Runner Rugs in Laundry Rooms? Yes, and Here’s Why

If you’ve never considered runner rugs in laundry rooms, you’re not alone—but it might just be the upgrade your space is missing.

Let’s be honest: most laundry rooms aren’t known for their style. They’re practical, often tucked away, and rarely get the same design love as the rest of the house. But adding a runner rug? That’s a simple shift that makes a surprisingly big impact.

Whether your laundry space is long and narrow or cozy and compact, a runner rug instantly warms it up, softens hard floors, and makes standing at the washer just a little more enjoyable. And with more homeowners embracing smart, stylish laundry room decor, it’s the perfect time to treat this space like it matters—because it does.

What’s a Runner Rug, Anyway?

A runner is a long, narrow rug, typically 2 to 3 feet wide and anywhere from 6 to 14 feet long (or longer!). They’re perfect pieces of decor for narrow spaces like hallways, galley kitchens, and yes, laundry rooms. Unlike area rugs, which have a tendency to be bulky, runners are made to fit in tight, narrow spaces while still delivering color, texture, and comfort underfoot.

Why Your Laundry Room Needs One

1. Comfort While You Stand

Laundry often means standing for long stretches—sorting, folding, and transferring loads. A soft runner rug offers relief for your feet and joints, especially on tile, vinyl, or concrete floors. It turns a utilitarian zone into a soft place to land.

2. Warmth and Texture

Laundry rooms can feel sterile or cold. A runner, like the Harlow Rhodes Rug, instantly warms up the space with pattern, color, or cozy texture. It’s a simple design trick that adds personality without the need for a full renovation.

3. Protects Your Floors

From drips of detergent to stray socks and spills, laundry rooms are high-traffic, high-mess zones. A laundry room runner can help protect your flooring from wear and moisture, especially if it’s made from a durable, easy-to-clean material.

4. Defines the Space

If your laundry area is part of a hallway, mudroom, or multi-use space, a rug runner helps define it. It visually separates the work zone from the rest of the room and adds a finished, intentional feel.

5. It Just Looks Good

So, doing the wash isn’t anyone’s favorite task. But, a beautiful laundry room runner rug with a bold pattern or calming neutral tones can make the space feel more curated and less chore-like. It’s a little luxury in an unexpected place.

How to Style a Laundry Room with a Runner Rug

Adding a rug doesn’t mean sacrificing function. With today’s range of washable rugs and custom size runner rugs, you can find something that fits your layout and your lifestyle. Here’s how to do it:

Start with Size That Fits Your Flow

Before falling in love with a pattern, grab a measuring tape. You want your runner to fit comfortably in the space—without crowding doors, scraping against appliances, or feeling like it was wedged in as an afterthought.

What Rug Sizes Work Best in Most Laundry Rooms?

2' x 5' or 2' x 7' – Great for compact, galley-style laundry rooms or small walkways in front of side-by-side machines.
2' x 8' or 2' x 9' – Ideal for longer rooms, especially where machines, sinks, or counters line one wall.
3' x 10' to 3' x 12' – Perfect for mudroom-laundry combos or when you want full-length floor coverage along one side.
3' x 5' – A good fit for square laundry rooms or centered in front of stacked units.
Use custom size runner rugs to get an exact fit—wall-to-wall or appliance-to-wall—without compromising function or safety in all laundry rooms.

See more about rug sizing in our Rug Size Guide.

Keep It Low-Pile and Low-Maintenance

In a utility space like the laundry room, a low or flat-pile rug is your best friend. It’s easier to clean, less likely to trap dust or lint, and won’t trip you up when you’re hauling baskets across the floor. Bonus: it slides easily under cabinet doors and appliance edges.

Opt for Durable or Washable Materials

Choose a stain-resistant, water-friendly rug—think polypropylene or washable synthetic blends. These hold up to spills, detergent drips, and high foot traffic, all while keeping their shape and color. A washable rug or a runner made for the outdoors also means no stress when life (or the spin cycle) gets messy.

Layer in a Rug Pad

Even in a small room, a rug pad makes a difference. It keeps your rug from sliding, bunching, or curling—especially important in a space where you're moving fast. A pad also adds a layer of cushioning and helps extend the life of your rug.

Let Your Style Sneak In

Who says your laundry room has to be bland? This is the perfect place to try a bold zebra-print pattern, a bit of color, or a boho look you love. Whether you go geometric, glam, or use a minimal laundry room rug, add personality in a space that’s usually all function, no flair.

FAQs About Laundry Room Rugs

Can you really put a rug in a laundry room?
Yes! A rug adds warmth, comfort, and style to laundry rooms big or small. And especially those spaces with tile, laminate, or concrete floors. Just make sure to choose durable, water-friendly materials and a non-slip pad.
What type of rug works best in a laundry room?
Look for low-pile, washable, or stain-resistant rugs made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene. These are easy to clean and hold up well in high-traffic, high-moisture areas.
What size runner rug should I get for my laundry room?
It depends on your layout, but most laundry rooms do well with runners ranging from 2' x 6' to 2' x 12'. A custom size runners ensure a perfect fit—no curling edges or gaps.
Will a rug get in the way of machines or doors?
Not if it’s properly sized. Be sure to measure door clearance and machine depth. A custom runner lets you work around appliances and cabinets with ease.
Is it safe to put a rug in front of a washer or dryer?
Absolutely—just pair it with a rug pad to keep it from slipping. This setup also helps absorb vibration and noise while protecting your floors.
Can all laundry room rug be washed?
No, not all laundry room rugs are machine washable. While many rugs designed for utility spaces are crafted with washable materials, it’s important to check the rug's care label or product details before tossing it in the wash.

Final Thoughts: Laundry Room Runner Rugs

Your laundry room may not be the heart of your home, but that doesn’t mean it should be forgotten. A well-placed runner rug adds comfort, style, and function where you least expect it. It’s the small change that makes the chore a little less, well... chore-like.

Ready to Style Your Space? Explore runner rugs designed to fit your laundry room—and your life—perfectly.