Some really good runners
When you measure up for your runner make sure you take any doors that open in to the area where it will go into account. Under stair cupboards are prime culprits for this as they’re easily forgotten about. You’re looking for clearance here so double check that you either have room to open them above the rug (are your floors level?) and if not, adjust the length accordingly.
Here are some jumping off points for you:
Tulip suzani runner, Emma Mellor
I love the bonny colours of this runner and its unusual motif of tulips. If you don’t fancy this in a hallway for fear of mud, why not add it on a landing that needs a boost or at the foot of a child’s bed?
The good folk over at Weaver Green have created a range of rugs and runners made out of recycled bottles. In addition to being hard wearing you can throw them in the washing machine if a troupe of muddy boots trot across it. I like the fact that you get a woven, flat weave texture to these.
3. Vintage Turkish Oushak, Merak Rugs
I’ve had the pleasure of gaining access to Merak Rugs’ wholesale catalogue recently. They specialise in Turkish rugs that are 50-70 years old which means you can buy some age and character (as you can see above) without the hefty price tags that come with antique options. Well, some of them are pricey but there’s a a sweet spot to be had. This one is pleasingly faded whilst still retaining a lot of its pattern. Part of their retail collection, this is good for those that don’t like to feel too precious about things in the home.
4. Rare antique Mahal runner from central Iran, Sharafia & Co
OK so this is a splurge item and best laid somewhere sensible in your house. It’s a hard to find design and extremely generous length of just over 5 metres. Simple and elegant with a pleasing triple border.
A chunkier option with a good neutral colour way and simple pattern which would work well on a landing area or shorter hallway. Zara has, as ever, a few nice options on the rug front at the moment- worth a look if you’re not ready to commit to something more costly.
6. Cheerful Afghan Kilim, Nain Trading
Owing to how they’re made (flat weave = quicker), kilim can be picked up at very reasonable prices and they should be your first stop if you’re after cheerful colours in energetic patterns. This one is from Nain trading but you can find plenty more at Brighton based Yashar Bish.
7. Jute with jade weave
There are so many options are out there when it comes to jute and it generally carries a budget friendly price tag. Do keep in mind how porous it is though so if you think it’s going to go somewhere where it will get wet or muddy it’s not necessarily your best option… Good chunky texture, though.
