How to Measure a Hallway Runner Rug

If someone were to ask you to imagine a hallway, it’s likely that the first space you’d think of is long, straight, and narrow. While this is true for many hallways, it isn’t true for all of them. And even if they have a uniform shape, that doesn’t mean that they’re easy to measure properly.

After all, hallways can have corners. Hallways can also have furniture, entryways, air exchanges, and other obstructions that make measurement difficult. Your runner rug will have to navigate them all. The same goes for figuring out rung runner measurements for your kitchen, entryways, and stairs.

To make runner rug measurements easier, we’ve put together a guide that covers all the basics. From how long should a hallway runner be to placement tips to stand out rug runner designs, this guide will help you find the perfect runner for your home.

Standard runner rug measurements

An excellent place to start when it comes to runner rug measurements is the standard runner sizes that are offered. You can typically find rug runners with the following length and width:

Width: around 2 to 3 feet (about 24 to 36 inches)
Length: 6 to 14 feet. The most common length sizes are 6, 8, 10, and 12 feet.

If these standard sizes work with the space where you are placing a runner, you are in luck. However, every space is unique. Many rug runners can be customized to fit different rooms in the home. You just need to measure the dimensions around your room to find the perfect runner rug size.

How long should a hallway runner be?

Let's talk hallway runner rules. Remember, a hallway runner rug isn't a carpet so much as it is an accent to your current flooring.

With this in mind, the length and width of your runner depend on the dimensions of your hallway. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your runner leaves at minimum 3" between the wall and each side of the rug.

When putting together runner rug measurements, the runner's length should also be less than the hallway by at least a foot so it can be centered. For a long hallway, you can choose two or three shorter runners, spaced so the edges are between doorways, for a truly unique look. By following these tips, you can measure the perfect hallway runner for your space.

4 Steps for Measuring a Hallway Runner Rug

Step 1: Measure Your Desired Width

Rug runners can come in a variety of lengths and widths, but there are still industry standards. A quick internet search for a runner will show you that 3’ wide is one of the most common sizes. But 3’ can easily be too much rug, not enough rug, or completely throw off the symmetry of the hallway.

Instead of relying on the common runner sizes out there, measure the width of your own hallway. Then, decide how much of the floor you want to leave exposed. How much space you'll want on each side is up to you, but we find that around four to five inches on each side of the runner is a good place to start (and no less than that 3” minimum we mentioned earlier). For example, if your hallway is 42 inches wide, a runner of 32 or 34 inches will be perfect.

Step 2: Measure Your Desired Length

You'll be following the same rules from the previous step in this one. Measure the length of your hallway and determine the kind of look you want.

Do you want one especially long runner or two smaller runners with a gap in between? Do you want your runner to be shorter than the entire hallway or the same length? Answer these questions for yourself so you can then get the accompanying measurements.

Step 3: Create a Diagram (if needed)

Not all hallways are built the same. Take a look at the things that make yours unique. Do you have any particular furniture items that you don’t want your rug to run under? Are there any particular corners, turns, or bends you need to account for? If you don’t have a straight and narrow hallway, we recommend creating a diagram or drawing of your hallway. Then, jot down the dimensions and locations of your corners/furniture your rug needs to go around so that your final runner has cut-outs or corners for those spaces.

Step 4: Calculate the Total Length of the Runner

Hallway runners are a lot easier to measure than stair runners since you're measuring a flat surface. You already have the numbers after taking note of the width and length of your hallway, as well as any corners or obstacles.

Now, you just need to add them up for the final size. Once you have all this information, you'll be ready for the fun part of picking out your next runner.

How long should a kitchen runner be?

A kitchen is a wonderful place for a rug runner. You can place a short runner in front of the sink to provide extra padding while you do dishes or a long runner in the space between an island and kitchen cabinets. It’s just a matter of finding the right runner size.

When doing runner rug measurements for your kitchen, you will want to allow for at least 4 to 6 inches on all sides of your runner. There should be a gap between where your runner ends and where the cabinets, islands, or walls begin. For narrower kitchens, 6 to 8-foot lengths work well. You can try a runner between 8 and 12 feet long in larger kitchens.

How long should an entryway runner be?

An entryway rug runner will get a lot of foot traffic because it is how most people will enter your home. Use your entryway runner as a statement piece to make a lasting impression on guests.

You will want to leave between 4 and 8 inches between the rug and any doorway so your rug runner can frame the room properly. Then, depending on the size of your entryway, you can plan on having a rug runner between 4 and 10 feet long.

How long should a stair runner be?

Stair runner rug measurements are probably the most challenging because you have to account for both the tread and riser space. The tread space is the horizontal part of the stairs, while the riser space is the vertical portion.

Use the following steps to figure out how long your stair runners should be:

Measure tread and riser space. If all your stairs are uniform, you can do this once. If your stairs change in size—for example, if they spiral at some point—you will need to do individual measurements of those steps.
Add 1 inch. Once you have the runner rug measurements calculated, add an inch to the total. If your tread is 10 inches and your riser is 8 inches, the total would be 19 inches with the extra inch.
Multiply by the number of stairs you have in each size. If you want to be extra precise, measure every stair individually.
Account for overhang. You’ll want a certain amount of overhang at the top and bottom of your stair runners. We recommend 12 inches extra for the top and bottom.

Again, you will want to leave 4 to 5 inches from the walls when you measure the width. If you have trouble measuring your stair runners, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to help you figure it out.

Rug runner placement tips

Here are some additional interior design insights you can use when positioning your rug runners around your home, depending on the room:

Hallway rug runners: Leave 3 inches of space, not only near the walls but also close to entryways. The rug should run the length of your hallway but end before the entryway.
Entryway rug runners: Make sure to align the runner placement with the door, but like the hall entryway, leave about 3 inches between the door and the rug. This will help the space feel more open.
Kitchen rug runners: Since the kitchen has a lot of foot traffic, position rug runners in those areas. They will provide extra cushion and minimize wear and tear on your floors.
Stair rug runners: Another high foot traffic area is your stairs. Make sure that your stair runner rugs are securely fastened to the floor to prevent slipping and improve safety.

Another good rule of thumb with placement is to use a rug pad underneath all your runner rugs. Rug pads help extend the shelf life of your runners, protect your floors, keep rugs in place, and provide extra cushioning.

Best rug runner patterns and designs

There are many styles and designs available for rug runners. Here is a list of some of our favorites to help you decorate your home.

Aurora Wool Sisal Rug Collection

If you’re looking for a touch of sophistication, the Aurora Wool Sisal Rug Collection can work in any room in your home. Its alluring diamond pattern gives an extra dimension to a rug runner, and its sisal and wool blend gives it a soft tread underfoot.

Boucle Sisal Rug Collection

The Boucle Sisal Rug Collection brings textured warmth to any space. Made from 100% natural African sisal, this rug’s weaves are small and tight, making it extra durable. It's perfect for rooms with more foot traffic, like your kitchen or entryway.

Houndstooth Wool Sisal Rug Collection

It’s bold. It’s beautiful. It’s the Houndstooth Wool Sisal Rug Collection. The classic houndstooth pattern brings elegance to any space, yet is also daring. This rug runner will make a big impression. Use it in entryways or hallways to wow your guests.

Wave Wool Sisal Rug Collection

Make a splash with the Wave Wool Sisal Rug Collection. It features a gentle Chevron pattern that mimics the gentle waves seen in nature. Made from a blend of 60% New Zealand Wool and 40% Sisal, this rug runner provides extra softness and cushion on stairs and hallways.

Athens Stain Resistant Sisal Rug Collection

If you are looking for a unique rug runner, the Athens Stain Resistant Sisal Rug Collection might be the perfect fit. Sporting a Greek key pattern, it has also been specially treated to be stain and water-resistant. Use it as a stair runner, a hallway runner rug, or in places prone to spills and moisture, like your kitchen or entryway. This rug runner can stand up to whatever you bring.

Trinidad Sisal Rug Collection

For a more natural design, try the Trinidad Sisal Rug Collection. Its basket weave adds a subtle texture that compliments any space. It can add a nice contrast to busy hallways and kitchen designs as well.