Carpet runners on stairs not only add a touch of elegance but also serve a practical purpose, providing comfort and safety. They are a savvy, stylish addition to most homes… but sometimes, it can be hard to know exactly what type of runner to purchase for your home.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 carpet runner on stairs ideas to inspire your transformation!
Before diving into the stair runner design ideas, let’s address the fundamental question: Should you put a carpet runner on your stairs? The answer is almost always a resounding yes!
A carpet runner not only enhances the visual appeal of your staircase but also brings warmth, dampens sounds, protects the stairs from wear and tear and adds a layer of safety by reducing the risk of slipping. Now, let’s jump into the best carpet runner ideas for stairs.
The classic and timeless herringbone pattern serves as an ideal choice for stair runners, bringing sophistication to any staircase. Its structured and symmetrical design adds a touch of elegance to your home. Whether you prefer a traditional look with neutral colours or a contemporary twist with bold hues, herringbone runners have proven to be a versatile and stylish carpet option.
And we at Matt Britton have a wide range of herringbone carpets available, from 100% wool Vogue Wilton Herringbone to textured options like Alpine, Grand Herringbone and Harmony Herringbone. This ageless pattern seamlessly complements various interior styles, allowing you to achieve a classic and sophisticated aesthetic with neutral tones or make a bold statement with contrasting colours.
For a playful yet elegant touch, consider a striped stair runner, like the Biscayne Stripe or Mississippi collections. The horizontal stripes not only add a dynamic element but also elongate the appearance of your stairs, resulting in a visually appealing effect. For a timeless feel, consider a classic light and dark grey combination (Harbour Grey Mist) or a mix-and-match colour (Mississippi Premium) to seamlessly blend with your decor.
Whether you choose colours that complement your existing decor for a cohesive look or go for contrasting stripes to make a striking impact, like our Audrey collection, a striped stair runner is a sure way to bring both playfulness and visual interest to your home’s design.
Bring personality to your staircase with a patterned stair runner from our Fabulous, Enigma, Harbour, Vogue Wilton Herringbone or Roger Oates collections. Whether you opt for geometric or abstract allure, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to express your unique stair runner style and make a striking statement within your home. Patterned stair runners are an excellent choice if you want to add a touch of your personal style to your home.
For a tailored and refined appearance, opt for a stair runner with a border. This design not only frames the carpet runner but also gives a tailored and polished finish to your staircase. Whether you opt for leather, linen, cotton or piping, choose a contrasting binding colour to make a bold statement or a matching one for a subtle touch. This is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a classic and refined style.
Dark-coloured carpet runners on your staircase will add a touch of modernism and luxury. These rich hues, such as deep black colours, like the Biscayne Raven, charcoal colours, like the Buttercup Warm Grey, Carrera 76 and Carrera 177, or rich purples, like the Knightsbridge Inspire 240, not only add opulence but also effectively conceal dirt and stains, making them a practical choice for one of the highest-traffic areas of the house. Additionally, the dark tones create a striking contrast, turning each step into a focal point, making them an ideal choice for homes with minimalist or industrial designs.
Elevate your staircase design by exploring unconventional materials and shapes for a truly distinctive stair runner. Our textured carpets, such as the Harmony Boucle or Grand Oriental collections, will infuse your stairs with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic on their own, but also when combined with materials like leather, wool, sisal tric or sisool masai. The 100% wool, soft wool loop textured carpets – Knightsbridge Indulgent and Knightsbridge Inspire – are also perfect for any home and are some of the most popular choices for stair runners. So, experiment with different textures, patterns and binding materials to add character to your stairs.
For a sleek and minimalist style, opt for a modern velvet stair runner. Choose a solid, neutral colour, such as those found in the Monaco, Carrera, Vogue Velvet Luxe and Vogue Velvet collections that complements your home’s contemporary design. This approach is perfect for those who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.
Blend the traditional with the modern by choosing a contemporary stair runner. Think about combining different dark materials, like leather and heavy domestic wool, or experimenting with textured carpets and asymmetrical patterns. This approach allows you to create a staircase that is both current and timeless.
Carpet runners come with a wide range of benefits for all types of homes. These benefits ensure that they are almost always worth it!
A carpet runner not only serves practical purposes but also significantly enhances the charm of your home. It acts as a stylish focal point, adding warmth and personality to an otherwise utilitarian space. With a myriad of colours, patterns, and textures available, a well-chosen carpet runner can seamlessly integrate into your overall interior design, elevating the visual appeal of your staircase and the surrounding area.
One of the foremost reasons to consider investing in a carpet runner for your stairs is the positive impact it can have on safety. Staircases can be high-traffic areas, and the inherent slipperiness of hard surfaces can pose a risk, especially in households with children, elderly individuals, or pets. A carpet runner provides a secure and slip-resistant surface, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring a safer environment for everyone in your home.
Staircases are prone to significant wear and tear over time due to constant foot traffic. A carpet runner acts as a protective barrier, shielding your staircase from scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. By absorbing the impact of footsteps, the runner extends the longevity of your staircase, preserving its original condition and minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Beyond its visual and protective functions, a carpet runner contributes to a quieter and more insulated home environment. The soft fibers of the runner absorb sound, reducing the noise generated by footsteps and minimizing echoes in stairwells. This is particularly beneficial in multi-story homes, as it helps create a more peaceful atmosphere and prevents sound from travelling between floors.
Additionally, when combined with a hall and landing carpet, the runner provides insulation, helping to maintain a more comfortable temperature in your home by preventing heat loss.
The addition of a carpet runner infuses a sense of warmth and cosiness into your living space. Its soft texture underfoot creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. This simple yet effective element contributes to the overall ambience of your home, making it a more inviting and enjoyable place to live.
The decision to invest in a carpet runner offers several benefits, such as safety, protection, and noise reduction, and contributes to a cosy atmosphere. Whether you prioritise functionality or wish to enhance the visual appeal of your home, a carpet runner proves to be a valuable addition that complements both style and substance.
Before installing a carpet runner, ensure your stairs are clean, smooth, and free of any debris. Repair any damage to the steps, and consider sanding or painting them for a refreshed look.
While not mandatory, an underlay provides additional cushioning and helps prolong the life of your carpet runner. It provides extra padding, reduces noise, and helps the runner stay in place.
The lifespan of a stair runner depends on factors such as material quality, traffic, and maintenance. On average, a well-maintained carpet runner can last between 5 to 15 years.
To prevent slipping or shifting, stair runners can be secured using various methods, including staples, carpet tacks, rug pads, double-sided carpet tape, or a combination of adhesives and a gripper rod. These accessories secure the runner to the stairs without causing damage to the surface. Keep in mind that professional installation ensures a secure and long-lasting placement.
At Matt Britton, we love providing inspiration for homeowners across Ireland. Adding a carpet runner to stairs is a practical and stylish addition to any home. With a myriad of carpet options available, you can customise your staircase to reflect your personal taste and enhance the overall ambiance of your living space.
Take a look at our stair carpet runner range and book an appointment today!
