Bookcase Hallway Rugs
By Jane T ~ October 21st, 2009. Filed under: Décor, Passion for Rugs.
A hallway needn’t be a boring connector between rooms. Shelving and bookcases — whether built-in or added-on — make the pathway both functional and inviting. Embellishing the space with a properly scaled rug may only seem like a decorative feature, but in truth, it also helps balance the weight of the cabinetry.
The long hallway in this beach house is all about symmetry. Four identical bookcases, evenly spaced between window seats, are minimally stocked and free of clutter. Hanging globe lights are strategically placed in front of each window. Lightweight, reversible cotton rugs are great for seaside homes where the color palette of choice is usually white. This rug’s stripes continue the symmetrical theme while the gentle splash of color plays off the pale blue window seat cushions. (Source: S.R. Gambrel) Note: find similar rugs at Dash and Albert.
The full-length window behind a two-level staircase has a dramatic effect on this wide hallway. The open bookshelves and cabinet below appear to be floating and reflect the openness of the stairs. At first glance the rug may seem out of place however the juxtaposition of a thick, dark-color Oriental rug is a brilliant choice. The pattern in the allover center field, flanked by a wide outer border, tricks the eye into looking straight ahead — to the focal point. Varying shades of olive green in the carpet bring a natural touch of the outdoors inside and play off the brightly colored door on the right. (Source: Charlie Barnett and Assoc.)
The rug choice for this space is perfection to me. White bookcases, with a tall baseboard, frame this passageway. The tribal-style carpet looks made to order as it fills the space on all sides giving this spot the aura of a booklover’s hideaway. The carpet’s multiple outer borders surround a soft blue field (and hints at the wall color in the room ahead) and frames the graphic medallions – just as the book- filled walls surround this nicely balanced and beautiful carpet. (Source: Coburn Architecture and Interiors).
More Hallway Rug examples.
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October 21st, 2009 at 9:27 am
I’ll take two! I have been looking for runners for our L shaped hallway downstairs. The first section has bookcases set back in a niche. We’re getting ready to add more bookcases to the second section, but they won’t be in a niche. The hallways are 5ft wide, and the newer runners I have found are so narrow (2ft6 or 2ft9) and not long enough.
I love the runners you have selected, especially 2 and 3. I wonder if 2 is new? That would look great downstairs. I need to go measure lengths again and start looking. Thanks for the inspiration.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:50 am
Jane, who but you would tell us these things??? This is invaluable info, as Allison says.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:30 am
Oh how beautiful! Love them. especially first and second. How I wish our hallway was wide enough for bookcases, but also no. I have been thinking of eventually putting a built in, floor to ceiling book case at the END of the corridor though, to shorten it and just because it would be nice. This pushes me even more in that direction. LOVE those rugs! Especially the blue to the blue walls. Beautiful I’ve yet to find a rug for our hallway either, again because of it’s 1960’s narrowness……
October 21st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Love, love, love these images and examples, Jane! Beautiful as the first one is, I still have the horizontal stripes of the other long hallway that you demonstrated last week firmly planted in my mind. I love the way that one keeps you in the hallway rather than focusing on the end.
Thanks for the inspiration!
October 21st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Allison, I’m not sure about the age of the 2nd photo but I’m guessing it’s old. For you and others that need a wide yet long rug, look for ones referred to as “kellei” (also sp. Keleyghi). Those rugs are wide and long like the one pictured.
Anne, that horizontal striped rug really was a beauty wasn’t it? The difference in that hallway and this one is the vertical stripes lead you to something–more books!!
Glad to hear you all enjoyed the info.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Could be old but if it has a black ground and green in it the border I’d think it probably Indian — right Jane? Or a repro. Kellei — thank you it was the word I couldn’t remember. Those are the long wide rugs they use in the middle east where the corridors are much wider than ours.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Hard to tell JF. We have a very old Bidjar that has that olive green in the borders and a dark field. Pictures aren’t always easy to interpret. Especially at the angle that photo was taken.