A bare floor does not a cosy home make.
I’m sure that’s an old adage. Or perhaps I just made it up. Either way, reader, I’m sure you agree with me, since you found your way to this article.
In the Middle Ages, homes were strewn with straw and sweet-smelling herbs to keep draughts out, and thresholds became commonplace to prevent practical detritus from being swept out of rooms – rather than just as a means to contain newly threshed crops.
Thankfully, the wonders of modern heating and textiles prevent us from having to resort to such endeavours, but the reasoning behind our purchasing of fancy rugs and upholstered furniture remains the same: insulation and sheer cosiness. Those in particularly modern, self-heating homes, however, may invest in textiles for solely decorative purposes.
I don’t think it’s controversial to say that no home truly feels complete without a rug, even if it’s already largely carpeted. Rugs make a space appear larger, as well as more vibrant, in much the same way wallpaper does. Runners in particular are great at elongating entryways and galley kitchens as well as adding textural interest to small hallways and awkward spaces.
As bizarre as it sounds, my first memory of the cosiness a hallway rug was from the movie Home Alone. The McCalister house, despite its chaos, always emanated a warm, earthy glow that the Dutch would describe as ‘Gezelig’ – in part due to the patterned wallpaper and hardwood floors, but largely thanks to the myriad rugs scattered throughout the home.
Whether on the stairs which Kevin sledged down, or strewn between entryways, living spaces, and bedrooms, it’s the rugs that imbue the fictional household with a sense of perpetual comfort, even when left alone in it. The same goes for more modern fictional interiors, such as the Northern Italian country home in Call Me By Your Name.
They’re practical, too. We’ve all seen those videos of adorable pups refusing to run across hardwood floor for fear of slipping – resulting in owners having to purchase a myriad of matching, chic and easily-washable carpet runners for said kept pup to enjoy. Though you may not be able to practice your Risky Business slide anymore.
No matter your reasoning behind investing in hallway runners, enjoy this curated selection of chic and practical options for all homes.
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Ruggable Luna Soft Teal Rug
The result of a rather surprising yet chic collaboration between wellness brand goop and the experts over at Ruggable, this glorious soft teal tufted rug will add a pop of colour to any space without overwhelming it. Ideal for homes with pets and kids, the rug cover is machine-washable and stain-resistant yet remains remarkably soft to the touch.
Buy now £189.00, Ruggable
Anthropologie Hand-Tufted Greer Rug
Featuring butter-soft, hand-tufted wool and a bold geometric pattern that’ll work with any colour scheme, this is a thicker pile rug that’ll suit draughty homes during colder months. Anthropologie suggests rotating it periodically for even wear throughout the season.
Buy now £98.00, Anthropologie
Oliver Bonas Blue & Orange Stripe Woven Runner Rug
With a complementary colourway that’ll make it feel like spring inside no matter the weather, this stylish runner from Oliver Bonas is crafted from 100 per cent cotton for a sumptuous yet strong finish.
Buy now £75.00, Oliver Bonas
HAY Stripes And Stripes fringed wool and cotton-blend rug
Scandinavian interiors brand HAY has become synonymous with effortless, celebrity-approved style. We love the touch of drama these deep cherry red and deep navy stripes bring to every space.
Buy now £170.00, Selfridges
Soho Home Catherine Runner Navy
Featuring an intricate design inspired by Babington House, this luxurious runner from Soho Home features decorative floral and fine art details which elicit an inherent Arts and Crafts feel. It’s hand-knotted in India by skilled artisans and is incredibly soft underfoot.
Buy now £1095.00, Soho Home
Dunelm Herringbone Border Runner
Herringbone jute rugs never go out of style. This light grey bordered option from Dunelm is perfect for adding a rustic, farmhouse feel to any space. They’re easy to clean, long-lasting and hardwearing, making them ideal for kitchens and dining rooms that get a lot of footfall and debris.
Buy now £65.00, Dunelm
H&M Patterned Runner Rug
For a budget runner that’ll elevate your interiors with ease, look no further than this classically stylish option from H&M Home, featuring woven tassels at either end.
Buy now £21.25, H&M
Miro Colourful Berber Style Corridor Runner Rug
Realised in a classic and subtly colourful, wonderfully tufted Berber style, this long runner rug from La Redoute is the answer to all of your contemporary interior design woes. Brilliant on wood or atop neutral carpets, it’ll add a touch of personality wherever you choose to lay it.
Buy now £74.99, La Redoute
Jaipur Pink City Rugs, Handmade Kilim Runner
Handcrafted from 70 per cent jute and 30 per cent wool for extra durability, this runner is set to set your home apart from the rest. Featuring geometric, perfectly rendered tulip designs and a fringed finish, you’ll struggle to figure out where to place it – as it’ll look fantastic everywhere.
Buy now £92.35, Etsy
