Runners, strips and mats

(Posted on 19/07/13)

The first two terms describe rugs which are long and narrow - usually where the length is over 2.5 times the width - and are often used in place of the word 'rug' (i.e., a Shirvan runner or Yahyali strip). There are no rules defining the distinction between runners and strips, but it is generally accepted that a runner is relatively larger (hallway or corridor size), whereas a strip is rarely more than 3' x 1' (0.90 x 0.30 m). The term 'mat' can be applied to any small rug, but usually refers only to those whose dimensions are less than 2' x 2' (0.60 x 0.60 m).