The Vintage Purchase That Makes All The Difference In Your Hallway Decor

Decorating an entry hallway or an interior corridor may seem like the least important task on your decor to-do list. While they're used frequently, they can seem like a purely utilitarian space, divorced from the rest of the house. Hallways in particular may feel like design deserts: long, narrow spaces that people only use to get from one room to another. Even slight changes like a painting hanging on the wall or a fancy light fixture can make them feel less sterile, but a vintage carpet runner that stretches the length of the hallway, even without other decor changes, can make all the difference.

A vintage runner rug brings warmth and a lived-in feel to a space that might desperately need a personal touch, like a hallway. If the walls are painted white or off-white, there's no need to search out something that will match because any rug will. Wallpapered hallways require a little more thought to avoid clashing. If you're choosing a rug based on the floor's color, most patterns, such as those found on Persian rugs, will go with unusual floors made of exotic wood, tile, or cork. But if you have a very detailed tile pattern on your hallway floor, you should consider a less busy vintage runner. If the hallway feels dark, a light-colored rug will brighten it. Use a dark rug to make a hallway that seems cool feel warmer. Keep wear and tear in mind when you're choosing a runner for an entry hallway that gets a lot of foot traffic.

The entry hallway is a guest's introduction to your home, so the vintage runner you choose should make a statement about your style. If you're quiet and reserved, a subtle, elegant design conveys your understated approach. If your household decor is bold and eclectic, find a colorful rug with an oversized pattern that immediately lets guests know what to expect when they step into the living room. A major consideration for the entryway is how much wear and tear the rug will be subjected to. While they might cost a little more, vintage wool rugs are warmer and highly durable, and will last for years in households with kids and pets.

Both entryways and hallways are transitional spaces between rooms, so take the colors and decor in those rooms into account when you're choosing a vintage runner. The design should complement those two rooms' decor rather than clash. If you're unsure about how to accomplish this, choose a neutral, solid-colored rug, or one with a subdued pattern. Or, if you have a piece of furniture in the hallway like a hall tree or console table, find a rug that shares the wood tones in that piece of furniture.

Finding the perfect vintage hall runner that meets all your needs, including the right rug size for your entryway, takes time and patience. It can also be expensive. Budget-friendly new rugs with the look of vintage are widely available. Many are made from stain-resistant materials and can be thrown in the washing machine when they get dirty, removing the need for dry cleaning or professional services. You should be able to find a new rug pad to use to protect your floors under your vintage runner.