What Size Runner for a Hallway

Choose a runner that leaves at least 6 in of floor on each side (Wayfair) and is about 12 in shorter than the hallway (Well Woven). A hall 36 inches wide and 8 feet long takes a 2×7 runner.

2×7 runner in a hallway 36 inches wide, to scaleTop view: 6 in of floor each side and 6 in at each end.2×7 ft runner6 inhall 96 in long, 36 in wide
Drawn to scale. Each grid square is one foot.
Runner width by hallway width
Hallway widthRunner up toStandard width
30 in18 innarrower than 2 ft: see the narrow-hall rule
36 in24 in2 ft wide
42 in30 in2 ft wide
48 in36 in3 ft wide
Runner length by hallway length
Hallway lengthRunner aboutLongest standard size that fits
72 in60 in5 ft long
96 in84 in7 ft long
120 in108 in8 ft long
144 in132 in10 ft long

The rule

  • Leave at least 6 inches of floor on each side of a hallway runner (Wayfair).
  • In a narrow hallway the bare floor beside the runner can shrink to 3 inches (Well Woven).
  • A runner about 12 inches shorter than the hallway (Well Woven).

Sources

  1. Wayfair: How to Choose the Right Rug Size, checked
  2. Well Woven: Tips for Selecting the Right Size Runner Rug, checked

Rules checked