A light wood staircase with thin black spindles creates a minimalist aesthetic among white walls. A gray carpet on the stairs is incorporated into the space and adds a subtle decorative element. Wall panels provide texture around the staircase.
36 Ways to Upgrade Your Staircase with a Carpet for Stairs
By
Published: December 21, 2022
Updated: December 1, 2023
Staircases are an unexpected utopia for accessories, especially when selecting a carpet for stairs. These carpets can include anything from a modern staircase runner to installed carpeting and everything in between. These pieces enrich any space that needs a little love and they work well with all staircase or banister color schemes. Not to mention, they can prevent slipping that occasionally happens on uncarpeted stairs.
Patterned carpet can be paired with carefully selected wall décor, or even a gallery wall if you are aiming for a highly decorated space. For something more personalized, you may consider an antique runner mixed with eccentric ornaments. While staircase carpets pair well with accessories, they are also great on their own, a neutral runner or carpet could be the perfect fit for a classic entryway staircase. Our collection of ideas below is sure to assist you in finding the perfect carpet for stairs to accessorize your space!
02 of Sliding Barn Door Opens to Reveal Staircase
PHOTO:
A wooden barn door in the dining room slides open to reveal a staircase with patterned carpet. A transparent chair and small stool create a small sitting area. Wood flooring hosts a white hutch with shelves and vintage brass hardware.
03 of Christmas Décor and Carpet Ideas for Stairs
PHOTO:
Christmas garland is displayed on white staircase banisters in this entryway. Wood flooring extends to a paneled white front door. Carpet ideas for stairs include full beige carpeting over the steps. A basket with festive pillows is placed next to the staircase.
04 of Carpet Ideas for a Winding Staircase
PHOTO:
This winding staircase is proceeded by a numbered mat and showcases carpet ideas for stairs. The carpet possesses a gray and white patterned design and compliments black stairs. Wood flooring leads to a seating area with a black and white plaid bench.
05 of Layered Carpets for Stairs and Farmhouse Décor
PHOTO:
White beadboard wainscoting is paired with farmhouse decor in this entryway. A basket with an arrangement of decorative items sits on a carpet for stairs. A peach carpet is layered over a brown stair runner to create a cohesive look.
06 of Vaulted Ceiling Living Room with Pot Lights
PHOTO:
A vaulted ceiling living room is complete with exposed wood beams and recessed lighting. Wood railings with black spindles frame a staircase and continue down the stairs. Try including a patterned carpet for stairs and landing to add a decorative element.
07 of Window Seat Surrounded by White Shiplap
PHOTO:
This staircase is engulfed in white shiplap and includes a cozy window nook. A white and gray plaid cushion covers the window seat and is accessorized by throw pillows. A cream-colored carpet covers the stairs and landing over the white steps.
08 of Gallery Wall Leading Up Staircase
PHOTO:
Staircases provide an opportunity to create interesting gallery walls as exhibited in this space. Try adding a staircase runner if you don’t want to commit to fully carpeted stairs. Plain walls can be used for a mounted railing.
09 of Stairs with White Stair Skirt Trim
PHOTO:
Beige diamond patterned stair runner rug covers steps with light stained wood treads and white risers. White spindles topped by a black wood handrail are fitted opposite white stair skirt trim.
10 of Patterned Gray Carpet on Stairs
PHOTO:
- house.becomes.home
This entryway features a wood console table with an open shelf filled with two woven baskets. A black farmhouse chandelier is suspended between the console and a staircase. A patterned gray carpet on the stairs is flanked by black railings.
11 of Black and White Striped Carpet
PHOTO:
A vintage wood wall clock is displayed over a staircase landing that features a black and white striped runner. The contrast continues with white steps and a black banister and spindles. A wood console table is illuminated by table lamps.
12 of Staircase Landing with Accent Wall
PHOTO:
Board and batten covers a wall that is featured on a staircase landing. Carpet ideas for stairs are exhibited by a black and gray staircase runner layered over white steps. A wood banister with black spindles adds a unique touch to the space.
13 of Foyer with Gray Carpet for Stairs
PHOTO:
This foyer includes a rustic wood console table perched atop wood flooring. In the center of the foyer stands a black and white staircase with a gray carpet for stairs. A sconce is anchored to the wall at the top of the stairs.
14 of Beige Carpet Runner With a Subtle Checkerboard Pattern
PHOTO:
This staircase boasts white walls, light wood rails, and a light wood tread. A beige carpet runner with a subtle checkerboard pattern is installed on the stairs. A black mat sits on the light wood floor at the bottom of the stairs.
15 of A Green Garland and a Gold Carpet Runner
PHOTO:
As you study the staircase, you will see a green garland with red ribbons draped over the dark wood handrail. A golden yellow carpet runner is installed on the dark wood treads. For a neutral look, you can place a long beige rug on the dark wood floor.
16 of Platform Staircase and Layered Rugs
PHOTO:
A platformed staircase begins with wood steps and transforms into carpeted stairs. The cream carpet is complemented by surrounding gray walls. As featured in this space, you can combine aesthetics and create a unique look by layering rugs.
17 of Carpet Ideas for a Vintage Entryway
PHOTO:
Arched wood double doors with glass inserts welcome you into a vintage-style entryway. A shaded table lamp rests on a vintage console table beside a staircase. Carpet ideas for stairs are demonstrated by a beige carpet laid over wood steps.
18 of Geometric Pendants and White Console Tables
PHOTO:
Two geometric pendant lights illuminate this entryway and offer a modern touch. White console tables are pushed against opposite walls and feature varying designs. White wainscoting wraps around the walls and continues up a staircase.
19 of Elegant Entryway with Gray Wainscoting
PHOTO:
Gray wainscoting occupies the lower walls of this elegant entryway and is paired with white upper walls. Two white console tables are displayed on opposite sides of an off-white rug. Wall-mounted candle holders flank an embellished mirror.
20 of Console Table in Staircase Spandrel
PHOTO:
A black and cream carpet on the stairs and landing is accentuated by a framed picture. A black and white console table is used as decor for a staircase spandrel. Console tables can be added to spandrels or blank walls to increase room for accessories.
21 of Dark Wood Staircase with White Runner
PHOTO:
This curved staircase is trimmed with dark wood on both the risers and treads. The handrail and wood spindles are a matching wood tone, while a white carpeted runner stretches the length of the staircase. A modern black light fixture hangs from the ceiling above.
22 of White Stair Spindles with Fall Decor
PHOTO:
This staircase has an off-white carpet decorated with numerous small pumpkins in shade of white, orange, and green. The stair spindle, posts, and handrail are all painted white.
23 of Luxury Christmas Tree in Hallway
PHOTO:
A white staircase with dark wood treads features a patterned black and white runner. A Christmas tree is decorated in silver and white with hints of gold beside a metal steam train decoration. Dark wood flooring covers the space.
24 of Christmas Décor and Carpet on Stairs
PHOTO:
For holiday decor, staircases provide many options for decorations such as banister garlands. Guests are welcomed into the entryway by a classic Christmas tree. Gray and white patterned carpet on the stairs accentuates the space.
25 of Two-story Foyer with Black Metal Pendant Lighting
PHOTO:
This two-story foyer is illuminated by black metal pendant lighting with cylindrical stripes that complement the metalwork of the stained wood staircase. On either side of a light blue entrance door, flanked by white sidelights, ivory and black patterned candle sconces are mounted, harmonizing with the metal accents and enhancing the foyer’s welcoming ambiance.
26 of Framed Pictures Descend into Entryway
PHOTO:
A taupe carpet is laid over black stairs and descends into an entryway with a white front door. Pictures with black frames are mounted on the staircase walls in an identical fashion. The front door hosts a green and yellow wreath.
27 of Decorative Carpet for Stairs and Landing
PHOTO:
A white sideboard with glass inserts stands upon dark flooring against a staircase wall. The staircase hosts a gray and white patterned carpet on the stairs and landing. Black banisters are complemented by white spindles, and the second floor welcomes you with a gallery wall.
28 of Patterned Carpet for a Staircase
PHOTO:
A wood bench with a spindle back and decorative pillows is positioned beneath vintage picture frames. A patterned carpet on the staircase leads up to the second floor and partially covers wood steps. Black railings are installed on either side of the stairs.
29 of Gray Carpet on Stairs with Wood Railing
PHOTO:
The gray carpet on these stairs is featured over a half-staircase with a farmhouse design. The staircase leads to a platform with a rustic wood console table and a wall clock. The lower level showcases built-in shelving separated by a stacked stone fireplace.
30 of Stairway with White Stair Skirting Board
PHOTO:
Light wood treads with white risers are covered by a gray stair runner carpet. The stairway is finished with a white stair skirting board and black banister mounted to the wall.
31 of Neutral Staircase Surrounded by Columns
PHOTO:
Neutral carpet for stairs lays over a two-flight staircase. The neutral color scheme is continued with light wood railings joined by white spindles and posts. White columns fill the main level and are positioned among white walls.
32 of Antique Stair Runner Below Gallery Wall
PHOTO:
A unique gallery wall enriches this space and works well with the carpet ideas for stairs showcased below the wall. An antique staircase runner with tassels adds character to a white staircase with a black banister. Woven baskets accessorize the ground floor.
33 of Fall Décor Placed on Carpeted Steps
PHOTO:
Sidelights from the front door offer a hint of natural light to this entryway. A beige carpet for the staircase accentuates the fall decor that is placed on every second step. The accessories include seasonal pillows and pumpkin ornaments.
34 of Cream-Colored Stair Runner Over Wood Steps
PHOTO:
Wood banisters with white spindles frame an entryway staircase. A cream-colored staircase runner flows down the wood steps. An adjoining room is furnished with gray and black pieces and illuminated by a chrome chandelier.
35 of White Painted Staircase with Grey Runner
PHOTO:
This open concept room features dark hardwood floors, white painted walls, and a corrugated tin ceiling. The staircase is painted white with light wood handrails and a dark grey runner.
36 of Compact Entryway with Carpet for Staircases
PHOTO:
This compact entryway is enriched by a white console table that displays shelves filled with decorative items. A woven carpet for staircases leads to a staircase wall with an arrangement of clocks and farmhouse decor.
