“The idea of a runner is timeless. It’s the carpet/pattern you choose that will make a difference,” states Candice, a committed home decor enthusiast. We couldn’t agree more, especially in a home with Victorian influences. The right runner lends an air of sophistication to your home, especially when prominently positioned in an entryway like this woven golden number shown here.
12 Ideas for Choosing the Right Runner for Your Stairs
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Published: October 8, 2023
Updated: November 13, 2023
Flooring is a hot topic, especially among those interested in mixing and matching materials across their homes. Beautiful hardwood floors dominate home renovations and new builds as a coveted element, and many people are shifting away from carpet entirely due to its lack of longevity and outdated look. That bares the question, however, what about the stairs?
We will help you weigh the pros and cons of all options to help you elevate your stairwell with the best and most efficient look. Most of all, don’t be wary if you’re a committed lover of carpet instead of hardwood or tile flooring. I am, and it can have a place in your home that looks equally put together and modern with the right pattern and material.
Our committed readers and contributors have submitted thoughtful input on which they would choose and why, and their suggestions are sure to assist you in this difficult decision-making process.
02 of Vibing With Plush Carpet
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Plush carpeting is my personal favorite, and there is nothing like entering the basement or an upstairs loft of a home that has soft, new carpet. Though challenging to keep clean, a high-quality thread can ensure your carpet stays soft and shiny through years of life and play in your home. Choosing a gentle, neutral color that complements the paint on the walls is an ideal choice, as well as investing in a bi-annual carpet cleaning service.
03 of Adding Whipped Stitching to Carpet
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You can have the best of both worlds with the help of the right carpet runner. A lovely textured brown carpet extends through the home’s top level, blending in with a custom runner finished with black whipped edging for a polished look. One of our committed readers, Jaime, claims, “I think having a runner is a bit more high-end and nicer looking.” We couldn’t agree more, Jaime!
04 of Using Stair Rods
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Similar to the design above, this runner has been custom-made to blend with the carpet used on the landing, a crucial detail to consider if you have stairs that twist around corners. Lauren, a homeowner, “has trouble finding runners that stay down well and aren’t atrocious,” but boy, do we have a suggestion for her! These beautiful stair rods aren’t only chic but efficient in ensuring that the runner stays put.
05 of Blending Carpet and Hardwood Tones
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The styling here in this hallway is timeless, with black stair treads sitting beautifully underneath a light-colored cream runner. For an added modern element, the hardwood floors on the first floor have a sandy tone almost identical to the carpet on the stairs. If you’re working with two materials, selecting colors that blend will help you go far, and the black staircase contrasts perfectly with the bright neutrals.
06 of Protecting Stair Treads
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Highly polished brown and white stair treads should be protected at all costs with a runner in order to preserve the sought-after glossy sheen. Our reader, Nina, agrees that “If you have nice stair treads, a runner is the way to go.” Add a little flair to your life with a neutral chevron print to pair well with a three-tone stairwell.
07 of Transitioning With Carpet
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It’s common to request the upper level of the home have carpet, especially in bedrooms, to enhance your home’s overall comfort. A simple way to transition between hardwood downstairs and carpet upstairs is by lining the stairwell fully with carpet. This comes with enhanced cleaning responsibilities as a vacuum is required, but a handheld option works perfectly to protect walls and trim.
08 of Picking a Color
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As is expected in Victorian homes, rich colors are a necessity. An intricately tiled Mosiac entryway demands a fitting design for the stairwell, and picking colors that are present in the tile to extend upstairs is an idyllic choice. Here, we see a dark gray runner on white stairs paired with metallic rods for a bit of glamor.
09 of Transitioning From Stone Floors
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Instead of hardwood or laminate flooring, this cozy entryway features a beautiful stone tile. A woven runner of equally organic material weaves its way up a white staircase. As we’ve seen, the critical role of color in carpets and runners is of equal magnitude to the material. It’s clear that the criss-cross stitching and beige color of this runner were meant to inspire much of the country-life interior.
10 of Creating Contrast With Carpet
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We’ve seen a few ideas for blending your runner into your stair treads or hardwood flooring, but what if you want something completely different? A two-tone white and oak stairwell is an excellent choice for displaying a runner in a dark hue. The material is prominent in deep gray, a welcoming sight for those hoping to sit back and relax on a weekend afternoon. Make sure to remove your shoes!
11 of Compromising With Carpet
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Antique homes are known for their low-hanging and narrow door frames and petite stairwells. You may find yourself dreaming of the aesthetic associated with a stair runner, but space is limiting. Holly exclaims she would definitely be on team runner, “If my stair treads were wider.” A wishful sentiment, of course, but carpet can be equally as welcoming and cozy without the hassle of tread protection.
12 of Showcasing Your Personality
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Your home design is what you make it, and flooring has a quintessential role in that process. Whether wall-to-wall carpet is your best friend or wooden tread with runners tickles your fancy, the materials you choose to guide your design matter. The period of your home will inspire you, as it does in this chapel house bathed in rich, deep neutrals with a fully carpeted staircase.
Whatever you choose, know that your home is there to support you always in the best way. Hopefully, the journey was made a bit easier with the advice and tips from our community of readers!
