Hallway and Entryway Guide: Choosing Rug Runners and Console Tables for Narrow Spaces
Hallways and entries are the hardest-working spaces in a home and the most overlooked. Shoes, bags and keys pass through daily, yet these narrow areas can also set the tone for the whole house. With a runner and a slim console table, you can make them both practical and stylish.
Measure first
Most Sydney hallways are between 90 and 120 cm wide. Measure the length and width, note door swings, and check for skirting boards, vents and power points. You want to be able to walk comfortably without brushing the furniture.
How to size a rug runner
- Width: leave 10 to 15 cm of bare floor on each side of the runner so the space feels open.
- Length: stop about 15 to 30 cm short of each end of the hallway. Common runner sizes are 80 x 300 cm and 80 x 400 cm.
- Doors: make sure the rug does not catch on doors as they open and close.
Pick the right pile
Hallways see constant traffic and grit, so choose a low-pile rug that vacuums easily. Darker mixed tones in grey, charcoal and black hide day-to-day marks better than pale colours. Have a look at our modern rug range for runner options, or see the wider rugs collection for more styles. Always use a non-slip underlay, especially on timber or tiles, so the runner stays safely in place.
Choosing a console table
- Depth: 25 to 35 cm suits most hallways; anything deeper will crowd a narrow space.
- Height: 75 to 85 cm is a comfortable standard, easy to reach and in proportion with wall art.
- Length: leave at least 20 to 30 cm on either side so it does not look squeezed against a wall.
- Material: glass and light tops keep small hallways feeling open, while timber adds warmth.
Our console table collection includes slim designs with shelves for baskets or shoes, and matching side tables if your entry is wider.
Styling the entryway
- Add a tray or bowl for keys and wallets.
- Hang a mirror above the console to bounce light and make the space feel bigger.
- Use a lamp or a plant for a welcoming touch.
- Keep the surface uncluttered, so it works every day.
Bring it together
A good hallway feels intentional: a runner that fits, a slim table that suits the width and a few well-chosen accessories. Visit our Lidcombe or Marsden Park showrooms to see runners and console tables in person, and bring your hallway measurements so we can help you pick the best fit.
