Hallway rugs

The hallway rug is the most strategic decorative piece in the whole house. It welcomes your guests, sets the tone of your style at first glance, and does an essential practical job: trapping dust, soaking up damp and protecting the floors of the rooms beyond. Chosen well, it becomes the signature of the whole scheme.

What size for a hallway rug?

The size follows directly from the shape of your hall:

• A small square or rectangular entrance: a 60×100 cm or 80×150 cm placed in front of the door
• A corridor-shaped entrance: a long runner (60×200 cm, 80×300 cm) that leads through to the living rooms
• A large entrance or hall: a 120×170 cm or 160×230 cm placed centrally
• A round entrance (period house, lobby): a round rug to make the most of the centre

Which style to choose

The entrance is the place to be bold. On a small surface you can get away with a strong pattern that makes an impression. Oriental and Persian rugs create a classic entrance full of character. Vintage rugs in mellowed colours add the boho-chic note everyone wants. Modern geometric patterns are perfect in a contemporary home. And Berber-style rugs dress an entrance with understated elegance.

Durability and upkeep

The entrance takes the heaviest traffic in the house: shoes, dust, and rain or snow depending on the season. Look for:

• A short-pile polypropylene, which is tough and easy to clean
• A machine-washable design, for simple upkeep
• A non-slip backing (essential on tiles or wood)

Best avoided: long pile (a dust trap), and colours that are too pale (white, cream), which mark almost immediately.

The right colours

Go for tones that hide marks naturally: black, anthracite, dark taupe, navy. Dense patterns (oriental, vintage, encaustic tile designs) also disguise wear very well. Darker beiges or mid greys are a good compromise for a light, bright entrance.