Stair runners are practical and stylish additions to your home. They prevent slipping and protect your stairs, while also enhancing your decor. The right runner can match your space’s style and add to it with patterns or colors.
Choosing a stair runner can be exciting but also stressful because it’s something you’ll see and use every day. To help you choose, we’ve collected runners in various styles, materials, and patterns suitable for both traditional and modern homes. Many are made of durable natural fibers like jute, cotton, and wool. We’ve also included painted stair runners, which are a quick and affordable way to add personality to your staircase.
Widening Stair Runner
If your staircase has stairs with different widths, you have two choices: Either adjust the width of the runner to fit each stair, or use a runner size that matches the narrowest stair. They used a widening runner for this curved staircase to show off the grand space. Whichever option you choose, it’s best to either hire a professional or double-check your measurements to make sure you get the right size.
Combine Decor Styles
A well-picked stair runner can tie together the various styles in your home. This runner, made of traditional cotton and paired with brass stair rods, matches the classical architecture of the house. However, its black and white pattern adds a modern touch that goes well with the modern art on the wall.
Printed Stair Runner
In a traditional or old-fashioned home, a patterned runner can fit in nicely with other decorative features like detailed woodwork. For instance, a formal yet charming diamond pattern in a soft teal color can match well with the dark stain of the stair steps.
Traditional Stair Runner
In historic homes, it’s common to have a stair runner with a border, which adds a traditional touch. This extra detail goes well with the highly decorated style of these houses. To find the right color for your runner, you can look at other permanent parts of the home, like architectural features. For example, the deep brown color of this carpet matches the brown granite fireplace surround.
Paint Your Stairs
A striking stripe down the middle makes a big difference on this plain staircase. The painting method is straightforward: Each stair is divided into three equal parts, and the middle part is painted black. This style is bold and geometric, but you could also use softer colors for a more subtle look.
Add Contrast
A stair runner with stripes creates a bold design and goes well in a room painted in strong black and white colors. Choosing a beige stripe instead of white is a clever idea because it helps hide dirt and adds an unexpected touch of depth and elegance to the design.
