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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First impressions count
Made from: Wool
Sizes: 2’3”x8’ / 2’6”x8’ / 2’6”x10’ / 2’6”x12’ / 2’6”x14’
Colors: Black, brown, gold, green, ivory, orange, pink
Who says runner rugs have to be boring? Not me, girl. And if you’re someone who wants to show off your style as soon as someone walks through your door, this abstract beauty would be the perfect entryway rug. The runner style won’t take up too much space or clutter a small area, but the bold and bright colors will offer something a little more fun. It’s suitable for moderate traffic, which means this modern rug is the perfect combo of stylish and practical.
The practical choice
Made from: Polypropylene
Size: 2'7"x7'3" / 2'7"x10' / 2'7"x12'
Colors: Black, charcoal, off-white
I love a kitchen rug. There, I said it! And while some say having a rug in your kitchen is high maintenance, it doesn’t have to be if you choose the right kind of rug. In fact, sometimes buying an outdoor rug can make all of the difference. And this modern Aztec design in black and off-white is everything you could possibly need in a runner rug — especially if you choose to pop it in the kitchen. Made from polypropylene, it’s completely waterproof and extremely durable. Plus, you can also use it outside if you feel like it.
Go bold or go home
Made from: Polyester
Size: 2'3"x7'
Colors: Blue, brown, green
Runner rugs are designed to make a statement. Most of the time, they’re stand-alone rugs that don’t have a coffee or dining room table to hide under. That’s why it just makes SO MUCH SENSE to go big or go home in terms of color and pattern. So, is this big enough for you? I think this vintage Persian woven rug is so chic and stylish and perfect for a hallway or kitchen. Just remember that small bold patterns can make a room look smaller, which is why it’s best to organize your front entryway and get rid of any clutter if you want this kind of rug.
The winter warmer
Made from: Wool
Size: 2’6”x6’5” / 2’6”x8’2”
Colors: Multi
If you’ve got runner problems then I feel bad for you, son. Yup, I may have 99 problems (normally involving my naughty puppy), but my runner rug ain’t one. That’s because this runner rug will add charm and character to any room, while also offering you the chance to warm up your home. This natural fiber feels like a cloud under your tootsies, and it’s a great thermal insulator if you have hardwood floors or tiles. Just remember that natural wool rugs do pill during the first few months… but this is totally normal!
Add a little sunshine
Made from: Polypropylene
Sizes: 2'x5' / 2'x6' / 2'x8'
Colors: Yellow, White
Yellow just makes me happy, and I don’t think I’m alone in that feeling. Yellow reminds me of sunnier days, baby ducklings, and freshly cooked fries - and those are the best things, right? Well, it’s safe to say that this yellow and white Wayfair rug can also be added to that list. Its lush shag feel will offer a softness to your home, while also brightening up any space - including your entryway.
Anyone for vinyl?
Made from: Vinyl
Size: 3' x 7'6"
Colors: Ivory, Distressed Black / Distressed Black, Ivory
I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know vinyl runner rugs existed! Sure, I knew that vinyl flooring, vinyl fencing, and even vinyl records were real things, but this vinyl rug took me by surprise… in a VERY good way. Perfect for a kitchen, bathroom, or entryway, this rug is all about showing off the distressed hexagonal tiles while offering a seriously practical alternative to softer material. It has a non-slip backing, and cleaning couldn’t be simpler. All you need is a floorcloth! If you want a tiled entryway on a budget (or that your landlord will approve of) then this is your one-way ticket.
Cute and boho
Made from: Cotton, Polyester, Viscose
Sizes: 2’3”x5’2” / 2'x4’3” / 2’2”x5’2”
Colors: Pink, Blue, Orange, Red
My home is a mix of bougie boho and bold colors (I know it sounds a bit chaotic, but I love it), and this Amazon rug is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Its hand-tufted pile is soft but durable, and the rainbow design is right up my street. Yes, this cute lil’ thing is going straight into my basket, and I just know that it’ll look fab next to the rattan console I have in my entryway.
All hail jute
Made from: Jute
Size: 2'6" x 6'
Colors: Tan
If you’re looking for a runner rug for an entryway, you need to think about how much traffic this space sees every day. In reality, it’s going to get walked all over — but not in a cry-yourself-to-sleep kinda way. An entryway is a high-traffic area, so you need something that’s going to be highly durable, and that’s where jute comes in. This braided jute runner rug will basically NEVER look dirty, and its shape or size won’t change the more it's walked over. It also comes in 37 (!!!) different sizes.
Spotty and stylish
Made from: Wool, Viscose
Sizes: 2'6"x6' / 2'6"x8' / 2'6"x12'
Colors: Ivory, blue, green, pink / blue, green, white
I became obsessed with polka dots when I spotted this polka dot accent wall. Since then, I’ve been searching for anything and everything with polka dots… bedding, cushions, kettles, you name it! That’s exactly why I had to add this spotty runner rug into the mix. Bold and bright, the rug will become a stand-out piece in your room thanks to the colorful orbs etched into the tufted wool. It’ll be impossible to not smile when you see this bad boy.
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.
- Shop runner rugs at Amazon
- Shop runner rugs at At Home
- Shop runner rugs at Crate & Barrel
- Shop runner rugs at Home Depot
- Shop runner rugs at Overstock
- Shop runner rugs at Ruggable
- Shop runner rugs at Rugs.com
- Shop runner rugs at Rugs Direct
- Shop runner rugs at Target
- Shop runner rugs at Walmart
- Shop runner rugs at Wayfair