Runners also provide homeowners with necessary practical appeal, as they are more capable of protecting longer sections of hardwood flooring than most other types of rugs. Because of their length and presentation, runners are often chosen to grace longer areas that are also prone to higher amounts of traffic. Places like walkways and hallways can benefit from the inclusion of a tasteful carpet runner. These rugs not only protect the flooring itself from traffic wear, but the patterns chosen can be a powerful way to unify different rooms and create a common decorating scheme.