Hallway Rugs
By Jane T ~ October 13th, 2009. Filed under: Passion for Rugs.
When it comes to choosing a rug for hallways, the dilemma is: one long runner or two? The usual concern is that one rug will create a bowling alley effect; two or three rugs will look choppy. The answer lies in the style and decor of your home and the function and layout of your hallway. The photo [above] is from a modern home. Furnishings are minimal; walls are painted white and color is used sparingly yet dramatically. The horizontal bands of color in this rug add depth to the long space and do so without competition from wall or art color thus maintaining the style. (Source: Hanrahan Meyers Architects).
I almost missed the modern striated wool runner the first time I viewed this photo. To me, it is a perfect choice that almost blends in with the floor color and keeps the view up towards the handsome cabinetry. Note how the runner stops at the end of the cabinets opposed to running the entire length to the next room. (Source: Bosworth Hoedemaker).
Traditional houses with traditional furnishings automatically highlight the charm of old Persian rugs. The two classics here are similar in coloring and style (both have repeating allover design centers framed by several outer borders). Each is placed strategically, embellishing their locations. The rug in front of the bench becomes part of a seating area. The other one clears door openings on the right and is centered on the stairs. I felt this photo was a perfect example a way to use two rugs instead of one. (Source: Gast Architects).
This antique Persian rug appears to have been cut down and pieced back together (probably due to extreme wear), but no matter. The new size works splendidly in this setting as part of a grouping. The soft paprika-colored field framed by a muted wide outer border is repeated in reverse in the art. It’s always nice to see an old rug with a solid colored field and center medallions — this one is nicely displayed alone, uninterrupted by furniture, so its true artistry can be appreciated. (Source: Elizabeth Dinkel Design Assoc.).
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October 13th, 2009 at 7:34 am
All the ideas in the photos are fantastic.
Thanks for the article and the ideas!
October 13th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I’ll take one of each! I’ve been considering rugs for my lower level L hallway for several years now. Hallways are wide, so I don’t want to throw a little 2 foot 6 inch wide one in there! Love the Persians.
October 14th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Those are such instructive examples, and very interesting. I just love the way that banded rug fills the long white hallway. That could be such an odd or boring passage but it’s just wonderful. Took me a while to ‘get’ how the striated rug underscores the cabinetry. So nicely done! And I’ve always loved those striated rugs. You’re punchin’ up my vocabulary
That last picture really sends me. The colors are simply gorgeous and the rug is amazingly beautiful. Love how it works with the art. Who could not love white walls! Yum. The space is so calm yet happy and cheerful, too. I just love how those colors work!
October 15th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Anne, you are so correct about the banded rug in the white hallway. Also, if you notice the soft beige colored bands are the same shade as the floor color which keeps that rug from becoming a multi-colored nightmare against the white. Really a great choice IMO.
The colors in the last rug are truly “old world” and appear on my monitor true to the shade in real life. I know exactly what this rug looks like and it’s difficult to describe how soft and muted this beautiful color really is. Amazing photography. The art looks custom made for the rug. A perfect pairing indeed!
Allison, you have given me an idea to post about wide sized runners. Will do so soon!
October 15th, 2009 at 11:28 am
The art looks custom made for the rug. A perfect pairing indeed!
And to hear people say one’s art should never match the furnishings … they’re gorgeous together!!
November 20th, 2009 at 3:37 am
I’m moving into an apartment with a hall much like the first, but I have ugly old Berber carpeting. I’d like to get an area rug for the hall but am having a hard time finding what I like. I really like the first rug.
Can you tell me where to buy it?
Could you perhaps also post some links to places to buy pretty area rugs like that one? Most I find are Persian or Oriental.
Thank you!!
November 20th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Corrie, the rug you like is a modern Tibetan-style rug. Those are now made in Nepal, Tibet, India and China. That one looks like an Odegard (a top brand) but it’s a style that’s widely available. Jane T should have some where-to-buy suggestions.