This beautiful natural wood staircase is decorated with a modern farmhouse-inspired chevron runner in black and white. The black balusters pick up the black colors within the runner and the steel-framed arching mirror hung along the board and batten accent wall.
23 Modern Stair Runner Ideas for a Quick and Easy Staircase Upgrade
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Published: February 10, 2023
Updated: November 30, 2023
A stair runner is a great and affordable way to either protect or upgrade your staircase. Here in this article, we wanted to show you some examples of timeless modern stair runner ideas that serve both purposes.
We have several examples of neutral stair runners, some with normal low pile shag texture and others with more interesting waffle or woven textures. Neutral stair runners are a really practical solution for those looking to install a protective layer over their wood stairs that they won’t tire of quickly. Others may be looking for a runner that can make a more stylish statement for a high-traffic area, in which case you might be more compelled to experiment with a farmhouse geometric pattern or utilize a mixture of colors that match with the rest of your decor within the space.
Here are some examples of popular stair runner designs that are trending. Take a look through our photo collection and see if any of them inspire you!
02 of Blue Patterned Stair Runner Inspiration for a Wooden Staircase
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This bright white entryway has some farmhouse flare with the addition of a blue geometric farmhouse runner draped over the espresso wood staircase. Ornamental white molding accents the lower portion of the stair walls. A wicker basket holds a large ficus tree next to the staircase.
03 of Ideas for a Stair Runner With a Gray-feathering Pattern
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This soft gray feathered stair runner is the perfect option for a modern farmhouse stairwell decor piece. The charcoal gray coloring within the stair runner coordinates with the black iron balusters and the dark wood stair treads. The white within the stair runner complements the board and batten wall.
04 of Textured Stair Runner Ideas for a Farmhouse Entry
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A dark-stained wood staircase is softened with a waffle-textured runner placed snuggly against the treads and risers. The neutral taupe color of the runner goes really well with the natural wood tones in the space and the warm red brick fireplace in the background.
05 of Black and White Stair Runner Ideas for a Farmhouse
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A black and white runner hugs a wooden stairway in this split-level home. A wood farmhouse wall sign hanging along the white shiplap wall coordinates well with the color of the runner. Neutral whites, browns, and grays give this space a cohesive look.
06 of Neutral Stair Runner Ideas for a White Staircase
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A woven jute stair runner with a black border lays across this white wooden staircase with farmhouse-inspired wood lanterns and pillar candles. Black plaid holiday bows stream down from a fir garland, lit with warm string lights and decorated with natural pine cones.
07 of Neutral Stair Runner Ideas for a Steep Staircase
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Soften the edges of a steep wooden staircase by using a woven stair runner. The runner shown in this home is the perfect example of a neutral color option that will work with just about any stairwell design, allowing you to rotate decor easily and protect treads from scuffs.
08 of Stair Runner Ideas To Protect Your Wooden Treads
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Stair runners are an easy and affordable way to protect your wooden treads from daily wear and tear, scuffs, and scratches. A timeless neutral runner such as the one in this white stairwell is perfect for everyday use and blends perfectly within a color-neutral home.
09 of Gray Runner Ideas That Are Perfect for a Neutral Staircase
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A pale gray woven runner is draped over a white wood staircase with decorative molding along the wall at the landing. A jute area rug at the foot of the stairs pairs well with the runner as it has a matching black border and a neutral tone.
10 of Recessed Lighting for Hallway Next to Stairs
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- hollybushhome
These white stairs are accented by a gray and black stair runner and are fitted next to a hallway with recessed lighting. The staircase is finished with black spindles topped by a light wood handrail.
11 of Geometric Stair Runner Inspiration for the Modern Farmhouse
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Get a sleek modern farmhouse look by softening your wooden staircase with a geometric stair runner as shown in this bright white home. The modern steel horizontal balusters play off of the charcoal gray patterned runner and contrast beautifully with the warm oak flooring.
12 of Taupe Stair Runner Inspiration for a Bright White Entryway
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This bright white hallway boasts beautiful ornamental molding along the lower half of the cream-colored walls leading up to the white wooden staircase. A warm neutral taupe runner drapes over the treads drawing the eye up to the glass orb pendant lights hung overhead.
13 of Gray Farmhouse Stair Runner Ideas for a Split-level Home
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A shimmery gray farmhouse stair runner drapes along a black wood staircase in this split-level entry home. The white walls contrast boldly with the black handrails and treads, while the grey runner provides a soft neutral cover that softens the stark color differences.
14 of Woven Stair Runner Ideas for a Split-level Farmhouse Entry
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Bold patterned black and white tile floors accent this small split-level entryway. A black framed mirror looks over the staircase with black handrails and white treads that match the color scheme of the rest of the space. A neutral woven stair runner provides a soft cover for the stairs.
15 of Minimalist Staircase Design Inspiration
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A natural wood staircase ascends toward a crisp white wall with decorative framing molding. A modern black steel chandelier hangs beside the steep stairway, matching the slim steel balusters installed within the wood handrails. The simple white, black, and natural wood elements create a sleek minimalist look.
16 of Stairway with White Skirt Boards
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Stained wood door with black metal handle is fitted next to a stairway with white skirt boards. A white and black vintage stair runner is laid over the black wood treads with white risers.
17 of Stair Runner Ideas for a French-country-Styled Home
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Taupe floral wallpaper runs along the upper half of a stairway wall with white wainscoting lining the lower portion. A blue French-country patterned runner is draped over the wooden stairs with white wood railings and black handrails. The vintage wall art completes the antique look.
18 of Patterned Runner for a Dark Wood Staircase
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This leopard print stair runner adds a glamorous vibe to these black wood stairs with white wood balusters. A taupe tile flooring matches the neutral color of the leopard print well and brightens the space around the black wood staircase.
19 of Carpet Ideas for a Winding Staircase
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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.
20 of Black and White Runner with Floral Garland
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A curved entryway staircase is surrounded by white millwork. A black and white runner flows down the stairs and covers dark wood treads. Christmas garland on the railing of the stairs includes faux flowers.
21 of Black and White Staircase with Grey Runner
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This white painted staircase features a grey arabesque stair runner over dark wood treads. The traditional white spindles contrast with the black painted handrail and post.
22 of White Carpet Stair Runner Inspiration for a Modern Farmhouse
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Dark plank flooring runs up to the foot of a warm wood staircase with a white carpet runner fitted snuggly to the treads. White wall paint makes the space especially bright, enhancing the vintage black clock over the fireplace and the framed iron wall art beside the stairway.
23 of Layered Carpets for Stairs and Farmhouse Décor
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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.
