How to Choose a Runner Rug for Hallways, Kitchens and Stairs

Hallways, kitchens and entryways take more foot traffic than almost any other part of your home. A runner rug softens these narrow spaces, protects your floors and adds color where it is often missing. Here is what to consider before you buy.

Measure for the right length and width

Measure the length and width of the space first. In a hallway, leave about 4 to 6 inches of floor visible on each side of the runner and stop 6 to 12 inches short of each end. This border of bare floor frames the runner and keeps doors from catching on it.

• Kitchens: A 2x6 or 2x8 runner in front of the sink or along a galley kitchen.
• Standard hallways: 2x8 to 2x10.
• Long hallways: 2x12 or longer, or two matching runners with a small gap between them.
• Beside the bed: A runner on each side of the bed is a simple alternative to a large bedroom rug.

Pick a material that handles traffic

• Polypropylene and polyester: Stain resistant, easy to clean and affordable. Great for kitchens, mudrooms and homes with pets and kids.
• Jute and natural fibers: Textured and casual, a natural fit for farmhouse and coastal homes. Best in dry areas.
• Wool: Soft, durable and naturally resilient. A good choice for hallways that see steady but not messy traffic.
• Washable: A washable rug can go in your home washing machine, which makes it ideal in front of the sink or by the back door.

Choose low pile

Low-pile and flatweave runners are easier to walk on, less likely to trip anyone and do not block doors. Save plush, high-pile rugs for living rooms and bedrooms.

Keep it in place

Runners tend to slide on hard floors. Use a thin rug pad cut slightly smaller than the runner, or choose a runner with a non-slip backing.

Stairs: use stair treads

On stairs, individual stair treads are safer and easier to install than a full carpet runner. Look for treads with a latex or non-slip back and make sure each one sits flat and centered on the step. You will find jute stair treads in our rug collection.

Coordinate with nearby rooms

A runner does not need to match the rugs in surrounding rooms, but it should share a color or pattern style. Pull one accent color from your living room rug and repeat it in the hallway runner for a pulled-together look.

Shop our runner rugs and area rugs, with free standard shipping on eligible orders over $70.

Shop the picks

• Floral Vine Jute Rug/Runner Oval w/ Pad 24x96: A 24x96-inch oval runner in a braided jute and cotton blend that comes with a PVC rug pad to help hold it in place.
• Heritage Farms Jute Rug/Runner Rect w/ Pad 24x78: A shorter 24x78-inch braided jute-blend runner in mustard tan, black and burgundy, also with an included PVC pad.
• Black Check Polyester Rug/Runner Rect 22x96: A 22x96-inch polyester runner with a no-slip latex backing and a classic black check pattern.
• Heritage Farms Jute Stair Tread Rect Latex 8.5x27: One 8.5x27-inch jute-blend stair tread with a latex spray backing, made to lay flat and resist creasing.
• Sawyer Mill Charcoal Creme Jute Stair Tread Oval Latex 8.5x27: An oval 8.5x27-inch tread in black, grey taupe and white braids; each listing includes one tread, so order one per step.

Browse braided styles in jute rugs and easy-clean polyester rugs, and pair your runner with a door mat at the entry. Planning a full room? See our rug size guide and Rug Materials Explained.