Why Carpet Runners Are Making a Big Comeback (and How to Choose Yours)

Carpet runners are more than a pretty finish—they’re hardworking heroes for busy homes. Here’s where they work best:

-Hallways – Add warmth and make an inviting first impression.
- Staircases – Reduce noise, improve safety, and elevate your décor.
- Bedrooms – Soften wooden or tiled flooring in larger rooms.
​- Kitchens – Give comfort where you stand the most.

Want more flooring inspiration? Pop into our showroom in Diss to explore hundreds of samples in person — because when it comes to texture, colour, and feel, nothing beats seeing it for yourself.

Choosing the right runner means considering both style and practicality. Start with where the runner will live.

High-traffic areas like hallways and stairs demand durable, stain-resistant materials like wool blends or polypropylene.

For bedrooms or kitchens, comfort might be more important—think plush, soft-touch textures.

Colour and pattern matter too. Want to make a small hallway feel larger? Go light and bright.

Need to disguise muddy footprints? Try a patterned or darker runner. And don’t forget pile height: loop pile is great for durability, while cut pile offers that soft luxury underfoot.

A quick guide to help you decide:

- Runner: Long, narrow, great for hallways, kitchens, and stairs.
​- Rug: Typically, rectangular or round, better for central spaces like lounges or bedrooms.

If your space is long and narrow or needs a practical flooring solution with design flair—runner’s your best bet. You can also explore our beautiful range of rugs for more options.

Different materials suit different spaces. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Wool-rich – Soft, durable, naturally stain resistant. Great for hallways, stairs, living areas. Polypropylene – Budget-friendly, easy to clean, moisture-resistant. Ideal for kitchens and children's rooms.
• Sisal – Eco-friendly, stylish and textured. Perfect for low-traffic, visual statement areas.
• Blends – Combine comfort and durability for everyday family use. Need help picking the right fibre? Read our blogs for greater insight

Not sure how much runner you’ll actually need? Whether you’re measuring stairs, hallways, or a tricky turn, it’s easy to miscalculate. That’s why we offer a FREE home measure and price estimate — so you get the perfect fit and expert guidance, right from the start.

Designing your own runner with our Make My Rug tool is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Choose Your Centre: From man-made to wool-rich, pick from a wide range of carpets in colours, patterns, and textures.
2. Select Your Border Style: Whipped, Single, Single Narrow, Double, or Double Piping—there’s a finish for every style.
3. Choose Your Size: Ready-made or completely custom—we’ll cut it to fit perfectly

Start by visiting us in-store — get inspired by the textures, colours, and finishes up close. Once you’ve found your perfect match, our team can help you build it using our easy Make My Rug tool — online or with us guiding you every step

Absolutely—they're not just for hallways and stairs anymore. Carpet runners are a rising favourite in kitchens, offering both comfort and character.

Why they work well:

- Softness underfoot: Perfect for long cooking sessions.
- Warmth: Adds insulation and comfort to cold tiles.
- Style: Brings pattern or colour to minimalist kitchens.

What to look for:

Low-pile, stain-resistant fibres, and always use anti-slip underlay. Let us help you choose a runner that can handle busy kitchen life with ease.

From charming cottages in Diss to townhouses in Norwich, carpet runners are a practical and beautiful fit for local homes. They help retain period charm, add insulation to cool hallways, and are a great match for the country lifestyle—especially when it comes to muddy boots and heavy footfall.

With so many narrow hallways and traditional layouts in Norfolk, it’s no surprise our customers are increasingly choosing custom runners to suit their needs.

• Skipping underlay: Less comfort and a higher risk of slipping.
• Going too narrow or wide: It just won’t sit right.
• Choosing light tones for high-traffic zones.
• Using thick, high pile on stairs: Can cause tripping hazards.

Not sure? Our in-store carpet specialists will help you get it just right.

Can I put a carpet runner over existing carpet? Yes. With the right tools and advice, it can sit beautifully.

Do I need underlay? Highly recommended—comfort and longevity win every time.

Are runners expensive? We’ve got something for every budget.

Can any carpet become a runner? Most can—and we can finish it to your style.

How long does it take? Usually around 2–3 weeks depending on design.

Are runners old-fashioned? Not anymore. Choose the right colour and finish and you’ve got a stylish, modern feature.

Can a runner help reduce noise? Yes! Especially great for wooden stairs and upstairs hallways.

Can I use remnants? Absolutely—a smart, sustainable way to get a luxury finish.

1. Where will it go? (hallway, stairs, kitchen?)
2. What size do you need?
3. What kind of foot traffic will it face?
4. Preferred material and feel?
5. What colour or pattern suits your space?
6. Do you want a standout border?
7. Will you need underlay?

Need help? Come see us in the showroom in Diss — feel the textures, explore the options, and get friendly expert advice.

You can even book a FREE home measure and price estimate, so you know you’re getting it right from the very start.

Once you’re confident in your choice, we’ll help you bring it to life — whether that’s in-store or through our custom rug builder tool online.