rubber or latex backing is often used, as it provides increased stability and noise reduction.
  4. Are there other features that I should look for?
    Other features to consider when selecting a hallway runner include stain resistance, colorfastness, fade resistance, static control, and durability. Additionally, various shapes and patterns are available, allowing shoppers to choose a style that best suits their decor.

Trivia

A recent study from the University of Tokyo has found that running in the hallway can help reduce stress levels. In the study, the researchers had participants run in the hallway for 10 minutes and found that it significantly reduced their levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. This suggests that running in the hallways can be a great way to reduce stress and help you stay focused. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.