How to Find a Runner Rug

A rug runner is an economical way to add style to a long hallway, to pad stairways, to protect a surface from heavy traffic and to break up large spaces into special areas. When runners are tacked up stairs, they serve to direct the eye upward and act as a signal that there is more style to come. Here are some tips on how to locate that perfect rug runner and ideas to help you shop with additional confidence.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric and room swatches
• Catalogs

Instructions

Lay the Groundwork

1. 

   Determine your style preference. Deciding whether you are looking for something contemporary (modern), traditional, casual, country style or novel will help to direct your searches.

2. 

   Know your room's measurements. Rugs come in standard sizes, which are typically 26 to 41 inches wide, but some can be custom made. Don't forget about novelty rug runners that come in shapes and might be a choice to enhance a whimsical design.

3. Use fabric swatches or paint color chips to help you with color selection. Decide what type of materials you want your rug to be made from---some choices are wool; cotton; silk; synthetic; or more casual naturals such as jute, sisal or bamboo. Wool is a durable and long-lasting traditional product whereas a jute or sisal runner is more suited to a porch or casual setting.

4. 

   Know something about pile: for example, a thickly tufted pile may not allow a door to open, a flat-weave rug may be slippery and need a rug pad, and a tufted or sculpted rug may pick up too much dirt in a high-traffic area.

5. 

   Check out the marketplace by visiting home improvement stores such as Lowe's, Home Depot or other local stores. You will generally find hanging rugs and rolled-up runners in the carpet department. Don't forget discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Sam's Club.

6. 

   Try catalog shopping with HomeDecorators.com, RugHome.com or RugDecor.com, which are all large vendors of rugs in all sizes. In addition, shop online with these same vendors and include others such as ShawFloors.com, PotteryBarn.com, CrateandBarrel.com, Ballarddesign.com and Overstock.com.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying rugs in collections. That way an area rug will match a rug runner. Hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-woven rugs with wool content versus those made on a machine will be the most expensive.

• Rug pads increase walking comfort, but also look for nonskid pads if the rug is used over a slippery surface. Be aware of the backing and colorfast properties of the rug. Some very cheap rugs may leave traces of color on a surface if they get wet or see moisture. Vacuum rugs with braiding or fringe carefully as your machine may pull or clog with the threads. Using attachments may be a better option.

References

• Home Decorators rugs
• Overstock.com rugs