Measure Guide
How to measure for a hallway runner
Many rooms look balanced with a border of bare floor around the runner, but the right margin depends on the hallway, doors, and widths the design offers.
Step-by-step
Measure the full length of the hallway
Start at one end and pull a tape to the other. Write down the total in feet and inches, then compare it with the lengths offered for the design you choose.
Subtract end margins
Take 8–12 inches off the total length (4–6 inches on each end). That keeps the runner clear of door swings and lets the floor frame the rug visually. If your hallway opens into a room, take the larger margin on that side.
Compare the available lengths
Length options vary by design. Use the configurator to see whether it offers exact-inch ordering or preset lengths, then choose a size that preserves your planned end margins.
Measure the width at the narrowest point
Hallways are rarely a perfect rectangle — door trim, baseboard heating, and floor vents all reduce the runnable width. Measure the narrowest stretch, then compare it with the widths offered for the selected design and your preferred visible margin.
Account for thresholds and door swings
If a door swings over the rug path, compare its clearance with the documented rug pile and any pad thickness. Test the full door swing before you commit to a layout.
Order the cut
With width and length locked in, head to the configurator. Cut and finished to order in our U.S. workshop. Open the full product details to see current ZIP-based delivery timing or a pre-order ship date.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring wall-to-wall and ordering that exact length — leaves no margin and makes the runner look stretched.
- Forgetting to include the documented pad thickness when checking door clearance.
- Picking the widest size that fits without checking the narrowest point — the runner will catch on baseboards or trim.
Ready to order?
Cut and finished to order in our U.S. workshop. Open the full product details to see current ZIP-based delivery timing or a pre-order ship date.
Configure your runnerFrequently asked
Can I run a single piece around an L-shape or 90° turn?
No — runners are cut from a single straight roll. For an L-shaped hallway, you'll want two pieces meeting at the corner, or a small accent rug at the turn. The 4–6 inch end margin rule applies to each piece independently.
What's the right runner width for a narrow hallway?
Measure the hallway at its narrowest point, then compare the widths and lengths offered for the selected design. Plan the visible floor margin you prefer and confirm door, trim, and vent clearance before ordering.
Should the runner go all the way to the door at the end?
Stop 4–6 inches short. A runner that runs right to a door looks like the previous tenant's leftover wall-to-wall, and it'll catch on the door swing as soon as the seasons change.
Do I need a rug pad under a hallway runner?
It depends on the runner backing, pad construction, floor finish, and product guidance. If you add one, follow the exact pad's sizing and floor instructions and confirm compatibility with your flooring manufacturer.
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