option c

You had me at “Old Parisian apartment with very old parquet”. Swoon. :)

Would layering be an option? Such as doing A, but the rugs meeting in the corner and pulling one over the other just a bit? I’m thinking about sound control, but on the other hand wondering if it might become a tripping hazard.

This isn’t in a corner, but kind of what I mean:

If not a possibility, then yes I’d go with C or D. You’re looking at an overhead drawing, I don’t think either would look weird in person.

I hadn't thought about layering, I'll test that out, thanks. Tripping hazard is real with a 3-year old around.

To try to estimate with what I had on hand, I tried laying out some towels to fit the right dimensions. My husband thought C looked weird and the rug needed to go all the way to the door, but I thought it could be ok if centered in the remaining space?

Ahh, good idea to use towels to get an idea! It’s hard to say without being there, but I think I agree with you. Ideally, yes, a rug would go to the door, but sometimes it won’t work. My dad just moved into his new place, and his front door won’t clear any kind of rug, so I just moved it right to the edge of where the door opened. It doesn’t look bad at all.

I like D as it covers most of the walking area; looks fine and does the most to quiet the squeaking.

I agree with D.

Try this under the rugs:

https://www.amazon.com/Loaded-Soundproofing-Barrier-Highest-Quality/dp/B008JHE1P6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=FGRBOHYV4GE3&keywords=mass+loaded+vinyl&qid=1573213991&sprefix=mass+lo,aps,452&sr=8-5&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=soundproofempire-20&linkId=3c2505c5884d1465885bee34f8db287a&language=en_US

I’d like to add that tripping wouldn’t be an issue at all. Very untripable. That’s a word

I’d cover as much of the hall as possible, so D. Attached is a link to a company that customizes sisals and with the binding, you may be able to sew together (or even tape) where runners meet, for added safety. There are probably other companies that could do custom in other styles.

https://www.naturalarearugs.com/p/studio-custom-sisal-rug/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social

Also suggest a roll of underlay that you can cut to size, which will provide added soundproofing. Up closer to the end, perhaps not add there so door can function

@thinkdesignlive, thanks for the Flor suggestion. I don't think they're available here (at least not without crazy import taxes and shipping costs). Flor seems to not be compatible with the finish on my floors, but but maybe I can find something similar.

@Maureen, I've had a quote for something similar and I'm seriously considering the custom idea, but I'm not yet confident of dimensions. In my ideal world, I agree I'd cover most of the hall.

It seems like D is getting the most votes. Anyone have any other solutions that I hadn't considered?

Many thanks for all the suggestions so far!

Does your 34" measurement just go to the heating pipes?Ruggable doesn't ship to France, but maybe someone in US or Canada could order and then forward them to you. They have a 2.5' x 7' and a 2.5 x 10' length. You could get them matched but in the two lengths if it helps with door swing or hall length.

does talcum powder on the squeaky parts still work? couldn't hurt to try.

how about those rubber play tile things just on the part of the hallway where she runs the most? bonus, when she falls she won't hurt herself

I vote for “D”

@decoenthusiaste The 34" measure is the full width. The narrowest part between the heating pipes is just under 30" so unfortunately I think a 2.5 footer would be *just* slightly too wide. I love the Ruggable idea of a washable rug though!

@Beth H. : Thanks for the suggestions! We tried the talcum, sadly no luck. It's an epically squeaky floor...

We've got some foam tiles in the living room that we put down for her play area. I could test them in the hallway for a while. I'm hoping for something a little more grown up, though, now that she is past the age where she toddles and falls a lot!

Your wood floor finish may be different from the poly on my floor but with something like flor tiles you could miter the corner. A custom cut runner might make that possible as well

Go to the local "marche' aux puces" and you may find some narrow antique hall runners. Put the foam tiles underneath them for now.

Love your apartment/location!

Do you have a rug store that could sell you sections of a remnant, to your specific width/length? These are significantly less expensive than most standard runners.They may then be able to attach "binding" to both raw edges, which could be factored into your maximum sizes. A good rug pad may also be available for each runner, for sound absorption. You might also consider adding tapestries to your walls to further decrease sound transmission.

Wool dhurrie rugs would look great. They are flat weave and would likely fit under the door swing, plus their standard width is about 30 inches which would fit nicely in your 34 inch wide hallways. (Appreciate you not using metric!) They can be traditional, modern, vintage, tribal, etc. and are widely available online. They are slippery though and a nonslip pad is essential (go with a thin one under the door) and would help with soundproofing too. I, too, like your option D.

@PRN I'll look into dhurrie rugs, thanks. Yes, I converted back from metric thinking it would be easier here... but I have to admit, once you've gone metric, it's hard to go back. It's just so. much. easier!

Thank you everyone for all the great suggestions. I have some good sources here for both oriental and custom (ie, bound carpet). My big dilemma is really figuring out the size and placement -- seems most people think D is the winner! Any other configurations that might work better?

Have you considered entirely removing the door from the hallway entrance? That gives you more flexibility with sizes. I really prefer "C" but much will depend on what you can find that is ready to go, especially if you're looking at antique rugs. I would not worry if the area in front of the bedroom door were just flooring. Here's a company provided by "This Old House" for a squeak stopping kit. Check it out and see if your husband could work with it. Maybe someone you know could send it to you if they don't ship overseas.

Have you considered wall to wall and there are some non traditional styles to choose from. I would though recommend wool for this high traffic area

@Maureen Thanks for the suggestion. Interesting carpet! We don’t want to put in wall-to-wall, but I did find some that I can have cut and bound, so it’s a possibility.

@decoenthusiaste Thanks for the anti-squeak suggestion, I’ll have a look. The door needs to stay (for sound reasons - this is not a big apartment :-) ) but I think I’m ok with the rug starting just past the door. Time to do more testing with my jerry-rigged towel setup!

To me, this would look better.

@decoenthusiaste Thanks! I thought that could work as well but my husband thinks it looks odd (and he rarely has an opinion on this sort of thing). May have to test it again...

Again, if you're going with antique rugs it will all depend on what you find. If you just get some cheap, not so fine, rugs at the flea market, there's no reason you couldn't have them trimmed and bound, but that may not be cheap in Paris.