Bookcase Hallway Rugs

Hallway rugs needn’t be a boring connectors between rooms.

Shelving and bookcases — whether built-in or added — make a hall both functional and inviting.  Embellishing these spaces with properly scaled hallway rugs may only seem like a decorating trick. In truth, hallway rugs help to balance the weight of the cabinetry in narrow spaces.

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.  The rug stripes continue the symmetrical theme, while the gentle splash of color plays off the pale blue window seat cushions.  Lightweight, reversible cotton rugs are great for seaside homes where the color palette of choice is usually white. Similar rugs are made by 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.

The rug selected 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 ( hinting 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.

(Sources: SR Gambrel, Charlie Barnett and Associates, Coburn Architecture and Interiors)

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