Hallway runner size guide
A runner is the hardest-working rug in the house. Here is how to size it for your hall, so it looks deliberate and stays put.
Runner width
Leave 10 to 15 cm of floor visible each side. Measure your hall wall to wall and take off 20 to 30 cm.
| Hall width | Runner width |
|---|---|
| 80 to 90 cm | 60 to 66 cm |
| 90 to 100 cm | 66 to 70 cm |
| 100 to 110 cm | 70 to 80 cm |
| 110 cm plus | 80 to 90 cm |
Runner length
- Leave 15 to 30 cm of floor at each end of the hall.
- Stop the runner short of where the front door swings, and check internal doors clear it.
- In a short hall (under 3 m), a 200 cm runner usually fits; for 3 to 4 m, 240 cm.
- For a long corridor, lay two identical runners end to end with a gap of 10 to 20 cm, or one long runner made to measure.
Door clearance
Measure the gap under the door. Runners with a low pile or a flatweave are only a few millimetres thick and usually clear a standard door. Deep pile runners may not. See low pile rugs.
Best materials for hallways
- Wool: resilient and hides dry soil well.
- Polypropylene and polyester: easy to clean, colourfast, affordable.
- Washable: ideal near the back door and for pets. See washable rugs.
- Patterned or mid-tone: hides footprints and grit between cleans.
Keep a doormat outside the front door; it catches most of the grit before it reaches the runner.
Stopping a runner slipping
Runners are light and walked on in one direction, so they creep. Use a mesh or felt and rubber underlay cut 2 to 3 cm narrower than the runner. Read how to stop a rug slipping.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should a hallway runner be?
About 20 to 30 cm narrower than the hall, so 10 to 15 cm of floor shows each side.
How long should a hall runner be?
Long enough to leave 15 to 30 cm at each end, and short enough that doors can open freely.
Can I put two runners in a long hallway?
Yes. Use two of the same design end to end with a 10 to 20 cm gap.
What is a standard runner size?
Common sizes are 60 to 80 cm wide and 200 to 240 cm long, for example 66 x 200 cm, 68 x 240 cm and 80 x 240 cm.
Shop the guide
-
Luca Rug in Sage Green
from £89.98 -
Lila Rug in Tan & Brown
from £89.98 -
Korra Loop Jute Rug in Slate Cream Wool &
from £99.98 -
Korra Loop Jute Rug in Linen Cream Wool &
from £99.98
Related guides
- Rug pads and underlays explained
- How to stop a rug slipping
- Kitchen rugs and runners: a practical guide
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.