Yes, rugs or runners in hallways are a great idea. Hallways see some of the heaviest foot traffic in any home. Without protection, that constant movement wears down finishes faster, especially on wooden or laminate floors. A good runner takes the beating instead, and you can replace it when it’s tired far more easily than redoing the whole floor.
Runners also help with grip, reducing the chance of slipping, and they soften noise. Choose a rug with a non-slip backing or add an underlay so it doesn’t slide around. Measure your hallway properly; you want it long enough to be useful but not so wide that it curls up against walls.
Besides practicality, a runner adds colour and warmth to a space that can otherwise feel like just a passage. It turns a simple corridor into part of the home’s decor, while quietly doing the job of protecting your flooring.