Styles, Trends, and Tips | Stair Runners

I find that carpet runners on a staircase are often overlooked in interior design projects. Many get overwhelmed with what to choose or how to have it installed. Let’s go “step by step” through my favorite stair runner tips.

Favorite Carpets

Carpet for a stair runner should have a backing that will make a tight installation over treads and risers possible. Not only do these come in a large variety of colors, but they are also made from highly cleanable fibers, which is a must for anything stair runner related. Most importantly, the mills that manufacture the fabrics need to have the ability to customize the size before being shipped to the installer.

I sent the carpet mill drawings with measurements for cutting and machine-serging the sides with matching yarn for these stairs. The result is a seamless runner down the stairs and across the landing.

Pay Attention to the Details

For this example, I chose a cream and black wool loop carpet for the stairs. A detail that may get pushed to the side is the carpet tape.

Both examples are using the same carpet with a drastically different result. The beige is perfect for those who want a softer, subtle look. But in my client’s home, we wanted an eye-catching enhancement to their foyer. The black not only added contrast, but also tied perfectly with their travertine marble flooring with black accents. The contrasting tape coupled with 4″ of exposed wood tread is a dynamic combo.

You can also use the installation to cover any wear and tear of the stairs underneath. You can imagine how many makeovers and house guests our 1923 farmhouse has welcomed over the years. To take away from some of that damage, we exposed a small amount of wood on the railing side, and put carpet all the way to the wall on the other. The Braided Opulance carpet from Masland has barely shown any wear in four years. Any messes have cleaned right up with water and paper towels!

Choose Custom to Make a Statement

Wool runners with custom woven designs are excellent for larger stairways. This project shows how wide set stairs can be such a beautiful canvas for these stair runners. We hand selected the colors for the fabric and approved the design before it was sent to production.

After hours of diagrams and design revisions, this custom project is the ultimate type of stair runner.

The art of designing successful stairway runners is a something I have enjoyed in my career—combining the practical aspects of covering stairs and selecting the perfect carpet for each client’s project. Let me know if this helps you create the stair runner that you have been dreaming of!