Replacing or installing a hallway carpet starts with taking accurate measurements to ensure the homeowner purchases the right size carpets, regardless of what style or design he or she buys. Knowing the dimensions of the hallway will help narrow down the search for carpets quickly and make the process of installing the hallway carpet correctly much easier. Some carpets for the hallway are simple throw rugs that are not secured to the floor, while other hallway runners may run the entire length of the hallway and may require some method of securing the rug so it does not shift during use.
An entryway rug is a type of hallway carpet that sits at the entryway to a home. The carpet may be quite small, approximately the size of a door mat, or it may be much larger and extend into the foyer or hallway of the house. These carpets tend to get dirty quickly, so it is best not to invest in an especially expensive or valuable carpet for this area. People coming into the house have dirty shoes, which can grind dirt and grime into the carpet fibers, damaging them quickly. An inexpensive throw rug is best to act as a front hallway carpet that will see a lot of abuse.
Many hallway runners are made with a fiber design called a short pile twist. This means the fibers of the carpet are twisted around each other, and the pile, or height, of the fibers is quite low. The reason for choosing such a hallway carpet is because it will not wear quickly, and it will not show any obvious signs of wear as the fibers become compressed. Longer fibers that are not twisted will compact after a fair amount of use, and this wear and tear will show obviously in the carpet. The aesthetic of the carpet will be damaged, sometimes irreparably, while short pile carpets will not show such wear for many years, if at all.
A cotton hallway carpet, or other natural material, will often be much softer and comfortable than synthetics, and cotton in particular will have a very long life. These carpets do tend to be more expensive, however, and care will need to be taken to ensure the pile of the carpet does not get beaten down too quickly. Regular vacuuming and even shampooing may be necessary to extend the life of a cotton carpet.