Runner rugs

The runner rug is the piece everyone forgets, which is a shame: it turns a thoroughfare into a properly decorated space, muffles footsteps (which counts for a lot upstairs), protects the floor and leads the eye from the front door through to the living rooms. In a house or a large flat, it helps create one unified atmosphere across all the rooms.

What length to choose

The length has to suit your hallway, and a few rules help:

• Leave 10 to 15 cm of floor showing on each side of the rug (it looks better balanced)
• Never run it right up to the skirting boards (it reads as fitted carpet, and not attractively)
• Stop the rug 20-30 cm short of any door that opens into the hallway

Common sizes: 60×200 cm for short hallways, 80×300 cm for standard runs, up to 80×500 cm for the long corridors of a period apartment. For a very long hallway, consider laying several rugs end to end rather than commissioning one made to measure.

Which styles to go for

The hallway is the ideal playground for a strong pattern, since nobody lingers there. Oriental and Persian rugs have always belonged in hallways: their rich motifs lead the eye and age beautifully. Vintage rugs in mellowed colours bring the boho-chic character everyone is after. Contemporary geometric patterns suit modern homes. For a narrow, dark hallway, choose a pale textured plain, which makes the space feel wider.

Materials: traffic comes first

A hallway takes heavy traffic, and the material has to be chosen accordingly:

• Short-pile polypropylene: the safe bet, tough and affordable
• High-density short-pile polypropylene: very crisp pattern definition and excellent staying power
• Rugs that are machine-washable: handy in a home with children or pets

A non-slip backing is essential: a rug that slides on tiles or wood is dangerous. Choose a design with a non-slip backing built in, or add a grip underlay.

Colours that work hard

Hallways often lack natural light. In a narrow or dark hallway, go for pale tones (beige, ivory, light grey), which open the space up. In a wide, bright hallway, be bold with deep colours (navy, burgundy, terracotta), which create intimacy. Dense patterns (oriental, vintage) are an excellent choice: they disguise wear and the marks of daily traffic.