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Design Dilemma
msliu7911

Which runners to purchase for my entryway?

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
3 weeks ago you all helped me to decide that I was going to go with separate runners (vs. one long). Now I'm needing help on which to purchase. I am planning to buy at least 3 rugs, 2.5x10ft each. (Front door to back wall is about 40ft.).

Would either of the 2 below go well? If not, can you please provide other recommendations? I've been scouring rugsusa.com and homedecorators.com for days and need some advice. My decor is cool and calm... blues, greys, etc. (aside from those terribly warm/yellowish walls that I plan to paint in the near future).
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    Personally I would choose the darker of the two, wouldn't show the dirt as bad.

    Comments (21)

    • 13 years ago
      Anyone?

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    • 13 years ago
      I agree with the dirt factor.. however that one is out of stock right now! I'm willing to wait (both are on sale now, but I know items go back on sale eventually). I've also been eyeing this one from homedecorators.com but I'm afraid it blends in too much with the flooring and I was told to do something that provides at least some contrast. Thoughts?
    • 13 years ago
      highland park · More Info

      2 rugs placed strategically as shown in the pic to be most effective.
      I like a light color on the dark floors but that is just a personal preference.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Wait until it is in stock.
    • 13 years ago
      I agree that the lighter color looks best on dark floors, but I am a little worried about how much dirt it might pick up. The lighter rug is more of a cream/gray with mushroom color design... how much dirt could it possibly collect if its just my husband and I, and 2 inside dogs? (who rarely go out the front door.. we take them out the back)

      Probably a silly question... but I guess it would obvious its more prone to needing spot cleans more often than the darker one up top.
    • 13 years ago
      Also should you decide to buy the rugs 2 should be placed at the room on the right and the 3rd beside the room pass the staircase. I hope that your rugs that measure 2.5 are not too narrow. Have you considered leaving the hallway as is. It looks nice.
    • 13 years ago
      I've considered leaving as is, however the floors seem to be wearing down behind the couch and right at the staircase (toward the back of the house, where the family room is), so I wanted to put something down to protect.

      Should I maybe consider just putting on at the main entry... then one at the back of the house- but leave out in front of the staircase?
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      For long hallways such as yours..I would go to a carpet store and have bound a custom size runner that fits the space perfectly. You need a strong focal point at the end of that hallway. Your eyes need to be drawn into the space. It sets the feel for what to expect in the rest of the house.
    • 13 years ago
      Also, Yes, 2.5 is somewhat narrow (the entryway is about 4ft). The only one I've seemed to find is the 3rd rug I posted (the darker), which is 2.9ft wide.
    • 13 years ago
      I'm in Dallas, any recommendations on carpet stores?:)
    • 13 years ago
      @vjs12... I've heard of that place. They also have runners?
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      It is located in Texas...as well as Hemisphere, another great store.
    • 13 years ago
      Great suggestions! This could have saved me 3 hours of web browsing this past weekend. :) I actually have a Hemispheres 5 minutes from my house! I'll check both out for sure.
    • 13 years ago
      Do your dogs shed? I discovered that the synthetic area rug I had in my toddler's play area was much easier to vacuum to get rid of dog hair (ie I can use the lightweight stick vacuum that I use on my cork and tile floors) than some types of wool rugs. So for my hallway (not as long as yours) I ended up getting the eclipse runner from Shades of Light in a polypropylene fabric that feels soft with a thick pad underneath and vacuums hair easily. http://www.shadesoflight.com/indoor-outdoor-carved-ellipse-rug-4-colors.html
    • 13 years ago
      @Champcamp, thats a great suggestion. Love the designs too.. I'm going to email them and see if they do custom sizes (I would prefer 2.5 ft wide and 10ft long, at least)

      The dogs do shed a big (I'd say a 6 on a scale of 1-10).

      I've looked at the polypropylene fabric and keep going back to it (especially in a walkway toward the back of the home that is not visible, which is a main walkway from the dog crate/bed to the back door). Just seems like it would be so much more durable. What about jute? I've read on that and think it might be similar...
    • 13 years ago
      Another question- Should I do different sized rugs? I.e 3x5 at front door, then a runner.... then a 3x5 at the stairway... then a runner? Might add dimension? I just am afraid its going to to be toooo covered. Just trying to protect the floors though.
    • 13 years ago
      I found this one for you , the othr 2 seem a little to light in colour and will show spots .

      Elements-31 Rug, Charcoal, 2'-6" x 8'-0" Runner · More Info
    • 13 years ago
      vjs12- so glad to hear Hemispheres has a great selection! I'm planning to spend my evening there tomorrow after I get off work early. I want to browse and see what they have. :) Hopefully I get lucky.
    • 13 years ago
      Genevieve- thank you, thats actually the perfect color scheme!
    • 13 years ago
      How about something to brighten up the hallway like in this picture http://houzz.com/photos/77254
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