Hallway Runner Guide: Find the Ideal Size, Style & Fit for Your Space

When you picture your hallway, it’s likely a long, narrow transitional space — not always the easiest or most welcoming room to decorate. But with the best runner rug, your hallway can be one of the most stylish and useful places in your home. At Artisan Weaves, we have an extensive range of beautiful runner rugs for Australian homes — and we’ll show you everything you need to know about choosing the right size, style and material in this guide.

Runner Rugs for Hallway: Why Choose One?

A hallway runner has more than decor to offer. It’s functional. According to Artisan Weaves:

Since hallways are high-traffic areas, the floor can show wear and tear — and a runner offers protection.

It lends warmth, colour and texture to what would otherwise be a cold, featureless corridor.

It helps marry your home together — and especially if rooms run off the hallway or you want an open feel between spaces.

So it’s more than an afterthought your runner rug can be a serious design piece.

Step 1: Determine the correct size

3 Size Matters, especially in a narrow hallway. Here are the practical guidelines:

Width:

• A width of approximately 80 cm is typically recommended for corridors in most Australian households.
• You need enough rug surface to walk on comfortably, but you should have a border of floor remain visible all around for balance.

Length:

• Height and length will vary depending on your hallway. For example, larger walkways are referenced by Artisan Weaves in sizes such as 80 × 300 cm.
• Another idea: 70 × 240 cm for long, narrow hallways.
• Rule of thumb: Cut the rug so that there is at least 8-10 in (20-25 cm) of floor exposed on each end—otherwise, your runner will look chopped.

How to measure:

First, measure the width of your hallway doorway or the narrowest point (if there are radiators, built-ins cabinets etc) to see how wide the runner can be.

Measure the length from door to door, or as far as you’d like the runner to extend (some people stop just shy of the beginning of another room because it’s visually pleasing).

It’s a good idea to have a small border at either end for visual breathing room.

Step 2: Selecting Material & Construction

Because hallways are high-traffic areas, material and construction matter a great deal.

What you will find and want to select from at Artisan Weaves:

Wool is wonderful: it’s soft underfoot, naturally stain-resistant and easy to clean. Good for hallways.

Jute / Sisal: green, textured and good if you're going for a natural/rustic vibe.

Cotton: Light and easy to clean, great if the hallway is within a family home or you prefer low maintenance.

Synthetic fibres (and blended constructions): provide you with durability and easier care, especially if kids or pets are in the mix.

Construction types

Flat-weave Rugs or hand-loom: “The low profile, slim aesthetic is great for smaller spaces,” and the less pile means less trip hazard in hallways.

Hand-knotted Rugs or tufted: more luxe, more texture — may work if you have a really wide hallway and want something with a little more drama.

Remember: A good rug pad or skirting beneath is a wise idea to help keep the runner in place (hallways get lots of passing feet).

Choose Style, Color & Pattern That Suit You The third step is for Style, Color and Pattern that suits your home.

A hallway is generally a simple space, so the rug can disappear quietly or make more of a statement.

Check out our style & pattern options at Artisan Weaves below:

Trend & geometric patterns: great for modern homes.

CLASSIC & ORIENTAL DESIGNS: Your home might be traditional, or filled with vintage and classical designs?

Neutrals & earthy tones: if you’d like the runner to subtly pull in your room without overwhelming it.

Bold colours & contrasts: for those of you who like a spotlight to be on your hallway.

Colour-match tips:

Think about the flooring and skirting boards you have there already: if they’re a dark wood, go lighter for your runner – this can brighten along with insulate; if it’s pale tile then a deeper rug will act as an anchor.

Consider the rooms it leads to — you could use colors or pattern that complement or pick up accents from those rooms.

In narrower hallways, lighter hues and basic patterns work to visually expand the space; a darker runner can make it feel cozy but more enclosed.

Step 4: Keep Hallways in Mind When Focusing on Options of Use

Durability & maintenance:

Hallways are high-traffic areas: Many people pass through, shoes track in dirt, etc. So choose materials that can hold up to that. Artisan Weaves says yes, wool and jute are both suitable for use in high-traffic areas.

They need regular vacuuming and spot cleaning.

Use rug protectors under the legs of heavy furniture to avoid flattening piles.

Entry mats + a runner help with the amount of debris that comes into the rug.

Safety & fit:

Check that the piece of runner fits the hallway so it is lying flat, edges are not curled up — tripping hazard.

If it is slippery beneath then use non-slip backing or pad.

If doors open into your hallway, make sure the runner doesn’t impede clearance.

Visual flow:

A runner can visually elongate the space. Opt for length to guide the eye along.

If your hallway leads into other rooms, you may want to match or complement the rugs in those rooms for harmony.

What to know about light: Hallways don’t typically have as much light; one with a lighter background or a subtle shimmer can brighten it up.

Step 5: Why Artisan Weaves for Your Runner Rug

They come in a range of colours, styles, materials and sizes — so you can buy to suit your space.

Their runner rugs are designed to suit Australian homes, from long narrow hallways to high-traffic areas.

Premium materials and artisans: hand-woven, blends, artisan direct.

Australia-wide delivery, combined with good service, so you can order and be on your doorstep.

Final Thoughts

Your hallway doesn’t have to be an afterthought. But a runner rug, with the proper combination of length, width, material and design, can turn it into an inviting, handsome corridor that’s your home’s introduction. Adhere to the size, style and care tips above and you can land a runner that not only looks good but is up to daily life.

And remember: Measure carefully, choose materials that can stand up to the traffic (braided rugs in a kitchen or bathroom might not make sense), select colours and patterns that complement your home’s decor, and leave yourself some breathing space all around (for balance). Happy styling — and happy you’re making that transformation with your new runner!