9 chic runner rugs I’m crushing over that'll spruce up a narrow space instantly

The only kind of running I’m into

Runner rug with rainbow print in hallway with white vase in shot and bench, on wooden floor
(Image credit: Amazon)

If I’m being totally honest, I’m not a runner. I’m more of a sit-at-home in my underwear watching Netflix documentaries and eating chips kinda gal. But runner rugs? Well, that’s a whole different story. In fact, one of the things I love most about a runner rug is how versatile it can be. Does your rental apartment entryway need a little somethin’ somethin’ to brighten it up? Add a runner rug into the mix, bestie. Is your kitchen floor too big and boring? Buy a runner rug! Do you want to roll out of bed and step onto a soft cloud of fluffiness? Yup, you know what I’m going to say. An on-trend rug can really make the world of difference to your whole home decor, and it can bring together an entire space.

Although most runner rugs are three feet wide or less, they come in various different lengths ⁠— meaning it’s easy to find the perfect runner to suit the size of your room. But before that, you need to decide on the vibe you’re going for. If you’re not quite sure whether you're into Scandi chic or mid-century modern, I’ve collected what I consider to be the most stylish runner rugs on the market today ⁠—  from entryway rugs to runner rugs that are perfect for tiny bedrooms ⁠— and I've listed a bunch right here! So cover up your ugly rental carpet by spending a couple of cents (okayyy, a little more than that), and thank me later. The best part? Your landlord can't even complain.

9 of the coolest runner rugs you need to freshen up a tiny space

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What is the best material for an entryway runner?

There’s no doubt about the fact that an entryway is a high-traffic area, which means that it’s best to opt for a low-pile, durable material for your hallway runner. The following materials should all last the long run, and shouldn’t require too much cleaning or upkeep in the process. 

Jute - This natural and coarse fiber is not only durable, but it’s also super soft. It’ll feel comfortable and cozy underfoot without compromising on strength. Plus, jute’s neutral color and pattern means that you can go wild on decoration without worrying about whether your jute runner rug will match.

Wool - As wool is a very soft material, many people assume that it’s not durable. However, it’s one of the most durable rug materials out there and perfect for high-traffic areas that receive a lot of footfall. As if that wasn’t enough, wool is also naturally stain-resistant, meaning that it’ll work in any room, from your hallway to your kitchen. 

Polyester - Although natural materials will all work as the best material for a hallway runner, polyester will also do the trick. Polyester is synthetic, so it's designed to be extremely durable and resistant to dirt and fading. This means that you don’t have to worry about getting it professionally cleaned or keeping it out of the sunlight. 

Browse more runner rugs

If you're still searching for that perfect runner rug to tie together your tiny space, then see below for where we recommend shopping.

Lauren Bradbury
Freelancer

Hey there! I'm Lauren, and I've been a writer now for over seven years (wow, that makes me feel old). During that time I've written about everything from celebrities to casino content, but nothing has made me "zing" quite as much as home and lifestyle pieces. I live in a beautiful Victorian terrace house in Kent with my husband and my naughty cocker spaniel puppy, and despite the leaking roof that we can't quite seem to fix, I've loved turning my house into a home. Sure, my eclectic mix of boho chic and maximalism sounds like a clashing nightmare, but it's MY clashing nightmare.