Runner Rug Size Guide
Runners are perfect for hallways, beside beds, on stairs, and in kitchens. This guide covers sizing, placement, and selection for every type of runner.
Use this guide to find runner sizes that work across hallways, entryways and kitchens, with links to room-specific guides when you need them.
Quick Reference: Standard Runner Widths
Hallway Runners
Long, narrow rugs for entryways and corridors
Sizing Rules
- •Width: Runner should be 4-6 inches narrower than hallway on each side
- •Length: Leave 4-6 inches of floor showing at each end
- •Minimum floor gap: 2 inches from walls on each side
Tips
- Measure your hallway width and subtract 8-12 inches for ideal runner width
- Standard hallway (36" wide) — Use a 24-27" wide runner
- Wide hallway (48"+) — Can use a 30-36" wide runner
- For long hallways, multiple runners can look intentional
Common Sizes
Bedside Runners
Placed on one or both sides of the bed
Sizing Rules
- •Width: 2-3 feet provides comfortable stepping space
- •Length: Should extend from nightstand area to 12" past foot of bed
- •Placement: Parallel to bed, 6-12" from bed frame
Tips
- Use two matching runners for symmetry (one each side)
- Budget alternative to one large under-bed rug
- Works especially well with Twin and Full beds
- Can layer over existing carpet for softness
Common Sizes
Stair Runners
For staircases - safety and style combined
Sizing Rules
- •Width: Leave 2-4 inches of stair tread visible on each side
- •Standard stair width (36") — Use a 27-30" runner
- •Length: Measure total stair run including landings
Tips
- Add 10-15% extra length for installation and pattern matching
- Consider padding for comfort and durability
- Low-pile or flat-weave is safest for stairs
- Patterned runners hide wear better than solid colors
How to Calculate Length
- Measure one step: tread depth + riser height
- Multiply by number of steps
- Add landing areas if applicable
- Add 10-15% for installation
Example: 13 steps × 20" per step = 260" = ~22 running feet (order 25')
Kitchen Runners
In front of sink, stove, or along counters
Sizing Rules
- •Width: 2-3 feet for comfortable standing
- •Length: Cover the main work zone (sink to stove area)
- •Placement: Center on the most-used work area
Tips
- Choose washable or stain-resistant materials
- Flat-weave is easier to clean than high-pile
- Non-slip backing is essential for safety
- Indoor/outdoor rugs work great in kitchens
Common Sizes
Budget Tip: Runners Instead of Large Bedroom Rug
Can't afford a large under-bed rug? Two matching 2'6"×8' runners (one on each side of the bed) cost about 60% less than an 8×10 rug and still provide that soft landing when you get out of bed. This works especially well for Twin and Full beds in narrow rooms.
Best Materials for Runners
Different spaces need different materials based on traffic and usage.
High-Traffic Areas
Hallways, entryways, stairs
- •Wool (durable, hides dirt)
- •Flat-weave (easy to clean)
- •Indoor/outdoor (waterproof)
- •Polypropylene (stain-resistant)
Comfort Zones
Bedside, living areas
- •Wool (soft, warm)
- •Cotton (affordable, soft)
- •Shag (maximum cushion)
- •Viscose/silk blend (luxury)
Wet/Messy Areas
Kitchen, bathroom, laundry
- •Indoor/outdoor (washable)
- •Cotton (machine-washable)
- •Flat-weave (dries quickly)
- •Rubber-backed (non-slip)