Hallway Rugs

Take function and layout into consideration when selecting hallway rugs and runners.

When it comes to choosing hallway rugs and runners 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.  In a modern home [above] 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 streamlined style.

I almost missed the modern striated wool runner the first time I viewed this photo.  To me, it is a perfect choice that is designed to almost blend in with the floor color and keeps the view up towards the handsome cabinetry.  Note how the runner stops before the end of the cabinets opposed to running the entire length to the next room.

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.

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 front hallway as part of a grouping with an antique console table.  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.

(Sources: Hanrahan Meyers Architects, Bosworth Hoedemaker, Gast Architects, Elizabeth Dinkel Design Associates)

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