Stair runners are an ideal way to add style and verve to your entryway. They can magically transform a blank staircase into a focal point and create an inviting first impression when your guests arrive.
Stair runner carpets are not purely for aesthetics however, they provide needed safety from slips and falls. The carpet pile will also absorb the noise of foot traffic going up and down the stairs. Professional carpet installation will ensure a long lasting fit and extend carpet life.
So, to get started, how do you select from the plethora of carpet options available? Fortunately, with sites like Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram, there’s an abundance of carpet runner photos to inspire you. And, check out our stair runner gallery for even more stair runner ideas.
Next, decide on a style. Do you want a stripe, pattern, or solid? Do you want the feeling to be formal and gracious, relaxed and casual, or sophisticated and modern? Often, the style of your home will dictate your choice.
Below you’ll find chevron patterned runners, animal prints, striped carpet, black and white carpets, geometric rug runners and more. We hope you find a stair runner rug that’s perfect for your home
Best Stair Runner Ideas for 2023:
Black and White Stair Runners
This striking black and white wool carpet creates a classy opening statement on this straight up set of stairs. Continue the black and white scheme to keep your décor cosmopolitan, or jazz it up by adding pops of color. Designed by Bunny Williams for Dash and Albert, this stunning rug runner is elegant in its simplicity yet takes this
stairwell to a whole new level of cool! Visit annieselke.com or come to our showroom to view the entire Annie Selke collection.
Carpet: Senna Ivory/Black
Chevron Stair Runners
Zigzag, herringbone or chevron patterns are some of our most popular stair runner styles. Whether you choose a flowing David Hicks designer carpet or a fresh tone-on-tone neutral, chevron carpets add a sense of movement that will “step-up” your decorating style. Our Wilton carpet, "Hippie Beads" shown below, adds a sense of playfulness to this traditional staircase.
Carpet: Hippie Beads
Animal Print Stair Runners
Animal print carpets will never go out of style. Our most popular is the blue antelope stair runner followed by the grey leopard print stair runner. Animal patterns inspired by cheetahs, zebras, snow leopards, and giraffes make high-impact floor coverings as well. Whatever you choose, when you bring in nature’s neutrals, limit this bold pattern to the staircase to keep it from overwhelming the space. Our Nessa carpet, makes a dramatic
statement against the walnut stained stair treads. The bottom photo features our Felix woven wool carpet with the addition of a decorative banding. Wide cotton borders are an ideal way to add excitement to any carpet.
Carpet: Nessa
Carpet: Felix with wide cotton binding
Striped Stair Runners
The color of the striped runner you choose can play a big part in denoting a stripe as traditional, modern, casual or beachy. Navy or light blue stripe can feel nautical or coastal. Colorful stripes feel happy and playful. A wide stripe against a white or cream ground has a more casual character. A single color striped carpet runner in two tones will look more traditional. A narrow tone on tone stripe can look surprisingly modern and sophisticated. Note: Keep in mind if your staircase has pie-shaped or wedge-shaped stairs, the stripes will not match on these stairs. Otherwise, most every staircase will benefit from a striped patterned runner.
Carpet: Quensel Steel
Geometric Stair Runners
Geometric patterns can add a ton of personality to your stairway or when done in a neutral palette, recede into the background. This lively geometry in this carpet runner takes your stair runner carpet to colorful new heights. Keep the fun look going by pulling colors from the runner to use in artwork, lamps and trays. For a more subtle approach, try a geometric carpet like this diamond tone on tone pattern in shades of grey to complement your home’s classic details.
Carpet: Solera by Louis A. Dabbieri
Solid Color Stair Runner
When you choose a solid color carpet, choose a bold palette, or stay neutral and let texture add the interest. This waterfall stair carpet installation is an example of how choosing a single bold color can rev up your stair treads. Visit our showroom to see the
complete line of Roger Oates carpeting or go to their website: rogeroates.com
Carpet: Roger Oates, New Hadley Lime
Plaid Stair Runners
Plaid is one of the most classic patterns in the decorating world but recently they’ve taken on a fresh face. With the introduction of pared down patterns that harmonize with today’s modern room settings, plaids are bridging the gap between classic and contemporary styles. This wool carpet from Karastan is an outstanding example.
Carpet: Shaniece by Dabbieri Naturals
Stair Repair and Remodeling
Making sure your stairs are in good condition before the installation of your stair carpet runner is another consideration. If your wooden stair treads are in need of repair or it's time for a remodel, this article on creating your dream staircase takes you step by step through the different types of staircases, setting up railings and bannisters, choosing the latest stair styles, safety concerns, and more.
Choosing the Best Stair Carpet
When in comes to choosing the best carpet for stairs, keep in mind stairways are functional, high-traffic areas and the material needs to be chosen carefully. Carpeting on stairs protects the stair treads from wear and tear and creates a soft textured surface to step on. The right stair carpet will not only keep you and your family safe but will elevate your home's interior design.
Ready to choose a stair runner for your home?
Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation or visit our showroom to see all the carpets pictured here plus our full range of carpeting for any room in your home.
Related Resources
Hollywood Stair Runner vs Waterfall Stair Runner
How to Use Animal Print Carpet in Your Home
Why Wool Carpet?
Carpet Gallery
