Running on the Runner

There is a new addition to our hallway which I’m just so in love with. I have to admit that I’m not the only one who is in love. My two little guys love running on the new runner and my not-so-little girl loves to lounge on it:

Poppy and our new oriental runner

Prior to this rug we had a sea grass runner from Pottery Barn.

Hallway (Before)

I really love Pottery Barn, but wasn’t really statisfied with how the runner stood up. The rubber backing broke down and left a sticky residue on our hardwood floors.

Residue from the rubber backing

Has this ever happened to anyone else? To get the sticky residue off the floor I used Murphy’s Oil Soap and diluted with water. I wiped on the mixture and then used a paint scrapper (very gently) to get if off the floor and then dried with paper towels. It took a bit of time but the floors are clean. I then repainted all the trim.

I found this fantastic runner at Interior Consignments in North Scituate for only $99. Yes, it does have some worn patches, but I really like that look. I like my home to look lived in and shabby chic. I had it mended and cleaned at Grillo Oriental Rug Gallery & Care. Mr. George Grillo, the owner, is so knowledgeable and such a lovely man. Amongst, the piles of vibrant and pastel orientals he told me about his grandchildren, of whom he is so proud, and also shared so much of these rugs he truly loves. He’s been in the oriental rug business for over 45 years and also cleans the rugs for the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. So I guess my runner was in good company while being fixed up! I found out that this rug was actually Iranian and made at the turn of the century. He said, “In its day it was a very lovely rug.” It is hand dyed with vegetable dyes and hand knotted. He also told me that it was made for local sale, not export.

Our Hallway (After)

I can’t help but wonder the history this rug has seen? What was the family in Iran like who owned it? Was it passed down to another generation? How did it get to my little corner of the world? I also learned from Mr. Grillo that the under-padding of the rug is so important. He told me that the rubber mats are useless and the rubber breaking down is a common problem. Instead he recommended this mat:

Felt Padding

It is a synthetic felt pad which is very thick – a 1/2 inch – and keeps the rug intact. The rug is nice and cushioned when walking along it and I think that is why Poppy finds it so lovely to lay on.

Close up of the Runner

I particularly love the richness of the pattern and the colors. I also love the length. The previous rug was 8 ft and this is 14ft and now runs the full length of the hall. I’m drawn to the vibrant and soft blues in this rug and I think it adds so much character and warmth to our hallway.

I know Poppy agrees with me, as that is her new favorite place….