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The joys of apartment living usually include curating a collection of cool art or mixing vintage and contemporary finds to create a cozy setting. It’s the little things and attention to detail that make small spaces unique. Houseplants in cool pots are another example that creates an ambiance in a smaller setting. However, runner rugs are usually not in the mix. The long, narrow, rectangular-shaped rugs have never been on my radar as an apartment dweller until now.

While casually scrolling through TikTok, I saw a video showcasing the style as “the perfect rug.” In the video, the creator stood in the hallway and unrolled a brown runner rug with scalloped edges. Admittedly, the rug’s design was chic, but what caught my attention was the location of the hallway. Instead of a large and spacious entryway or mudroom where runner rugs are commonly found, this hallway was narrow and in a completely enclosed area.

@belllaquintero

my cutie lil hallway rug 🤎

♬ I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos

The idea of placing a rug in a space that’s otherwise walled off stuck with me. Like most New York City apartments, my home doesn’t have a sprawling entryway. The area between the front door and bedroom door is slender, with not much space for furniture or sunlight for decorative houseplants. While artwork and wall decor add some personality, the hallway still seems disjointed and bland.

After referencing the video, a runner rug seemed like a good way to make my dark, narrow hallway feel cozy. The rectangular shape and length are perfect for filling the odd spaces and adding depth to the adjacent areas. This is essential for apartments with structural oddities and close quarters. Placing a runner rug in the hallway can create visual boundaries and better define an otherwise empty space.

For my home, I’d researched a few styles, including vintage Persian and the TikTok viral scalloped-edge rug. Ultimately, I decided I wanted my runner rug to include rich, warm colors and a fun design that made the dark hallway feel warm and inviting. The Eartha Terracotta Tufted Rug from Ruggable’s Justina Blakeney Collection checked all the boxes. It features clay tones and an enchanting mix of patterns and prints, including leopards and floral motifs. Despite the location, I opted for Ruggable’s standard rug pad for a light cushion and a flatter appearance.

I placed the rug in the hallway, starting at the foot of the front door. While my rollout wasn’t as picture-perfect as the TikTok videos I’d watched, I did have the same satisfactory feeling after. The rug didn’t just liven up the hallway; it completely changed the feel of my apartment. Since the hallway is awkwardly placed, the rug is visible from several angles and provides additional ambiance to my apartment.

Now that I have a runner rug, I can’t imagine going back to bare floors. The slim shape adds just enough personality to the space without overwhelming it and uniquely ties the rest of the apartment together. A hallway rug may not be top of the list when it comes to decorating, but it can make a significant difference in any space. If you’re looking to add one to your home, I’d suggest purchasing an additional rug grip, as hallways have more foot traffic than typical rug-covered areas.

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