Solving The Dirt Problem with Rug Runners
Every time you step on your carpet or area rug, you're adding yet another layer of dirt and oils and wearing it out just a little bit more. If you have pets, even if you wipe their paws off before they come into the house, they still will tend to add to the dirt factor. They will carry in grass, leaves, or at the very least, small bits of dirt, which are then deposited on the carpet making them look grubby, even if you've chose a black area rug.
Especially in high traffic areas, such as doorways and halls, keeping your carpet looking good can be a very big problem. Also in the dining room where you may have a round area rug. Although carpet cleaning is a way of removing stains and dirt, it can also begin to wear your rug out rather quickly.
But there are alternatives. Throw rugs and the ever-popular welcome mats may work to help in doorways. They're especially good for wiping off some of the dirt that is being tracked in from outdoors. However, in places such as hallways or areas where traffic is continually passing through in the same general area, a better solution is rug runners.
Not nearly as expensive as replacing your carpet, runners can even add to the decor of your home. It's possible to find a long rug to cover your hallway or a carpet for stairs that may look like an Oriental rug, even including fringe, as well as indoor/outdoor carpeting or braided rugs. A runner rug similar to the carpet you're covering is also a possibility.
Look for such rugs in the most exclusive home furnishings store, at home improvement stores, in your local discount store or on this site, and you're likely to find even more styles as well as a variety of different colors and many different prices.
If you're set on showing off your beautiful carpet, you could even have a carpet runner made from the exact same material, simply by having a piece of the same carpeting cut to the proper size and bound at the edges. Most rug dealers can either do this for you or will know where you can get such an item made.
Another bonus with runners as opposed to fitted carpets is that they are portable so you can easily take them with you if you move or replace them when they get old and shabby or you simply desire a change. Also, you need no particular skills to lay them yourself.
Rug runners may be the best alternative for that problem hallway or high traffic area. When you decide to go this route, whether you're looking for a 12 ft carpet runner or a small 6 ft one, shop around and you're sure to find the best solution for you, your home, your lifestyle, and hopefully even your pocketbook.